🌱 Scottsdale GoFundMe Campaigns Grow + Where To See Exotic Wildlife

Good morning, Scottsdale! Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in the community today.

But first, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 69 Low: 45.

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Here are the top three stories in and around Scottsdale today:

1. A child was hospitalized in critical condition on Saturday after an accidental shooting in Phoenix. Officers with the Phoenix Police Department responded to a call at an apartment complex near 19th Avenue and Indian School Road, where they found a juvenile victim with a gunshot wound. As of Sunday, the child's condition has progressed to stable. (KTAR.com)
2. Scottsdale is one of the biggest places for GoFundMe fundraisers. Currently, there are over 500 people and groups from the area attempting to raise funds for various projects and needs. The fundraisers run a wide gamut, from organizations asking for support for their causes, to people needing help with groceries and medical bills. GoFundMe has raised over $34 billion globally. (East Valley Tribune)
3. Arizona has an enormous number of beautiful and exotic creatures who call this state their home. If you want to witness these fascinating animals out in the wild, Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve is an amazing place to visit. It's known as the largest urban park in the country, coming in at 30,500 acres. You can see lizards, birds, snakes, and rare desert tortoises. (Northeast Valley News)

Today in and around Scottsdale:

• Homeschool Days at Butterfly Wonderland (9:00 AM)
• New Year Uke Jam at Arizona MusicFest (10:00 AM)
• The January Series at Pinnacle Presbyterian Church (10:15 AM)
• Inspiration Viewpoint at Gateway Trailhead: McDowell Sonoran Preserve (11:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Parents whose kids ride the bus, listen up! The Scottsdale Police Department has some helpful and handy tips to keep your little ones safe as they head to the bus. (Scottsdale Police Department via Facebook)
• Whiskey Row Saturday is coming up! Don't miss this fun event on Jan. 14. (Discotech)

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• Free Zoom meeting about the benefits of hiring a plumber in Mesa (January 16)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Monday! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.