ABOUT OUR CHARITY

Mitchell Swaback Charities, Inc. (AZ) is a 20-year-old, volunteer-based 501(c)3 nonprofit that fully funds and operates Harvest Compassion Centers (HCC). It all began with one family who wanted to impact strangers in memory of the tragic loss of a son and brother, Mitch Swaback. During the post-recession days of 2009, MSC leaders saw an opportunity to serve our local kids with basic life necessities that would improve their overall health, well-being, and future.

HCC was launched in 2011 to immediately serve the needs of children and their families through our ‘Food Banking Reimagined’ model. Our goals are simple: reduce food insecurity for children and families living in poverty, improve their overall quality of life in the home, and improve their school readiness and academic achievements. ‘Food Banking Reimagined’ merges mini grocery stores, high-end clothing boutiques, and kids’ play corners, all into one. One in five children in Maricopa County are going to bed hungry. HCC’s North Phoenix/Scottsdale, West Phoenix, and Maryvale locations are feeding over 21,000 families annually, including over 65,000 local children. Our centers are located in generationally poor neighborhoods, where median incomes are below state poverty levels, 98% receive SNAP benefits, and 99% receive free school meals. HCC embodies a commitment to providing clients with an exceptional shopping experience, emphasizing authentic connections, and cultivating genuine client relationships, while also being dedicated to sharing referral services, creating lasting, impactful change!

HCC’s ‘Food Banking Re-imagined’ program is our flagship initiative, operating at three locations: North Phoenix/Scottsdale, West Phoenix, Maryvale and Tolleson. Our centers focus on serving the working poor, underinsured, underemployed, and minority populations—individuals and families facing significant economic challenges. These include those working multiple jobs, combined households living under one roof, and multi-generational families struggling to make ends meet. In Maricopa County, 64% of families live below the poverty line, with one in five children going to bed hungry.

As the economic fallout from the pandemic continues, young children remain among the most vulnerable. HCC aims to combat local food insecurity rates, addressing the critical needs of disadvantaged families and helping close achievement gaps that disproportionately affect these communities. Our ‘Food Banking Re-imagined’ model is designed to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for underemployed and underrepresented families of diverse backgrounds. With no income or geographical restrictions, we provide free access to healthy food, essential hygiene products, proper clothing, and baby necessities to all who come through our doors.

This program operates entirely free for clients and does not receive government food products or funding. Families may visit once every 30 days and receive additional support, including community referrals, prayer, encouragement, and hope. Our commitment goes beyond meeting immediate needs; we walk alongside our clients, instilling independence, confidence, and a drive toward self-sustainability. Witnessing their journey toward success is a privilege and a testament to the transformative impact of our work.

A typical client at HCC is a low-income family with an average household size of six. Often, one adult works multiple jobs while another provides full-time care for young children or elderly relatives. For instance, Maria and Jorge, a Phoenix couple, live in a cramped two-bedroom apartment with their four children and Maria’s elderly parents. Jorge works two jobs, and Maria manages the home and cares for the family. Financial hardships force them to prioritize bills over essentials like food and clothing. HCC is honored to support families like Maria and Jorge, providing them with monthly groceries, hygiene products, and seasonal clothing.

In 2024, HCC’s impact was the following: Fed and clothed 19,028 families with 600,000 pounds of food, hygiene and baby product, distributed 118,106 pieces of laundered clothing, over 10,000 Christmas toys were distributed to 3,007 kids during the month of December, 124,600 diapers and baby wipes were distributed by 1,966 volunteers who donated 17,496 hours of service.

THE CONCEPT OF THE AUCTION

The original Chinese Auction was conceived in 1982 by the Arizona Chapter of the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International. This event has gained national recognition and has been adopted by numerous HSMAI and MPI chapters through the U.S. as their major fundraiser.

The auction was originally given the Chinese theme due to the location of the event – the former China Doll Restaurant in Phoenix. Over the years, the auction has grown and has moved its location to larger venues. The Chinese theme has remained.

The idea of the auction is to provide each guest with a list of prizes (such as dinners, golf outings, gift baskets, services, and hotel/resort stays) and a numbered stick. Each table is supplied with a bucket that is placed in the middle. Starting with the number one item, the auctioneer describes that item and asks the guests who are interested in bidding on this item to toss a quarter or quarters in the bucket. The guest then holds their stick in the air. The auctioneer calls out the numbers that are held up. A gonger (who cannot see or hear what is going on) is responsible for hitting the gong after a few seconds. The last number called out when the gong rings has won that prize and goes to the stage to claim it. This sequence of events goes on throughout the evening until all prizes are gone. Over the years, a silent and live auction have also been added to the event.

This event has won numerous awards including “Stars of the Industry” Awards from the Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association, “Awards of Excellence in Association Management” from the Arizona Society of Association Executives and several HSMAI International Awards.

In 2022, the name of our event was changed to be more diverse and inclusive, but the year of the Chinese Zodiac and the Asian theme remain.

Come ready to have a great time.
This is the perfect event to bring family members, friends, and co-workers too.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ON-LINE.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE A PRIZE ON-LINE.
CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE INVITATION.
CLICK HERE FOR AN PRINTABLE AUCTION DONOR FORM.
CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE DONOR LETTER.