Derrick and Amy Hall to receive Hummingbird Award as Phoenix nonprofit marks milestone year and more than 100,000 medically tailored meals delivered
PHOENIX (Sept. 8, 2026) — The Joy Bus will celebrate 15 years of providing nourishment and connection to Valley residents facing cancer at its Annual Gala on Friday, Oct. 30, at the Arizona Biltmore. The milestone event will honor dedicated community leaders, passionate philanthropists and cancer survivors Derrick and Amy Hall with the Hummingbird Award.
The Hummingbird Awards are presented annually to extraordinary individuals who have bravely faced life’s challenges and continue to inspire the community through their courage, kindness, generosity and commitment to making a difference. Symbolizing hope and resilience, the award recognizes those who demonstrate strength through their own journeys while continuing to lift and serve others.
The celebration comes during a significant year for the Phoenix-based nonprofit, which delivered its 100,000th medically tailored meal. Proceeds from the gala will directly support The Joy Bus meal delivery program, which provides free chef-inspired meals and human connection to individuals unable to shop or cook for themselves during treatment.
Honoring Derrick and Amy Hall with this year’s Hummingbird Award could not be more fitting. Their unwavering belief in The Joy Bus, along with the incredible support of the Arizona Diamondbacks, has been pivotal to our mission and the immense growth we are experiencing today,” said Jennifer Caraway, founder and CEO of The Joy Bus and The Joy Bus Diner. “Simply put, we would not be where we are without them. They have stood beside us since day one, helping The Joy Bus grow from a small grassroots effort into an organization serving thousands of medically tailored meals each month and expanding across Arizona. Their impact is woven into who we are, how far we have come and where we are headed.”
Derrick and Amy Hall are dedicated community leaders, passionate philanthropists and cancer survivors whose commitment to service has made a lasting impact across Arizona.
Together, the Halls have turned their personal experiences with cancer into a powerful platform for education, advocacy and hope. After Derrick’s successful battle with prostate cancer and Amy’s journey as a triple-negative breast cancer survivor, they co-founded the Pro-State Foundation to provide resources, awareness and support for individuals and families facing a cancer diagnosis. Their willingness to share their stories has inspired countless others while helping advance the conversation around early detection, treatment and survivorship.
Beyond their professional and philanthropic accomplishments, Derrick and Amy are devoted parents, proud Arizona State University alumni and tireless champions of community service. Through healthcare advocacy, education and charitable leadership, they continue to use their influence to create meaningful change and improve the lives of others throughout Arizona and beyond.
“We are thrilled and honored to be a part of such a monumental night for The Joy Bus,” said Amy and Derrick Hall. “This gala is a celebration of the 100,000 nutritional meals delivered to date, but more so, a launch toward the next 100,000 and beyond. The more that we can drive awareness of this powerful and necessary mission, the better. We have been a part of preparing and delivering these heartfelt and difference-making gifts of nourishment, and there is little more rewarding. It is a privilege to play a small part in such a grand movement.”
This year’s gala is co-chaired by Tran Appell, founder of Axis Employment Services and longtime supporter of The Joy Bus, and Beth McRae, CEO of The McRae Agency and a respected Valley communications and philanthropic leader. Together, they are leading a committee of 60 women community leaders in support of the event.
Appell founded Axis Employment Services in 2001 and has since become a respected Arizona business and community leader. Appell and her family have been involved with The Joy Bus since its inception in 2011, with her sons volunteering through school programs over the years.
McRae has more than 30 years of experience in public relations and community engagement, leading award-winning campaigns for major national brands while dedicating significant time to nonprofit and charitable initiatives across Arizona. She has chaired and supported numerous high-profile fundraising events benefiting organizations throughout the Valley.
Hosted at the iconic Arizona Biltmore, guests will experience an inspiring program highlighting the direct impact of The Joy Bus, including personal stories from clients and volunteers. The evening will also feature dining, entertainment and live and silent auctions, giving attendees the opportunity to contribute in meaningful ways.
The Joy Bus Annual Gala will begin at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at the Arizona Biltmore, 2400 E. Missouri Ave. in Phoenix. Individual tickets are $500 and tables are available for $5,000.
Tickets are available here. Sponsorship opportunities are available here. Those unable to attend can support The Joy Bus by making a donation here.
If you are interested in setting up an interview or learning more, please contact Natalie Wilson at natalie@mcraeagency.com.
About The Joy Bus
Founded in 2011 by award-winning chef Jennifer Caraway, The Joy Bus is a Phoenix-based nonprofit dedicated to delivering free, medically tailored meals to individuals navigating cancer. The organization believes nourishment can provide dignity, relief and connection during life’s most challenging moments.
Learn more: https://www.joybus.org/