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Arizona vacation spots for fundraising

These Arizona vacation travel packages are helping nonprofits successfully fundraise

(Philantopia)

Phoenix Arizona is becoming a top vacation destination due to its Beautiful desert atmosphere, warm weather, and metropolitan features. The Valley is a place worth visiting for tourists across the country because it has a plethora of things to do that rivals most major cities. Top-notch vacation destinations aren’t just beneficial to tourists, but also to local, state, and national non-profits looking to find new and exciting ways to fundraise. Fundraising is essential to the success of nonprofits and providing donors with an experiential package means the donor is getting a more robust experience while contributing to a good cause. Mike Hess is the owner of Philantopia a company specializing in helping nonprofits obtain vacation travel packages to sell at auctions. Hess and his team have worked with hundreds of nonprofits over the years and he said Arizona was becoming a must-have vacation travel destination.

“It has become clear that Arizona destinations are one of the most popular options for fundraising auctions,” Hess said. “ Arizona resorts are helping nonprofits successfully raise money for charity while giving donors a luxurious vacation experience.”

Tubac Resort and Spa


Tubac is an oasis in the Arizona desert and Tubac Golf Resort and Spa is the place donors want to stay when they visit that oasis. The resort features an 18-hole golf course originally designed by famous golf course architect Robert ‘Red’ Lawrence and is considered the jewel of Southern Arizona Golf Courses. The resort features Spanish colonial-style architecture, and 500 acres of easy-to-access fine dining, golf, and spa amenities. It is the perfect getaway experience for anyone who loves golfing and the spa.

“Tubac is a great summer getaway since it is significantly cooler than the Valley and the beautiful lush green landscape is a great contrast to the typical desert environment in Phoenix or Tucson,” Hess said.

Nonprofits love Tubac for fundraising because it is a relatively affordable trip, making it appealing to donors and golf remains a popular vacation pastime.

Golf is a year-round activity in Arizona and donors love the scenery around Tubac’s beautiful course. Golf Course vacation packages have grown in popularity since 2020. The start of the pandemic brought a lot of golfers back into the market and nonprofits have been able to take advantage of that demand for their fundraising. The growing popularity of Tubac Golf Resort and Spa packages at fundraising auctions is a perfect example of this ever-increasing demand.

Donors flock to the modern luxury of Scottsdale


Scottsdale has become one of Arizona’s most attractive vacation destinations for tourists all over the world. The unique desert atmosphere and some of the finest shopping and dining in Arizona make it an attractive travel package for fundraisers. No travel package is more attractive than a retreat to the AAA Five-Diamond desert jewel that is the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.

“Fairmont is one of the best hotels in the country. The hotel is set against the background of the McDowell mountains and the surrounding area is full of sun-soaked stone, colorful cottonwoods, and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets,” Hess said. “ The Fairmont Scottsdale features two full championship golf courses and the Well & Being at Willow Stream spa is full of rejuvenating and comprehensive self-care treatments.”

Packages including the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess continue to be successfully auctioned to the benefit of nonprofits across the United States. Scottsdale features 300 days of beautiful weather, amazing resorts, fine dining, and amazing shopping so it isn’t a surprise that nonprofits can benefit from auctioning trips there.

Hidden Paradise in Paradise Valley

Tucked away in the Foothills of the Camelback Mountains in Paradise Valley is another Arizona gem benefiting nonprofits. The Hermosa Inn was created in the 1930s as an escape for famed artist Lon Megargee who later opened up the location to guests. The Megargee estate no longer owns the property but it still retains its status as a hidden boutique hotel that provides an intimate Arizona experience.

“The Hermosa Inn is the perfect place for art lovers and avid adventurers who enjoy the best amenities,” Hess said. “The inn features 43 hacienda-style rooms and casitas that are each uniquely decorated.”

The Hermosa Inn also features the AAA Four-Diamond restaurant LON’s at the Hermosa where you can enjoy globally inspired Arizona food on an award-winning patio.

The Hermosa Inn perfectly encapsulates the desert hideaway experience.

Fundraising is an important but difficult process for nonprofits and sometimes you need to offer more than just a good cause to raise money. Vacation travel packages are an excellent way to help nonprofits raise money while also giving donors another worthwhile reason to donate. The wonderfully varied landscape of Arizona has made it a perfect destination for donors. Arizona is one of the best travel package destinations because its unique resorts, premiere golf courses, the finest dining, and desert landscapes make it a complete vacation experience.

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