Seasonal Special Programs

Vista Del Camino hosts several large community programs seasonally each year.

Alli Ortega Bowls

The Alli Ortega Empty Bowls Event is a fund-raising event hosted by Scottsdale Community Partners, Scottsdale Unified School District, Scottsdale Arts, multiple City of Scottsdale agencies, and Scottsdale Community College. All proceeds are donated to Scottsdale Community Partners specifically to address hunger in our community through our support of the Vista del Camino Food Bank. The event is named in memory of the late Alli Ortega, a local artist, City of Scottsdale employee, and loyal Empty Bowls event volunteer.

Back to School Program

The city of Scottsdale's Vista del Camino Center Back to School program (BTS), in partnership with Scottsdale Community Partners provides essential school supplies, backpacks, clothing, and shoes to income-eligible, Scottsdale-based students, kindergarten through 12th grade.

A broad partnership of city, school, civic, faith and business organizations collaborate on this program that equips students for school success. See highlights from the 2018 program (PDF).

The Back to School Program would not be possible without the generous support of individuals, groups, and organizations that donate, sponsor, and volunteer for the program. Moreinformation on how you can help (PDF) or call Vista del Camino at 480-312-2323.

This year’s back to school program will be at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts on July 24. Enrollment is required. Eligibility is based on income.

Enrollment will begin on March 11, 2019. For information on enrollment (PDF), contact your school community specialist or call Vista Del Camino Center.

Hydration Station

Each year during May through September Vista del Camino serves as a water hydration station. The station's purpose is to protect the vulnerable, especially the homeless, during summer heat by providing sites where they can get free bottled water, sunscreen wipes, lip balm and hats.

Scottsdale Healthcare partners with the city to provide the supplies, plus information on the dangers of extreme heat. The public can donate water or other items, including light-colored T-shirts, sunblock, socks and underwear, hats and pre-packaged snack items.

The Hydration Station is part of a regional "Heat Relief Network" program.