Ray of Hope Youth Program

The mission of the Ray of Hope Youth Program is to give economically disadvantaged and underserved youth a hand up, helping them learn, grow, and thrive.

Managed by the Anthem Rotary Foundation and supported through charitable donations, Ray of Hope addresses critical needs, removes barriers, and creates opportunities for young people facing difficult circumstances. 

Working with schools and nonprofit organizations, the program provides essential resources and supports initiatives that improve the lives of children and teens in Anthem, surrounding communities, and nearby underserved areas.

How Did the Ray of Hope Youth Program Start?

The Ray of Hope Youth Program began in 2009 through the efforts of Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Ray Norris, a decorated Vietnam veteran, Anthem resident, dedicated community volunteer, and active member of the Anthem Rotary Club.

Ray learned about the challenges economically disadvantaged teenagers face simply trying to stay in school. Some lacked basic necessities such as food, clothing, hygiene products, and school supplies. Without adequate support, these students faced additional obstacles to completing their education and graduating from high school. Ray decided to do something about it.

With support from the Anthem Rotary Foundation, he began purchasing food gift cards and essential supplies, assembling them into backpacks, and coordinating their distribution through local schools. For the next 14 years, Ray personally managed much of this effort. He purchased supplies, assembled backpacks in his garage, and worked directly with schools to identify students who needed assistance.

His goal was simple: Give young people a hand up so they could stay in school, graduate, and have a better opportunity for a successful future.
Ray passed away in 2025, but his dedication to helping disadvantaged youth continues through the Ray of Hope Youth Program. What began as one man's personal commitment has grown into a broader charitable initiative supported by Anthem Rotary members, community volunteers, and generous donors. Today, the program carries forward Ray's vision by helping young people overcome challenges and access opportunities for a brighter future.

The Impact of the Ray of Hope Youth Program

Across Arizona, more than 16,000 students experience homelessness each year, including 7,400 high school students and 1,800 unaccompanied minors, according to the Arizona Department of Education. In nearby communities like Mayer and Black Canyon City, nearly one in five residents lives below the poverty line.

From its 2009 inception through 2026, this program has raised and contributed over $170,000, directly impacting the lives of countless young people.

The program purchases new backpacks for the  students and fills them with basic necessities:
• hygiene products (soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste)
• gift cards to buy food, beverages, and other necessities that most people take for granted.

The backpacks have been delivered to local high schools serving Mayer, Black Canyon City, New River, Desert Hills, Anthem, Navajo Nation, and neighboring communities.

How You Can Support the Ray of Hope Youth Program

To support this program, you can donate online via Anthem Rotary's Venmo account.

Ray of Hope Walk for the Kids

The Ray of Hope Walk For The Kids is an annual 5K fundraising event organized by Anthem Rotary to benefit the Ray of Hope Youth Program. 

Held each December at Anthem Community Park, this family-friendly event brings together residents, businesses, and community organizations to support economically disadvantaged and underserved youth. 

Inspired by the legacy of Ray Norris, who dedicated years to helping local teenagers overcome challenges and stay in school, the walk raises funds to provide essential resources and create opportunities for young people in need. 

Through community participation, sponsorships, and donations, the event continues Ray’s mission of giving disadvantaged youth a hand up toward a brighter future.

To register for this year's walk at Eventbrite.

Ray of Hope's Navajo Youth Bike Drive

Each year, the Anthem Rotary Foundation organizes the Navajo Youth Bike Drive to collect donated bicycles for children in underserved communities across the Navajo Nation. 

Working with NavajoYES, a nonprofit organization supporting youth development and outdoor recreation, Anthem Rotary helps give used bicycles a new purpose. 

These donations provide children with opportunities for exercise, recreation, independence, and adventure. 

Through the generosity of Anthem residents and community volunteers, the annual bike drive brings joy and new opportunities to Navajo youth.