Class Project

Storm to Shade

A tree planting fundraiser in Tempe
by Tempe Leadership Class XLI

ABOUT

Our Project

When the recent microburst swept through Tempe, our community’s landscape changed overnight. Streets once lined with leafy canopies now stand bare. Parks that offered shade and solace now feel exposed.

Storm to Shade is a community-driven fundraiser dedicated to replanting trees across our parks, neighborhoods and shared spaces. Every donation helps turn devastation into renewal — transforming the scars of the storm into new roots, new growth and new shade for generations to come.

Mitchell Park
Mitchell Park
Jaycee Park
Jaycee Park
Mitchell Park
Jaycee Park
Painted rocks by class 41

Project Goals

Growing Tempe

We will work with the city of Tempe’s sustainability division and urban forester to plant a total of 35 trees in Jaycee and Mitchell Parks.

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$20,000

fundraising goal

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35

trees to be planted

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2

Parks regaining shade

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1

Community growing together

THANK YOU TO OUR

Donors

We really appreciate the following individuals for their generous financial contributions in support of Storm to Shade.

Bryan Lubbehusen Jennifer Adams Kriste Melche Sandy Haupt Nikki Amberg Karen Scott Joseph O’Rourke Mara Funke Wendy Brooks Tyla Gustoff Nolan Williams Randy Keating Elvis Taska

Tree Sponsors

THANK YOU TO OUR

Business Supporters

A special thank you to the following businesses for supporting our project.

Karri Hill Financial Services
Lights Camera Discover
Ken McDonald Golf Course
State Farm
State Farm

Tree Sponsors

Your support can help us reach our $20,000 fundraising goal

General donations Donate a tree

GET INVOLVED

Upcoming Fundraisers

Join us at one of our upcoming events to support Storm to Shade and connect with fellow community members making a difference.

Art show flyer

Art Takes Root: Opening Night

calendar iconFebruary 13, 2026
6:00 - 9:00 PM

location pin iconRocket Space Gallery

Experience an art show that celebrates community resilience and the importance of green space.

Get tickets
Art show valentines flyer

Art Takes Root: Valentine's Day

calendar iconFebruary 14, 2026
12:00 – 3:00 PM

location pin iconRocket Space Gallery

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with us! We’re hosting additional gallery hours for Art Takes Root.

More details
Art show packing party flyer

Art Takes Root: Women4Women Packing Party

calendar iconFebruary 15, 2026
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

location pin iconRocket Space Gallery

Additional gallery hours with a Women4Women packing party at 11:00 AM.

More details
See more events

Volunteer

Tree Planting

Lend a hand at one of our upcoming tree planting days in support of Storm to Shade. We’ll provide refreshments and tools.

Jaycee Park

Tree Planting at Jaycee Park

calendar iconSaturday, March 28

location pin icon817 W. 5th St.
Tempe, AZ 85281 Sign up to volunteer
Mitchell Park

Tree Planting at Mitchell Park

calendar iconFriday, April 10

location pin icon900 S. Mitchell Dr.
Tempe, AZ 85281 Sign up to volunteer

Stay in touch

Whether through donations or spreading the word, there are many ways to support Storm to Shade and Tempe Leadership Class XLI.

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