🔥 Summer is Heating Up: Poker, Networking & the Arizona Lottery

Hello! 

June came and went, and all of a sudden we’re halfway through 2026. We are ending the month with full hearts and a whole lot of gratitude for everyone who helped us celebrate six amazing years of impact. Whether you made a donation, supported one of our round-up or giveback partners, or simply helped spread the word, you’re part of what makes this community so special. Thank you!

​

And now, it’s time to shuffle up and deal. ♠️ Poker season is here, and the Bet on Arizona Charity Poker Tournament & Casino Night is around the corner. Seats are filling up fast — if you haven’t locked in your ticket, this is your all-in moment.

Mark your calendars for July 18th at the Scottsdale Stadium Fieldhouse, because we’re going bigger and bolder than ever. Here’s a taste of what’s in store:

  • ♠️ Dream Dealers keeping the poker & casino games going all night long
  • 📸 MisGif baseball-themed photo booth provided by OneAZ Credit Union
  • ✒️ Rising Ink fine-line tattoo appointments
  • 🎁 Silent Auction & Raffle
  • 💫 ModCo charm-making activation
  • 🀄 Phoenix Mahjong Club will be leading two instructor-led Mahjong games
  • ⛳️ Devereux Golf Pop-up 
  • ✨ and MORE!

This is our biggest tournament yet, and we want you at the table.

The theme? Pinstripes & Pearls​— baseball swagger meets glam, all set against one of Arizona’s most iconic ballparks. Dust off your pearls, sharpen your baseball pinstripes, and get ready for a night unlike any other.

Tickets are going fast at betonaz.org. Grab yours before the deck’s stacked against you. See you at the table! 

​Thanks for being part of our community and for following along on this journey. 

​

And as always, if anything comes to mind or you’d like to connect, my inbox is open—I’d love to hear from you.

With gratitude and excitement, 

kp@statefortyeight.com

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

 

 

 

LEADING THE WAY

2026 brings renewed energy and visionary leadership to State Forty Eight Foundation. This year, we’re excited to introduce you to the people behind the work, sharing their perspectives on entrepreneurship, what drives their connection to our mission, and any wisdom they’ve gained along the way.

We’re excited to spotlight Tim Regan, who joined our board in 2021 and has since been a driving force behind our annual Poker Tournament & Casino Night. Tim is one of the Foundation’s biggest champions and a true advocate for the community we’ve built together. Click the video below to hear from him and his advice for entrepreneurs.

Check out our full Board of Directors here.

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

 

This month, we shine the spotlight on our partners at Arizona Lottery, a statewide organization that embodies the spirit of community investment and opportunity across Arizona.

​

“We are proud and grateful to partner with State Forty Eight Foundation as a champion of local dreams and economic growth. Their ongoing support—highlighted by our exciting, collaborative State Forty Eight scratcher tickets—goes far beyond a logo; it represents a shared commitment to the people who make Arizona work. By channeling vital proceeds directly back into business and economic development, the Arizona Lottery helps fuel the capital that empowers our local entrepreneurs and builds a lasting legacy,” says Cydeni Carter, PIO for Arizona Lottery.

​

Get ready! The next State Forty Eight x Arizona Lottery Scratchers® ticket is coming soon.

SUPPORT

 

 

AROUND ARIZONA

These events are not hosted by State Forty Eight Foundation, but they’re right up our alley, and we think you’ll love them.

​July 8 – Entrepreneur’s Guide to Redefining Work/Life Balance

June 16 – Tucson July Lunch Mixer: Ready, Set, Vend!, Local First Arizona

July 22 – Entrepreneurs on Stage: Pitch Competition & Procurement Connect, Presented by US Bank

July 22 – Small Business Workshop, Phoenix Business Journal 
July 22 – Music and Business Networking | Elevating Your Potential
June 30 – July Biz Brew Mixer, Local First Arizona

 

Our mission is to fuel Arizona dreams and drive local prosperity through entrepreneurship.

Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
YouTube

Update My Preferences | Unsubscribe
© 2026 | State Forty Eight

Can’t see this email? View in Your Browser

Unknown's avatar

Published by RJ Hamster

I was born on 6 August 1956 in San Francisco, California to Janet and (the late) Richard Hovis. I grew up in Santa Monica, California where I attended elementary, junior high school, and high school (graduating in 1974), in addition to involvement in sports and recreation (Little League +, the Boy’s Club ++). Further, it was in elementary school – St. Augustine’s By-the -Sea Parish School that I found, and made the choice to truly journey with God. I attended Arizona State University from 1974 to 1977 – seeking to become an architect, however, I was not accepted, and, as such, I graduated with a Liberal Arts degree. Upon graduation from Arizona State University, I attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and studied City and Regional Planning at the Master’s level. I successfully completed one (1) year in a two (2) year program – I did not complete the Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning – due to personal reasons. I returned to Santa Monica where I started (October 1979) my career as graphic designer with Exxon Company, USA. I spent five years with Exxon Company, USA. While working with Exxon Company, USA I was accepted into architectural school – Sci-Arc in Southern California, however, I did not attend preferring to stay with Exxon.. In 1982 I married Laura Flosi and in April 1983 we had our one and only child – Lauren Alain Hovis – a gift from God. We moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1984 from Los Angeles, where I went to work as a graphic designer with Kitchell CEM (from 1985 -1987). From 1987 – 1995 I was an independent contractor, and a registered representative in mortgage finance, financial management, graphic design, and drafting. Further, I attended the University of Phoenix and successfully obtained a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) in 1982. I was also a member of the Scottsdale Jaycees, where I became very involved in community events and projects. In 1994, I accepted a cartography position with the Defense Mapping Agency in Reston, Virginia. As such, I relocated from Phoenix to Reston. In 1998, I was accepted and worked as a Visual Information Officer with the Central Intelligence Agency. In 2002, I worked as a Support Officer until my retirement (due to a need for shoulder surgery) in September 2018. Away from my Federal Government service, I have been involved in various organizations and activities in Northern Virginia. In November of 2011, I married Rebecca Ouellette in Santa Monica, California. I reside in San Tan Valley, AZ with my two hamster - Jess and Timothy, our fish, our lizard - RJ Lizard., and our cats - Pearl and Grey. As to hobbies, I enjoy playing sports, attending sporting events, mentoring individuals from financial management to hamsters, building models, photography, travel, multimedia design, managing partner for RJ Hamster, and jazz – smooth jazz to a samba or a bossa nova. Love and God Bless, Peter – aka RJ Hamster Jo hi

Leave a Comment