The Inaugural Toast to Tucson is happening from 5 – 8 p.m. on Friday, May 17, at Proper Shops Downtown, 300 E. Congress St.
Hosted by Young Leaders United (YLU), a group of professionals connected to United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona, this fundraiser supports “Opportunity Youth,” individuals aged 16-24 years old.
At the event, you’ll find several local creatives, savor the rich flavors of Tucson’s culinary scene, and help raise funds to advance the United Way’s mission of fostering a thriving community.

FEATURING:
- Music & Entertainment by DJ Walters the Don
- Performances by The Drop Dance Studio
- Award Presentations: The Howard Stewart Emerging Philanthropist Award and The Rising Star Award and Scholarship
FOOD PROVIDED BY:
- Cafe 54
- Popcorn Country
- Janet & Ray’s Caribbean
GET YOUR TICKETS SOON!
Tickets are $60 per person and include the following:
- One complimentary item from each food vendor
- Access to mystery bottle pull (21+) and exciting raffle prizes from over 30 local businesses
- Support the awardees and nominees of The Howard Stewart Emerging Philanthropist Award and The Rising Star Award and Scholarship
- Swag Bag filled with goodies from our amazing sponsors
- The opportunity to “Party with Purpose” and build a thriving community
Get your tickets soon for Toast to Tucson presented by Young Leaders United on Friday, May 17. Your purchase supports their mission to help change the lives of youth in our community.
Toast to Tucson is happening at Proper Shops Downtown, 300 E. Congress St. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit unitedwaytucson.org.
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Article written by:

Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.















