The Gillian Ragan Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting families who have suffered the loss of a child, today announced its inaugural Community Fundraiser in partnership with Pinnacle Brewing Company. The event will take place Saturday, May 17, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Pinnacle Brewing Company, located at 15111 N. Hayden Rd., Unit 100, Scottsdale, AZ 85260.
The open house is free to attend, family-friendly, and open to all ages. Guests are invited to come and go throughout the afternoon while enjoying a silent auction, music bingo, raffles, craft beer, and food from Pinnacle Brewing's on-site kitchen. All proceeds will go directly toward providing mental health therapy, grief counseling, and emotional healing resources to families navigating the loss of a child.
"When you lose a child, your whole world changes in an instant," said Jenifer Mattioli, founder of The Gillian Ragan Foundation and mother of Gillian Grace Ragan, who passed away at age 14. "This fundraiser is about bringing our community together to ensure that no family has to face that darkness alone. Every dollar raised will fund therapy and healing resources for families who desperately need support but can't always afford it."
The foundation's silent auction features a curated collection of items donated by local businesses and supporters, including original artwork, one-of-a-kind sports memorabilia, dining experiences, wellness packages, gift baskets, Diamondbacks Advantage baseball tickets, jewelry, and more. In a first for the foundation, the auction operates as a hybrid system. Bidding opens online prior to the event and remains live throughout the afternoon at Pinnacle Brewing Company.
Guests at the venue can scan QR codes placed alongside each item to bid instantly from their phones. Remote supporters from anywhere in the country can participate through the foundation's website at www.gillianraganfoundation.org. The auction includes real-time bidding, outbid notifications, proxy bidding, Buy It Now options, and anti-sniping protection to ensure fair competition.
The event is hosted at Pinnacle Brewing Company, an award-winning, family-owned craft brewery in North Scottsdale led by brewmaster Wyatt Wilson. Named 2025 Brewery of the Year at the Arizona Craft Beer Awards, 2025 Best Brewery in the Valley by Phoenix Magazine, and 2025 Best New Brewery by Phoenix New Times, Pinnacle has become one of the most celebrated breweries in the Valley. The brewery's spacious taproom and dog-friendly biergarten patio provide the setting for the community gathering.
The Gillian Ragan Foundation was established by Jenifer Mattioli, Gillian's mother, and co-founded by Triston Ragan, Gillian's brother. It is governed by a dedicated board of directors committed to carrying forward Gillian's legacy of kindness and compassion. Through its Healing Assistance Program, the foundation provides financial assistance for individual and family therapy, grief counseling, trauma-informed care, EMDR, psychiatry, and support groups.
The community is invited to attend the event in person at Pinnacle Brewing Company on May 17, bid in the silent auction online at www.gillianraganfoundation.org, make a direct donation via the foundation's website, or volunteer to support the event. Businesses and individuals interested in donating items for the silent auction or becoming a sponsor are encouraged to contact the foundation directly.
