Supporting the causes our team cares about most is a tradition we’re proud to continue through our annual Blue Signal Gives Back initiative. Each year, employees team up to compete for a charitable donation to the nonprofit of their choice, turning friendly competition into meaningful impact.
This year’s winning team was Avery Johnson and Ashlyn Pelitera, who chose to support the Live & Learn Program, a nonprofit dedicated to helping women break the cycle of generational poverty through education, mentorship, and career training.
Together, their team earned 374 points in the contest, translating into a $1,963 donation from Blue Signal. As a BBB Torch Awards finalist, Blue Signal received a $1,000 contribution from Desert Financial Credit Union, which was generously awarded to each finalist organization. We were honored by the recognition and grateful for Desert Financial’s support, and were proud to pass that contribution along to Live & Learn Arizona as part of this initiative bringing the total donation to $2,963 in support of this life-changing organization.
Turning Teamwork into Impact with Blue Signal Gives Back
Through the Blue Signal Gives Back contest, employees compete in teams of two, combining performance milestones with a shared purpose: giving back to the communities and causes that matter most to them.
Recruiters are paired with team members from operations, marketing, finance, or people and culture to create cross-functional teams. Throughout the competition, they earn points by achieving key performance benchmarks. The winning duo directs the donation to a nonprofit they are passionate about, with Blue Signal matching the funds and community partners helping amplify the impact.
This year’s results:
- Winners: Avery Johnson & Ashlyn Pelitera
- Cause: Live & Learn Program
- Total Points Earned: 374
- Blue Signal Donation: $1,963
- Desert Financial Bonus: $1,000
- Total Donation: $2,963
This year, Blue Signal was also proud to sponsor and attend the Hope Blooms Breakfast, the Live & Learn Program’s annual fundraising event that brings together community members and supporters committed to empowering women across Arizona.
The timing made this year’s Blue Signal Gives Back donation especially meaningful, allowing our team to directly contribute to the momentum behind the organization’s mission. For Avery Johnson and Ashlyn Pelitera, the decision to support the Live & Learn Program was an easy one.
About the Live & Learn Program
The Live & Learn Program is a Phoenix-based nonprofit dedicated to helping women overcome barriers and build sustainable futures for themselves and their families. Through a two-year, trauma-informed program, participants receive education, job training, mentorship, and holistic support designed to create long-term stability and independence.
By investing in women’s education and career development, the program equips participants with the skills and confidence needed to build meaningful careers, strengthen their families, and contribute to stronger communities. The work of the Live & Learn Program continues to transform lives across Arizona, making this year’s Blue Signal Gives Back donation especially meaningful for our team.
Blue Signal has proudly supported the Live & Learn Program in a variety of ways over the years, from volunteering and contributing to community initiatives to providing career resources like resume support for program participants. Opportunities like the Hope Blooms Breakfast and other initiatives allow our team to stay connected to the organization’s mission and the women it serves.
A Look Back: Blue Signal Gives Back Through the Years
Since launching the initiative, Blue Signal has proudly supported nonprofits chosen directly by our employees. Each year’s winning cause reflects the passions and personal stories of our team members, demonstrating how small acts of generosity can create lasting change.
Here’s a look at some of the organizations we’ve supported over the years:
- 2025: $2,190 to Arizona Animal Welfare League – on behalf of Staci Cologero & Laura Jones
- 2023: $2,240 to Smith-Kingsmore Syndrome Foundation - on behalf of Ryan Walsh
- 2022: $2,280 to International Justice Mission - on behalf of Kevin Smith
- 2021: $2,105 to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - on behalf of Jordan Lawhead
- 2020: $3,986 to Smith-Kingsmore Syndrome Foundation - on behalf of Ryan Walsh
- 2019: $2,052 to Smith-Kingsmore Syndrome Foundation - on behalf of Ryan Walsh
- 2018: $1,632 to American Parkinson Disease Association - on behalf of Ryan Walsh
Through this annual competition, we continue to live out our core values of helping others, doing the right thing, being excellent, and championing change—while strengthening the communities around us. To learn more about the Blue Signal Gives Back initiative, visit our Blue Signal Gives Back page.
Get Involved
We’re proud to support organizations like the Live & Learn Program that are creating meaningful change in our community. To learn more about their work or find ways to support their mission, visit liveandlearnaz.org
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