20 NOVEMBER 2026 By Alex Gross By founding the support group Single Moms Rise, Angeles Klein hoped to give her community a sense of connection and understanding. But when she started looking for ways to aid other single moms directly, she realized something bigger was in store. She looked to The Sparkle Foundation, a California- based nonprofit that provides financial support to single mothers and their children. Through holiday gift drives and Mother’s Day celebrations, the organization aims to put “that sparkle” back in the eyes of families who slip through the cracks. Klein started the foundation’s Phoenix chapter in 2024. Her existing network of single moms in the area let her hit the ground running. “My first year, I think we had 10 single-mom families,” Klein said. “This last year has really been our growth spurt. We had 25 families with 50 children total.” One of the organization’s most expansive offerings has been its enrichment scholarships. Funds allow children to participate in extracurricular activities ranging from sports and dance to theater and tutoring. A popular program, especially over the summer, has been swim lessons. Because of the popularity of pools in Phoenix and Klein’s personal tie to the cause, the foundation has enrolled dozens of kids in classes. “One of the moms from my community lost her son to drowning,” Klein said. “He was almost three years old. I’ve made it a goal of mine to help and continue all of this in his honor.” The opportunity to take free lessons has not only given kids valuable life skills but also raised awareness of pool safety that might not have existed otherwise. “I realized I made a good choice on the lessons because they were teaching him stuff I never would have thought of teaching,” said Kristin, a parent who has known Angeles since Single Moms Rise and whose son received an enrichment scholarship. As a nonprofit, the Sparkle Foundation runs entirely on volunteers and fundraising. Donations fund initiatives like enrichment scholarships or micro-loans for single-mom entrepreneurs looking to build a startup. Volunteers work behind the scenes of holiday and Mother’s Day gift drives, wrapping presents and assembling appreciation bags. Companies have also donated services, and families have nominated single moms for different programs, making the Sparkle Foundation a truly community-driven organization. “I’ve been building the Phoenix chapter over the last three years. And I’m a single mom myself,” Klein said. “Without the community, we wouldn’t exist. The ‘thank yous’ that we get after the holiday gift drive make everybody cry. Phoenix must be a very special place because these moms have been so incredibly grateful.” Moments of connection make all the hard work worthwhile. Not only for the foundation’s team of directors, but also for the moms they empower. sparklenow.org By Michael P. Murphy When Paul C. Ringgold responded to an ad for a sommelier position, he didn’t doubt his qualifications; he had a lifetime of experience in wine and the hospitality industry. But his new employer wanted him to be a certified sommelier, so Paul took a 16-week training course and aced the final exam. It’s safe to say the guy knows his beverages. Paul’s journey to being a certified sommelier has been an adventure in learning, a combination of being in the right places and knowing the right people. He has even called it fun. It began about 40 years ago, when he worked at a private country club in Greenwich, Connecticut, and got his first taste, pun intended, of wine culture. “I think the biggest influence was in 1995, when I got engaged to a German girl from the wine region,” he said. “She wanted me to come to Germany, learn the language, learn the culture, and I agreed. She lived in a vineyard. That’s how I got my baptism in wine. Everywhere you went was a winery.” Paul and his new wife enjoyed life traveling and learning around Europe. When they returned to Phoenix, he worked at AJ’s Fine Foods, where he received further training, including in retail. That led to a position as wine manager at Smitty’s on Tatum and Shea. There, he met local radio host Beth McDonald, who invited him to KEZ’s Beth and Bill morning show many times to talk about reds, whites, and everything in between. Other positions followed. Paul created a popular program at AZ Wine Company, and later he and his wife owned a successful import business. After J. W. Marriott hired him, Paul and his family moved to North Carolina, where he became a Banquet Beverage Manager. He now serves as Head Sommelier at Lincoln Steakhouse at the J. W. Marriott Camelback Inn, where his lifetime education has now come full circle. “My job is to educate people who work with me on the floor,” he said. “I meet with wineries and winemakers all the time. It’s fascinating. They’re agricultural at their core. People think it’s snobby, but it’s not. They’re very down-to-earth people.” With Thanksgiving coming up, Paul has recommendations for the best wines to pair with that traditional turkey dinner. “I always talk about pinot noir,” he said. “It’s what they call a bridge wine, and you can have it with anything. White meat, red meat, whatever. It’s an amazing wine. For white wine, I would recommend viognier, a perfect white wine for roasted turkey.” Whether you’re pouring a bold red or a crisp white, Paul believes the best wine brings people together. After four decades in the industry, he knows a thing or two about vino – and he’s still finding new reasons to love it. Local nonprofit helps families thrive through scholarships A lifetime education in wine Angeles Klein (second from right) and her team help single mothers and their children succeed with community support. PHOTO COURTESY OF ANGELES KLEIN Paul Ringgold MEDICAL • DENTAL • SURGERY • BOARDING • OBEDIENCE TR AINING Member Since 1959 4855 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix AZ 85018 | ingleside.com HOSPITAL 602-840-3446 BRIAN A. SERBIN, DVM • FELICITY GESINA, DVM • MOLLY R. KLEIN, DVM HEBAH MOHAMED, DVM • ASHLEY BROWN, DVM DR. ANNABELLE BRIGHT • DR. PETER TSIVIKAS • DR. LIZZIE TAMAS FIRST EXAM FREE PROMOTION (for new clients, first pet only)

The Attitude Is Gratitude The Attitude Is Gratitude Thank you for allowing me to help all year long!