Mark Sheridan
Verified
Client Commercial Manager, Arizona's Family
Executive Producer, Arizona's Family Surprise Squad.
AZ native 🌵
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Articles by Mark Sheridan
Founder of Cave Creek donkey therapy nonprofit honored for tireless work
CAVE CREEK, AZ (AZFamily) — A Cave Creek woman spends 14 to 15 hours a day caring for others and for her donkeys. This week, Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad decided it was her turn to be cared for. Sophie Rainer, founder of Donkeys of the Heart, was surprised with $5,000 on behalf of Valley Toyota Dealers and Arizona’s Family in recognition of her work providing donkey-assisted therapy to children facing tough challenges.
Surprise Squad picks up grocery tabs for Tempe Fry’s shoppers
TEMPE, AZ (AZFamily) — After a long week covering breaking news, Arizona’s Family Gibby Parra traded the breaking news beat for the checkout line! Gibby teamed up with Valley Toyota Dealers and Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad to pay for groceries at the Fry’s Food Store at Southern and Mill avenues in Tempe. “We know how grocery prices can get expensive. We used to do giveaway gas a lot. And this time, since the groceries are expensive, we go around, and we say, you know what?
Surprise Squad honors Arizona man for his volunteer work helping kids with cancer
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — For years, Jeremy Bliler has dedicated his life to delivering unexpected moments of pure joy to children battling cancer across Arizona. But this week, the tables turned when Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad showed up at his home. Jeremy helps lead Arizona efforts for the Gold Rush Cure Foundation, a nonprofit founded in 2009 by a couple who lost their son to a rare form of leukemia. Today, the organization is integrated into more than 140 children’s hospitals nationwide.
Surprise Squad picks up the tab for south Phoenix Fry’s shoppers
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Between stubborn inflation and high prices at the pump, feeding a family continues to strain household budgets across the Valley. To ease that burden and bring relief to local shoppers, Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad headed to the Fry’s Food Stores at 7th Street and Baseline Road to pick up the tab. Reporter Gibby Parra walked the checkout lanes, surprising everyday shoppers right before they swiped their cards.
Surprise Squad covers groceries for struggling Phoenix shoppers amid ‘really high’ costs
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — With high inflation, rising prices, and food banks seeing record demand across Arizona, buying everyday necessities has become a heavy burden for many Valley families. Recently, the Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad set out to lift some of that weight. Gibby Parra paid a visit to the Fry’s Food Store at 43rd Avenue and McDowell to surprise unsuspecting shoppers at the checkout line by paying for their groceries in full.
Surprise Squad honors Paradise Valley bus driver who goes extra mile for kids
PARADISE VALLEY, AZ (AZFamily) — To the kids in the Paradise Valley Unified School District, Chris Duhame is more than just a bus driver—he is their daily dose of joy, a protector, and a community hero. Recently, AZFamily’s Susan Casper caught up with Duhame before his morning classes started. He thought he was being profiled for a story on what it takes to be a special-needs school bus driver at the start of a new school year.
Surprise Squad gifts Arizona couple with new A/C unit
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Summer can get extremely hot in Arizona, and the sweltering heat can quickly turn dangerous without functional A/C in your home. It’s been the reality for Valley resident, Diane, and her Army veteran husband, Matthew. They needed to replace their unit but didn’t have the funds for it, so they’ve been keeping cool with fans in their home.
Surprise Squad covers grocery bills for Phoenix shoppers
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — These days it’s difficult for some people to be able to afford groceries. Even the basics can strain a tight budget. It’s even tougher when you’re shopping for others, raising a family, or even preparing for a new baby. That’s what Gibby Parra and the Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad discovered when they recently went to the Fry’s Food Store at 7th Avenue and Camelback Road to surprise people by paying for their groceries.
Teacher who created college prep camp gets big support from Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Camp Catanese is a local summer camp that helps prepare and support underserved students for college and career opportunities. For one week, the students stay on campus at ASU West and get a taste of what college is like. The camp was created by beloved teacher Jason Catanese, who’s been working with Valley children for years.
Surprise Squad covers grocery bills for Phoenix families feeling the pinch
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Many Arizona families are finding it harder and harder to pay for groceries. They’re having to cut corners and clip coupons in order to find ways to save money. That’s why Gibby Parra and the Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad went to the Fry’s Food Store at 83rd Avenue and Indian School Road in Phoenix. He had a thousand dollars worth of gift cards with one goal in mind: Pay for the shoppers’ groceries. The first person he encountered was a gentleman in the self-checkout aisle.
Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad honors Pinal County deputy, youth coach with $5K
FLORENCE, AZ (AZFamily) — Many people feel Deputy Calè Niño is the true definition of a leader. On top of serving the San Tan Valley community with the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, he is also the coach of the Warhawks, a local youth football team under the Active Family Development umbrella. This non-profit is dedicated to helping remove financial barriers that might keep some kids from participating in sports.
Mesa veteran who built joy for kids at hospital honored with $5,000 surprise
MESA, AZ (AZFamily) — John Macrone is a 95-year-old Korean War veteran who has spent his life giving back. After the military, he became a toy engineer and is the mastermind behind ‘Trains for Kids by Isabelle’ at Banner Children’s Hospital at Desert in Mesa. For the last two decades John has designed, built and maintained the train garden which spans 3,000 square feet.
Nevada State Education Association endorses Aguilar Original
RENO, Nev. (KOLO) - The Nevada State Education Association is endorsing Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar for re-election. The NSEA represents public school teachers in the state of Nevada. In a statement, the organization said: “Voting is the foundation of our democracy, and right now, that foundation is under real pressure. Nevada needs leaders who are committed not just to protecting our elections, but to expanding access and ensuring every eligible voter can make their voice heard.
Surprise Squad, Fiesta Sports Foundation brew up kindness at new coffee shop
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad is continuing to make a difference in the Valley, by sharing kindness through a simple cup of coffee. Ri’s Coffee, located near 17th Avenue and Camelback Road, is a unique coffee shop in central Phoenix. CEO and founder Bethany Stanton was inspired by her sister Mariah to create it. Mariah has cerebral palsy and is non-verbal, and Bethany started the shop to make an inclusive space for people like her sister.
Surprise Squad, Fiesta Sports Foundation brew up kindness at new coffee shop
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad is continuing to make a difference in the Valley, by sharing kindness through a simple cup of coffee. Ri’s Coffee, located near 17th Avenue and Camelback Road, is a unique coffee shop in central Phoenix. CEO and founder Bethany Stanton was inspired by her sister Mariah to create it. Mariah has cerebral palsy and is non-verbal, and Bethany started the shop to make an inclusive space for people like her sister.
Glendale woman who makes quilts for pets, people in need receives heartfelt gift
GLENDALE, AZ (AZFamily) — For decades, Carole has been a quilter. She estimates she’s made around 200 of them, and each one is crafted out of love and carries a special purpose. She was recently visited by Community Anchor Susan Casper and the Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad for a heartwarming surprise. “Carole is just an amazing girl,” her friend Sandy told Susan. “She is so deserving of this because she goes out of her way to help anybody.” Sandy volunteers with the nonprofit Dog Days Out AZ.
Phoenix charity receives gift from Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Bless with a Dress is a local nonprofit that collects new and gently used wedding and prom dresses. Once a year, they open their doors and let any teen or bride-to-be come and pick out a dress for free. It was started about six years ago by Leah Armstrong and Annie Davis. The two have been best friends since they were 5. Leah was nominated for a visit from the Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad by her supervisor at Desert Mission Honor Health, Haeli Miceli.
Surprise Squad wows Fry’s shoppers in Mesa with free groceries
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Arizona’s Family’s Gibby Parra recently went to the Fry’s supermarket at Alma School Road and Main Street in Mesa, looking for shoppers he could buy groceries for. He found one man at the self-checkout. Before he could pay for them, Gibby offered to pick up the tab. “I don’t think anybody would turn that down,” the shopper said. “That sounds fantastic. Gibby then caught up with a woman checking out at a register.
Surprise Squad helps people with free groceries
PHOENIX, AZ (AZFamily) — The Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad brought unexpected cheer to shoppers at a Fry’s Marketplace in north Phoenix, paying for customers’ groceries. Gibby Parra and the Surprise Squad visited the supermarket, where they surprised shoppers by covering the cost of their grocery purchases at checkout. “It’s pretty cool,” one shopper said of the unexpected generosity.
Glendale substitute teacher gets help from Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad.
GLENDALE, AZ (AZFamily) — Denni Fleury is a substitute teacher at Arrowhead Elementary School in Glendale. Before that, she was a full-time teacher for three decades. Unfortunately, Mrs. Fleury was diagnosed with endocrine cancer and had to have tumors removed from her liver. She was even hospitalized for a time. The cost of her care is adding up. Despite all the challenges, she shows up to work every day with a smile on her face ready to serve both her students and the staff.
Shoppers surprised with $100 gift cards at Phoenix gas station on NYE
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — With 2025 coming to a close, the Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad wanted to end the year on a happy and positive note. That’s why Kylee Cruz went to a gas station in Central Phoenix to surprise some unsuspecting customers with $100 gift cards courtesy of the Valley Toyota Dealers. She first encountered a gentlemen waiting to pay at the counter. She asked him how he felt about the new year and he said he felt optimistic. Kylee give him her first gift card.
Goodyear mom gets $5K gift from Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad
GOODYEAR, AZ (AZFamily) — It can be challenging raising a child with medical issues, let alone doing it as a single mother. But that’s exactly what Rachel is doing. She works as an assistant manager at the Brass Armadillo Antique Mall in Goodyear. She also bakes and sells sweet treats like cookies and brownies to help pay the bills. Despite life’s challenges, she keeps a positive attitude and is always friendly to her customers. One of those customers is a man named David.
Security guard gets $5K gift from Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad
SCOTTSDALE, AZ (AZFamily) — Mike Hammerand works security at the Scottsdale Center for Performing Arts. People who know him say he’s the kind of guy who’d give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. Since moving from Chicago to the Valley in 2004, Mike’s been a loyal 3TV viewer. He’s seen plenty of Surprise Squad segments over the years—always thought they were fun, but never imagined one would happen to him. That changed when Gibby Parra showed up at the center.
Surprise Squad donates $5K to Arizona nonprofit to help hard-of-hearing community
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Arizona Hands & Voices is a local non-profit dedicated to helping children and their parents who are deaf or hard of hearing. Heidi Klomhouse is the executive director, and that’s partly why she was invited onto Your Life Arizona to talk about the mission. The message is especially personal to Your Life Arizona host Gina Maravilla because her daughter, Kennedy, is deaf and their family has benefited from Arizona Hands & Voices.
Surprise Squad hands out gift cards to Phoenix shoppers ahead of Thanksgiving
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — As Thanksgiving approaches, kindness spread through the aisles of a Fry’s Food Store near North 30th St. and Thomas Rd. With the help of Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad and Valley Toyota Dealers, Gibby Parra set out to bring a little relief—and a lot of joy—to shoppers getting ready for the holiday.
Surprise Squad hands out gift cards to ease grocery costs for Phoenix shoppers
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — As Thanksgiving nears, Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad decided not to wait to start giving. Gibby Parra and the Surprise Squad crew stopped by a Valley Fry’s grocery store to surprise shoppers with gift cards — a small gesture with a big impact for families stocking up on essentials. “I’m ready to make somebody happy today,” Gibby said as he scanned the store for shoppers. It didn’t take long. Two customers shopping for basics were the first to be surprised.
Surprise Squad gifts Phoenix teacher $5K to revive after-school sports program
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Spitalny School in the Cartwright School District recently rebranded as a K-8 school. They’ve had after-school sports in the past, but this year they are bringing back girls’ volleyball in the fall and boys’ volleyball in the spring. Michelle Castro is a teacher there and is also in charge of the new program. She recently sent an email to her fellow teachers asking them to donate volleyballs to the program.
Surprise Squad hands out gift cards to Maryvale shoppers
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — With inflation impacting the price of groceries, more people are finding it challenging to stretch their budgets. That’s why Ian Schwartz and the Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad went to the Fry’s Food and Drug at 83rd Avenue and Indian School Road. Ian had $1,000 worth of gift cards he wanted to hand out to some lucky shoppers. The first person he found in the aisle was a man buying some macaroni and cheese.
Arizona woman who makes pillows for breast cancer survivors receives surprise
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Comfort Hearts is a group of Valley volunteers dedicated to helping those recovering from breast cancer. They create soft, heart-shaped pillows for survivors to use as their bodies heal. DiAnn is one of the founders, and has been creating pillows since the early 2000s. It’s a labor of love, but Comfort Hearts needs to either rely on donations or cover the cost of supplies out of its own pocket. That’s why Ronna, one of DiAnn’s neighbors, reached out to the Surprise Squad.
Surprise Squad hands out gift cards to lucky Fry’s shoppers in central Phoenix
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — It’s a challenge for many people to make ends meet these days. That’s why Simone Cuccurullo and Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad surprised some lucky Valley shoppers with gift cards! Simone went to the Fry’s Food Store at 7th Avenue and Camelback Road to give away ten $100 gift cards. “I get to be Santa Claus for a day,” Simone laughed. She found a woman shopping for diapers in one aisle.
Surprise Squad helps Phoenix-area teachers purchase back-to-school supplies
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — With the new school year starting in districts across the Valley, teachers have spent the last several weeks stocking up on supplies for their classrooms. In many cases, the teachers use their own money to make these purchases. To help stretch their budgets, some go to Treasures 4 Teachers, a nonprofit in Tempe that sells school supplies at very low prices.
Scottsdale music teacher awarded $5K to buy pianos for students
SCOTTSDALE, AZ (AZFamily) — When Emmett started teaching at Noah Webster Charter School in Scottsdale, he realized two things: Many of his students loved playing the piano, but there weren’t enough keyboards for the students to practice on. Over the summer, he started a GoFundMe with the goal of raising enough money to buy 30 keyboards. He was close to reaching that goal with the school year about to begin.
Surprise Squad honors woman who houses pets for owners undergoing rehab
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — For someone struggling with a substance abuse issue, making the decision to get help is a major step in the right direction. Things can get complicated if that person has a pet that they will be separated from while in treatment, but doesn’t have anybody who can look after the animal. That’s where Colby Love Can comes in. It’s a local nonprofit run by a woman named Colby who will care for people’s pets free of charge, no questions asked.
Phoenix grocery shoppers receive $200 surprise
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — As June starts to wind down, it’s time for another gift card giveaway courtesy of the Valley Toyota Dealers. Gibby Parra and the Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad went to the Fry’s Marketplace at 32nd Street and Bell Road in Phoenix to surprise some lucky shoppers. Before the segment even began, a woman named Mary recognized Gibby from television and said hello to him.
Made in America Stocks: How Reshoring Could Shape the 2025 Market
“Made in America” stocks are gaining appeal as reshoring accelerates U.S. manufacturing. Many of these made in America stocks are quietly outperforming as investors seek exposure to U.S.-based production. After decades of outsourcing, North American companies are bringing manufacturing back home, and that shift could fuel the next wave of winners in your portfolio. Since the 1970s, more than 60,000 U.S. factories have moved operations overseas to cut costs1.
Peoria single mother receives $5K surprise reward
PEORIA, AZ (AZFamily) — Summer is a mother of six living in Peoria. A couple of years ago, her husband died unexpectedly, leaving her to shoulder the burden of raising the children alone. Although she is a strong and determined woman, it has been a great challenge for her, and she has faced many obstacles. Members at a local church have been trying to help her out and boost her up. That’s why they reached out to Colton Shone and the Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad.
Surprise Squad honors volunteer who devotes countless hours to helping families
Share PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Backpacks 4 Kids AZ is a nonprofit organization in the Valley that provides students with backpacks full of school supplies as well as food and hygiene products to families who need them. For a group like this to be successful, it takes a lot of hard work by volunteers like Debbie, who devotes countless hours. That’s why her friend Michele, who runs Backpacks 4 Kids AZ , nominated her for a visit from Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad.
Surprise Squad honors volunteer who devotes countless hours to helping families
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Backpacks 4 Kids AZ is a nonprofit organization in the Valley that provides students with backpacks full of school supplies as well as food and hygiene products to families who need them. For a group like this to be successful, it takes a lot of hard work by volunteers like Debbie, who devotes countless hours. That’s why her friend Michele, who runs Backpacks 4 Kids AZ, nominated her for a visit from Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad.
Surprise Squad hands out gifts cards to graduation shoppers in south Phoenix
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — It’s graduation season here in the Valley, and many people are going to the supermarkets to buy gifts for graduates. Gibby Parra and Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad went to the Fry’s at 7th Street and Baseline Road in Phoenix to hand out gift cards, courtesy of Valley Toyota Dealers. He first spotted a family at self-checkout carrying flowers and balloons, and asked the mom who was graduating. She said it was her son, Cesar. Gibby then asked what the best graduation gift was.
Arizona woman’s kindness to ex-husband earns her surprise reward
PEORIA, AZ (AZFamily) — It’s not uncommon for things to get ugly when two people divorce. But that’s not the case for Cindy and Roger. Even though the two split up years ago, they remained good friends, and Roger credits Cindy for saving his life several years ago. He had a stroke in 2017. At the time, he was living in a Salvation Army shelter and was unable to return when he got out of the hospital.
Surprise Squad hands out gift cards to Phoenix shoppers ahead of Mother’s Day
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Sometimes, when people see a news camera pointing at them, the instinct is to turn and walk the other way. But if you’re in a Fry’s Supermarket and see Arizona’s Family’s Gibby Parra headed your way, you may want to see what he has to say. That was the case when he and the Surprise Squad team showed up at Fry’s on 35th Avenue and Thunderbird Road. He had five $200 gift cards from the Valley Toyota Dealers that he wanted to give away to some lucky shoppers.
Engineering Doctoral Student Wants to Improve Drone Deterrent Technology
CREATORS While other kids may have grown up dreaming about hitting a game-winning shot or singing to millions of adoring fans, Micah LaPointe dreamed of being a scientist. “Ever since I was little, I knew I wanted to get a Ph.D.,” said LaPointe, an electrical engineering doctoral student in Texas Tech University’s Graduate School.
Two Graduate Students Win First Place in the Three Minute Thesis Competition
CREATORS Texas Tech University’s Graduate School hosted its annual Three Minute Thesis competition during the first week of October. This year’s first-place winners were Mollie Green, a second-year animal and food sciences doctoral student in the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, and Kelly Elliott, a second-year kinesiology and sport management master’s student in the College of Arts & Sciences.
History Doctoral Student Receives Fulbright-Hays Award
CREATORS For some, reading tea leaves is a practice of divination, interpreting patterns and shapes to predict the future or offer advice. Devi Khajishvili, a doctoral candidate in the Department of History in the College of Arts & Sciences, researches tea to uncover a small portion of the Soviet-era past of Georgia and to help re-establish the country’s modern identity. Devi was born in Georgia as the Soviet Union was dissolving in 1991.
Chartered Surveyors in York & North Yorkshire
Commercial Property in York & North yorkshire With a legacy in the property sector dating back to 1858, Sanderson Townend & Gilbert joined forces with Weatherall Green & Smith in 2003, establishing themselves as a major influence in the commercial property market. Our skilled team of Chartered Surveyors and Architects deliver exceptional property services across the region. Sanderson Weatherall is synonymous with property excellence not only in York but across the nation.
Mark Slade joins Sanderson Weatherall Plymouth
Commercial agent Mark Slade has joined Sanderson Weatherall to grow the firm’s agency services in the South West. Mark joins the firm with 25 years’ experience working as a commercial agent in the region’s property market. Ashleigh Phillips, head of Sanderson Weatherall Plymouth said, “Mark’s appointment is another significant milestone in growing the Sanderson Weatherall Plymouth office.
Sanderson Weatherall expands Asset Advisory and Recovery services into the South-West
Property consultancy Sanderson Weatherall has grown its Asset Advisory and Recovery team with the appointment of Rhys Griffiths. Rhys, who has joined the firm as partner, will be expanding the firm’s well-established asset advisory and recovery services into the South-West and Wales. Rhys has vast experience in the sector and is a qualified Fixed Charge Receiver, member of NARA and Registered Property Receiver.
A pilot initiative to enhance quality improvement teaching with simulation
DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Texas Tech Graduate Students Receive Prestigious NSF Fellowships
A half-dozen high-achieving doctoral candidates in a variety of STEM fields have been awarded fellowships to assist their educational experience. A half-dozen students in Texas Tech University's Graduate School will have their doctoral research supported through Graduate Research Fellowships from the National Science Foundation.
Less is More: Don't Overshow
This is a difficult topic to talk about. But I’m going to make the case for not overshowing your horse. You probably ride your horse for 30 minutes to an hour a day when you’re at home, or you take an hour-long lesson. But some competitors get to a show and end up riding 10, or even 15 hours a day. They start first thing in the morning and show all day till late at night, only to get up and do it again the next day.
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