The Be Kind People Project® is proud to announce FULL CIRCLE 2025, its annual signature fundraiser, will take place on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at the renowned ASU Gammage Theater. This inspirational evening will recognize extraordinary community leaders, celebrate kindness in action, showcase the heart and soul of the program’s success with performances by THE BE KIND CREW and raise vital funds to provide character education programs that empower Arizona’s students, educators, schools, and families.

This year’s distinguished BE KIND Community Impact Award will be presented to Erika and Russ Dickey, beloved philanthropists and tireless advocates for the arts, youth, wellness, and innovation. Their longstanding commitment to uplifting the community exemplifies the values at the heart of The Be Kind People Project.

FULL CIRCLE 2025 will be co-chaired by Leslie and Jeff Rich and Micheline and Bruce Etkin, dedicated champions of the organization’s mission. Together, these civic leaders are curating a dynamic and meaningful experience designed to inspire generosity, connection, hope, and community transformation.

“The FULL CIRCLE event is a cornerstone of our community engagement efforts,” said founder and Chief Executive Officer Marcia Meyer. “We are thrilled to celebrate Erika and Russ Dickey’s remarkable contributions and are deeply grateful to Leslie, Jeff, Micheline, and Bruce for their leadership in making this night unforgettable.”

Tickets and more information are available now.

Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available, contact Lora Golke at lora.golke@bkpp.org or call 602.559.9399 for details.

About The Be Kind People Project
The Be Kind People Project® (BKPP) is a public 501 (c) 3 non-profit that initiates a positive change in the overall learning environment and provides relevant learning and youth development opportunities that inspire humanity, academic achievement, and healthy living for students wherever and however they learn. The organization’s vision is to build generations of respectful, responsible, healthy, and caring citizens and leaders.

As teachers and students gear up for a new school year, The Be Kind People Project is stepping up in a big way. The nonprofit is offering one of their many programs, The Be Kind Break, for free. The Be Kind Break is a digital platform that brings kindness, movement, and core academic learning into classrooms.

Educators may have access to these evidence-based, vibrant, and ready-to-use resources for language arts, science, math, and social studies/civics—all through an engaging, kindness-centered lens. But it doesn’t stop there. The program also features dynamic content focused on character development, healthy habits, and digital safety—including the #Cyberskills video series that helps kids thrive safely and respectfully in a tech-driven world.

In response to growing educational challenges, The Be Kind People Project is doubling down on its mission. Every tool is designed to help teachers spark learning while creating a culture of respect, kindness, and inclusion. One student favorite? The BE KIND Move of the Month videos, which combine brain breaks with movement-based learning. Each video teaches a fun dance combo tied to one of the 10 skills of The Be Kind Pledge. By the end of the school year, students will have mastered a complete dance that reinforces essential values like empathy, responsibility, and gratitude.

“The Be Kind People Project is committed to supporting educators,” said Melissa Britt, Chief Programs and Operating Officer. “Whether it’s your first year teaching, or you are a veteran, our free tools are designed and tested by teachers to support you in creating a classroom that is ready to learn, ready to lead and extend kindness and respect in your school and community.” The Be Kind Break is a generous sampling of the comprehensive resources offered to schools that enroll in their year-long BE KIND School programming.

The Be Kind Break program is compatible with desktops, tablets, and mobile devices, making it easy for any classroom to jump in. And as always, dance, music, and movement remain central to The Be Kind People Project experience—because learning is better when it’s joyful.

To access free Be Kind resources or have the BE KIND CREW at your school, visit: https://thebekindpeopleproject.org/programs/classroom-resources/

About The Be Kind People Project
The Be Kind People Project® (BKPP) is a public 501 (c) 3 non-profit that initiates a positive change in the overall learning environment and provides relevant learning and youth development opportunities that inspire humanity, academic achievement, and healthy living for students wherever and however they learn. The organization’s vision is to build generations of respectful, responsible, healthy, and caring citizens and leaders.

The Be Kind People Project has received a $50,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities that will benefit their The BE KIND MAKE a DIFFERENCE May Community Initiative. The initiative will serve thousands of low-income students throughout Maricopa County. Included in the initiative is: The BE KIND MAKE a DIFFERENCE May Essay Contest (including student and teacher prizes as well as all-school prizes of school assemblies), volunteer opportunities for youth and their families hosted at The BE KIND Community Education Center, distribution of 2500 BE KIND Care Packs for individuals experiencing homelessness throughout Maricopa County, and outstanding youth and community recognition during the RISE and SHINE event on May 6, 2025.

“We are beyond grateful to the Thunderbirds for their generous contribution to the community and to The Be Kind People Project and our upcoming May Community Initiative,” said Be Kind People Project CEO Marcia Meyer. “This is a comprehensive and far-reaching initiative that we expect to permeate deep within Maricopa County communities, and it couldn’t have been possible without this gift.”

In addition to the initiative in May, The Be Kind People Project will be distributing 25,000 MAKE a DIFFERENCE and May Essay Contest posters to schools around the Valley in February 2025. The Essay contest is one of The Be Kind People Project’s most popular programs, with thousands of essays being submitted every year. Contests are broken up into four age groups: Kindergarten, 1st-2nd grade, 3rd-5th grade and 6th-8th grade.

“The Thunderbirds are always looking for new ways to give back to our community and give to organizations who we know will use the funds in a positive way, The Be Kind People Project do just that,” said George Thimsen, President Thunderbirds Charities. “We are really looking forward to seeing the results and impact of this important MAKE a DIFFERENCE May Community Initiative.”

About The Be Kind People Project
The Be Kind People Project® (BKPP) is a public 501 (c) 3 non-profit that initiates a positive change in the overall learning environment and provides relevant learning and youth development opportunities that inspire humanity, academic achievement, and healthy living for students wherever and however they learn. The organization’s vision is to build generations of respectful, responsible, healthy, and caring citizens and leaders.

Andrea Tyler Evans, Publisher and CEO of Frontdoors Media & The Red Book community directory, has been named the recipient of the prestigious 2024 BE KIND Community Luminary Award. The honor will be presented at The Be Kind People Project’s signature event, A Be Kind Evening, on February 22, 2025, at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa.

“The Be Kind People Project has held a special place in my heart for many years,” said Evans. “Receiving this award from such an impactful organization I’ve watched grow over time is truly an honor. Their values are ones I strive to embody and have shared with my children the past several years. This recognition reinforces my commitment to kindness.”

Marcia Meyer, Founder and CEO of The Be Kind People Project, expressed her excitement: “Andrea has been an incredible supporter of our mission for many years, and we are thrilled to honor her with the BE KIND Community Luminary Award.” She added, “Andrea’s volunteer work in the community and her support of so many non-profits and worthy causes in the Valley over the years through her professional life is deserving of recognition and celebration. We can’t wait to share A Be Kind Evening with our guests.”

Event co-chairs Gordon and Lisa James reflected on Evans’ character, saying, “We’ve had the pleasure of knowing Andrea for over 20 years, and from the very beginning, she has exemplified kindness. Every principle of The Be Kind Pledge™ can be seen in both her words and actions.”

A Be Kind Evening will feature a lively reception, a formal dinner, and exceptional entertainment by Nate Nathan & The Mac Daddy-O’s, alongside a special performance by THE BE KIND CREW®. The evening will conclude with a dessert celebration and an after-party filled with dancing.

Tickets for the event start at $300, with sponsorships beginning at $5,000 and underwriting opportunities available from $1,800. For more information about underwriting and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Lora Golke at lora.golke@thebekindpeopleproject.org.

About The Be Kind People Project
The Be Kind People Project® (BKPP) is a public 501 (c) 3 non-profit that initiates a positive change in the overall learning environment and provides relevant learning and youth development opportunities that inspire humanity, academic achievement, and healthy living for students wherever and however they learn. The organization’s vision is to build generations of respectful, responsible, healthy, and caring citizens and leaders. To learn more about The Be Kind People Project and A Be Kind Evening, visit A Be Kind Evening– The Be Kind People Project 

The Surgeon General recently released a warning on the impact of social media on the mental health of our youth. This validates what The Be Kind People Project (BKPP) has recognized in our work with America’s youth over the past ten years and is why they have been and will continue to lead in fighting for our children. BKPP knows there is no single answer to this issue, and thus are taking a multi-pronged approach to reach school-age children with a positive message of kindness.

BKPP is partnering with Cyber.org to host a #Cyberskills Boot Camp for children ages K-8th grade to promote cyber safety, kindness, and mental well-being. The four-day camp features a variety of engaging activities for kids that will promote digital literacy and creativity. Kids will learn to navigate through different digital elements, including the basics of coding and creating professional videos. From script writing to editing, campers will be given the opportunity to work together and embrace their creativity.

“Technology is such a dominant part of our culture now. It’s important to teach new generations how to handle it safely and responsibly,” said Marcia Meyer, CEO and founder of The Be Kind People Project.

But kids cannot be in this alone. For this reason, parents and teachers are encouraged to join the fun for an evening of learning and bonding. The Be Kind People Project is hosting a free teacher training on Cyber Safety. The week culminates with a fun family event, including parents, aimed at sharing the skills campers learned for reinforcement and support at home. All educators and parents can attend free of cost.

Additionally, The Be Kind People Project has partnered with BE KIND UNIVERSE to support a kids’ gaming app designed to reimagine anti-bullying programming and education. And finally, The Be Kind People Project is developing BE KIND ETL (Expanded Technology Learning), a platform that uses augmented reality videos to teach children essential digital skills implementing and emphasizing the tenets of the BE KIND Pledge.

To register for the Cyberskills Boot Camp, please visit https://thebekindpeopleproject.org/summer-camps-24/.

About The Be Kind People Project
Founded in 2011, The Be Kind People Project® is a public 501 (c) 3 non-profit dedicated to initiating positive social change in schools and providing a framework for youth that will improve academic achievement, interpersonal relationship skills, accountability, behavior, personal health and wellness, teacher appreciation, and the formation of enduring values. The Be Kind People Project has a vision of building a generation of respectful, responsible, healthy, and caring citizens and leaders. The organization has served over five million students and 250,000 teachers. To learn more about The Be Kind People Project and The BE KIND Break, visit https://thebekindpeopleproject.org/.

The Be Kind People Project (BKPP) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Lora Golke as its Chief Development Officer. With a robust background in nonprofit management, Lora brings a wealth of experience to the organization, having spent over 17 years with the Arizona Community Foundation, culminating in her role as Senior Director of Development and Donor Engagement.

Throughout her distinguished career, Lora has also contributed her expertise to various boards, including People Acting Now Discover Answers (PANDA), the Phoenix Heart Ball, Adnet, and Phoenix Suns Charities. Her strategic insights and passion for community engagement align seamlessly with The Be Kind People Project’s mission. During her time with ACF, Lora helped create Athletes for Arizona, a partnership between The Be Kind People Project and the Arizona Community Foundation.

Founder and CEO Marcia Meyer expressed enthusiasm about the newest addition to the team, stating, “We’re excited to add Lora’s professionalism and insight to our leadership team and know she’s a perfect fit to continue the impact for youth, families, and the community. The work of The Be Kind People Project to build a generation of respectful, responsible, healthy, and caring citizens and leaders is growing and is so important today.”

Lora Golke shared her excitement about joining The Be Kind People Project, saying, “After 17 incredible years with ACF, I am ecstatic to move forward with an organization as innovative as The Be Kind People Project. The need for an organization like this is immense, and I look forward to the opportunity to grow their reach as we work together to build an intentionally kind generation.”

This significant addition to the BKPP leadership team comes at a pivotal moment with the opening of their new offices and programming at The BE KIND Community Education Center and expansion of their services, reaching schools and businesses in Arizona, Chicago, and nationwide. Lora’s national role will help The Be Kind People Project continue to collaborate, align, and develop its work with community and business partners with a shared commitment to positive youth development and building values of respect, responsibility, and civility in the community.

About The Be Kind People Project
Founded in 2011, The Be Kind People Project® is a public 501 (c) 3 non-profit dedicated to initiating positive social change in schools and providing a framework for youth that will improve academic achievement, interpersonal relationship skills, accountability, behavior, personal health and wellness, teacher appreciation, and the formation of enduring values. The Be Kind People Project has a vision of building a generation of respectful, responsible, healthy, and caring citizens and leaders. The organization has served over five million students and 250,000 teachers. To learn more about The Be Kind People Project and The BE KIND Break, visit https://thebekindpeopleproject.org/.

The Be Kind People Project® (BKPP) cut the ribbon at the grand opening of their new BE KIND Community Education Center. Located at 731 Grand Ave. in the Roosevelt district of Downtown Phoenix, the new space will allow community members to participate in community engagement programs, creative arts, and more. It will also serve as the headquarters for the national non-profit.

“This space will be a place for enrichment, music, diversity, education, acceptance, building lifelong values and strong relationship skills, connections….and dance.,” said Founder and CEO Marcia Meyer. “We have already put in so much work to the center in order to ensure it reaches its full potential and allows us to expand and amplify our offerings to youth, to families, and to the community.

The BE KIND CREW kicked off the opening with a brand-new dance performance on their new dance floor. Attendees were then guided to the ribbon cutting ceremony with Staff Leadership, Board Members, BE KIND CREW members and dignitaries. Phoenix City Councilwoman Yassamin Ansari and Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jack Sellers attended and spoke about what the center will bring to the neighborhood and the importance of the work being delivered by The Be Kind People Project programs. The event wrapped with tours of the center, which includes a video studio, professional dance floor, offices and event space.

“This center will provide a huge lift to our mission to deliver relevant learning and youth development opportunities that inspire humanity, academic achievement, healthy living, and initiate a positive change in the learning environment for students wherever and however they learn,” said Vice President of Education Practices Melissa Britt.

Here are a few of the many ways the center will be used:

• BE KIND Business seminars
• Volunteer events
• Fitness and wellness classes
• Cyber Boot Camps
• Family engagement
• School field trips

About The Be Kind People Project
Founded in 2011, The Be Kind People Project® is a public 501 (c) 3 non-profit dedicated to initiating positive social change in schools and providing a framework for youth that will improve academic achievement, interpersonal relationship skills, accountability, behavior, personal health and wellness, teacher appreciation, and the formation of enduring values. The Be Kind People Project has a vision of building a generation of respectful, responsible, healthy, and caring citizens and leaders. The organization has served over five million students and 250,000 teachers. To learn more about The Be Kind People Project and The BE KIND Break, visit https://thebekindpeopleproject.org/.

The Be Kind People Project is inviting every K-8th grade teacher in America to join their newly expanded free online program, The BE KIND Break™. Used in over 400 U.S. cities across all 50 states, The BE KIND Break offers lessons, videos, and worksheets that teach students the most important lesson of all: kindness. The evidence-based resources are based on The Be Kind Pledge™, a list of 10 skills of kindness that offer a positive framework for youth focused on pro-active solutions for bullying, cyberbullying, civility, respect, and success.

With new resources available every month, their ready-to-use online worksheets include math, language arts, social studies, and science lessons that integrate national academic standards with character skills that foster self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision making, social awareness, and relationship skills. In addition to CDC health and online safety tips, the free program includes The Move of the Month™ dance videos, teaching kindness through music, dance, and kinesthetic learning.

The BE KIND Break is unique in its approach to helping teachers and parents simultaneously teach academic lessons while fostering essential life skills and values. Furthermore, schools participating in BE KIND programs report higher academic scores and improved behavior.

Nicole Henderson, Professional School Counselor at Dunne STEM Academy in Chicago, Illinois explains how the program improves relationship skills, “Given everything that our students have gone through during the pandemic and all of the social development that they have missed out on, they really needed a structured curriculum that was not only driven by current standards but also fun. What makes The Be Kind People Project unique is that it found a way to deliver the content to students while also keeping them involved, engaged and motivated.”

About The Be Kind People Project
Founded in 2011, The Be Kind People Project® is a public 501 (c) 3 non-profit dedicated to initiating positive social change in schools and providing a framework for youth that will improve academic achievement, interpersonal relationship skills, accountability, behavior, personal health and wellness, teacher appreciation, and the formation of enduring values. The Be Kind People Project has a vision of building a generation of respectful, responsible, healthy, and caring citizens and leaders. The organization has served over five million students and 250,000 teachers. To learn more about The Be Kind People Project and The BE KIND Break, visit https://thebekindpeopleproject.org/.

Jordan Rose, Founder and President of Rose Law Group, has been announced as the recipient of The Full Circle Award of Excellence and Innovation. The award will be officially presented at The Be Kind People Project’s Full Circle Gala on December 2, 2023, at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. The Be Kind People Project also announced community leaders Robert Meza and Christi Warner Beyer as the event’s co-chairs. 

“As someone who holds so much respect for the work of The Be Kind People Project, this award is such an honor,” said Rose. “As a business owner and mother, I am very grateful to be a part of an organization creating a generation of children not only across Arizona, but now across the nation, to be kind.”

The Be Kind People Project’s Founder and CEO Marcia Meyer said, “Jordan is the perfect recipient of this award, she truly exemplifies what the Be Kind People Project stands for.” She continued with, “We are so fortunate to have Robert and Christi leading an all-star committee and supporting our amazing BE KIND CREW as they prepare for a Full Circle event you won’t want to miss.”

The Full Circle Gala includes a reception, full production by THE BE KIND CREW and guests on the stage at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, followed by a dessert and DJ after-party. Tickets start at $125.00 with sponsorship and underwriting opportunities available starting at $5,000.00. Ads for the playbill start at $800.00. 

This program has been made possible, in part, through assistance from Scottsdale Arts.

The Arizona Community Foundation, Athletes for Hope, and The Be Kind People Project have announced a new partnership, Athletes for Arizona (AFA). The partnership had its first event at Sun Canyon Elementary School in Phoenix where they helped kick off the new school year with an interactive assembly. AFA is designed to support youth in underserved communities statewide, with a focus on education, mental and physical health, and advocacy and equity.    More than 600 students gathered for a Be Fit. Be Healthy. Be Kind Assembly where they learned how to practice healthy habits and character skills. The Gorilla from the Phoenix Suns, Baxter from the Arizona Diamondbacks, Howler from the Arizona Coyotes, and Spirit from the Fiesta Bowl attended the event to help encourage the students to play sports and lead active and healthy lifestyles.

“The beginning of the school year is always an exciting time for us at The Be Kind People Project, and this year even more so with the start of Athletes for Arizona,” said Ashley Brannon, Senior National Director of Marketing at BKPP. “We expect that AFA will have a tremendous impact in our schools and bring us closer to a future where all children have the chance to lead healthy lifestyles and positively impact their communities.”

With a goal of increasing sports and physical activity, healthy habits, positive behavior, and academic achievement, AFA takes a collaborative approach to engage leading organizations and athletes with shared values. The initiative will expand sports philanthropy throughout the state by engaging sports professionals to support students and build a generation of active and healthy youth.

“Everyone at Arizona Community Foundation is ecstatic to see Athletes for Arizona come to fruition,” said Lora Golke, Senior Director, Development & Donor Engagement at Arizona Community Foundation. “This partnership will galvanize school sports across Arizona, which in turn provides students with new opportunities to excel.”  

About The Be Kind People Project:  The Be Kind People Project® (BKPP) is a public 501 (c) 3 non-profit that initiates a positive change in the overall learning environment and provides relevant learning and youth development opportunities that inspire humanity, academic achievement, and healthy living.

Athletes for Arizona: Athletes for Arizona, a partnership between the Arizona Community Foundation, Athletes for Hope, and The Be Kind People Project, envisions schools in which all students can participate in physical, social, and mental wellbeing through planned programming and sports participation to enhance the educational, social, emotional, and physical benefits that our youth deserve in life.

Athletes for Arizona – Philanthropy to Support Youth Sports (azfoundation.org)