About Us

Join us for an extraordinary evening featuring cocktails, entertainment, live auction, and an exceptional dining experience crafted by Arizona's Chopped Champions. All proceeds raised benefit The Joy Bus and our mission to deliver chef-inspired meals to cancer patients throughout Arizona.

"Celebrating Dave Pratt: ‘The Morning Mayor's’ Journey of Resilience"

• Over 30 years as Arizona's "Morning Mayor," hosting America's longest-running rock and roll morning show.
• Lead singer of Sex Machine Band with 100,000+ albums sold and sold-out venues across Arizona.
• Diagnosed with prostate cancer at age 43 in 2005, successfully beat the disease with support from Phoenix-area medical team.
• Wrote autobiography "Behind the Mic: 30 Years in Radio" with all proceeds benefiting American Cancer Society; continues hospital visits and cancer patient advocacy.
• Arizona Broadcaster's Hall of Fame inductee, part-owner of Alice Cooperstown, founder of Star Worldwide Networks.
• Dave embodies The Joy Bus mission - proving that with community support, medical care, and positive attitude, cancer patients can not only survive but thrive.

"The Joy Bus: More Than a Meal"

• Founded in 2011 by award-winning chef Jennifer Caraway to deliver fresh, chef-inspired meals with a friendly face to our cancer patients.
• Providing 2,500 meals - along with friendship and emotional support - every week to home-bound cancer patients across Central and Northern Arizona.
• Licensed by the Food Is Medicine Coalition and recently moved to larger facility on 32nd Street, partnering with several health systems to expand across Arizona.
• The Joy Bus Diner is a 100% nonprofit restaurant where every penny supports the meal delivery program.
• Our services delivered by 200+ volunteers who are often cancer survivors themselves.
• 2026 Goals: Expanding meal delivery to other Arizona cities, reaching more patients in food deserts and remote communities.
  • To learn more, visit thejoybus.charity

"Arizona's Chopped Champions Create Culinary Magic"

• Joy Bus founder Jennifer Caraway, Arizona's first Food Network "Chopped" champion, has revolutionized how the culinary world approaches community service by proving that exceptional food and compassionate care can be seamlessly integrated to serve those fighting life's greatest battles.
• Her innovative model has inspired chefs across Arizona and beyond to see their kitchens not just as places of business, but as launching pads for meaningful community impact, transforming The Joy Bus from a single chef's mission into a movement that bridges the gap between fine dining and essential human services..
• Participating chefs (likely to include some 2024 returnees plus new additions)
• Emphasize the "chef-inspired" meal concept that aligns with Joy Bus's mission, something like “This (with a picture) is the food that our patients receive, and this (with a picture) is what we ate last year at the gala. Would you like to see what comes this year?”
• WOW factor in terms of food – “Where else are you going to experience a five-course dinner, with each dish designed and prepared by a separate culinary genius, under one proverbial roof?”

General Timeline of Event:

• 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Cocktail Reception & Silent Auction
• 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM: Dinner Service & Program featuring Dave Pratt
• 8:30 PM - 9:00 PM: Live Auction
• 9:00 PM – 9:30 PM: Continued Celebration

Frequently Asked: 

1. How do I get to the venue? 
A: From downtown Phoenix: Get on I-10 E. Take AZ-51 N. to N. 32nd St. Take exit 8 from AZ-51 N. Use the right lane to turn left onto N 32nd St. Destination will be 0.3 mi on your right. 
A: From North Scottsdale: Get on AZ-101 Loop W. Take AZ-51 S. to E. Shea Blvd. Take exit 9 from AZ-51 S. Slight right to merge onto E. Shea Blvd. Use the left lane to turn left onto N. 32nd St. Destination will be on your left in 0.1 mi. 

Google Maps link
Apple Maps link

2. Where should I park once I arrive?
A.  Complimentary valet will be available for guests. Please look for signage directing you to valet as you arrive at the venue.

3. What do I need to bring to the event?
A. If we have your payment information, nothing! Your information will already be recorded, all we need is your name to check you in. Otherwise, please bring an ID and a form of payment so we may facilitate your participation in the evening's fundraising activities. Remember, every contribution matters, no matter the size!

4. What is the dress code for the event? 
A. Please come dressed in your favorite cocktail attire. We will be outside for the entirety of the evening's festivities. 

5. Can you accommodate a special food request?
A. Please review the menu ahead of time, as this is a prix-fixe menu and accommodations won't be possible.