Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
May 07, 2026
Gillian Ragan Foundation Teams with Pinnacle Brewing for Fundraiser
TLDR
- Bid early and use proxy bidding to win unique auction items while supporting a vital cause.
- The hybrid silent auction combines online pre-bidding with in-person QR code scanning and real-time notifications.
- The Gillian Ragan Foundation fundraiser provides grief therapy for families who lost a child, ensuring no one grieves alone.
- Pinnacle Brewing Company, 2025 Brewery of the Year, hosts a family-friendly event with music bingo and craft beer.
Impact - Why it Matters
This fundraiser matters because it directly addresses the critical need for accessible grief counseling and mental health support for families who have lost a child. Many families struggle with the emotional and financial burden of therapy after such a tragedy. By providing funding for therapy, EMDR, and support groups, the Gillian Ragan Foundation helps ensure that no family has to navigate their grief alone or without professional help. The community's participation can make a tangible difference in the healing journey of these families.
Summary
The Gillian Ragan Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families who have lost a child, has announced its inaugural Community Fundraiser in partnership with Pinnacle Brewing Company. The event will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Pinnacle Brewing Company in Scottsdale, Arizona. The open house is free, family-friendly, and open to all ages, featuring a silent auction, music bingo, raffles, craft beer, and food. All proceeds will fund mental health therapy, grief counseling, and emotional healing resources for families navigating the loss of a child.
The foundation was established by Jenifer Mattioli, mother of Gillian Grace Ragan, who passed away at age 14. Mattioli emphasized that the fundraiser aims to ensure no family faces that darkness alone, with every dollar raised providing therapy and healing resources for those who cannot afford them. The silent auction includes items donated by local businesses and supporters, such as original artwork, sports memorabilia, dining experiences, and Diamondbacks Advantage baseball tickets. A hybrid system allows bidding online via the foundation's website at www.gillianraganfoundation.org and in person at the venue using QR codes. Remote supporters can participate from anywhere in the country, with features like real-time bidding and Buy It Now options.
Pinnacle Brewing Company, an award-winning craft brewery led by brewmaster Wyatt Wilson, provides the venue. The brewery has been named 2025 Brewery of the Year at the Arizona Craft Beer Awards and 2025 Best Brewery in the Valley by Phoenix Magazine. The foundation, named after Gigi, who radiated joy despite congenital challenges, offers a Healing Assistance Program providing financial aid for therapy, EMDR, and support groups. The community is invited to attend, bid online, donate, or volunteer. For more information, visit the foundation's website or follow on Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by Newsworthy.ai. Read the original source here, Gillian Ragan Foundation Teams with Pinnacle Brewing for Fundraiser
