THE JOY BUS CHARITY

The Joy Bus is a nonprofit organization whose sole purpose is to relieve the daily struggles of people with cancer by delivering a fresh and healthy meal with a friendly face. Our mission is to improve the lives of our patrons through good food and company. Founded in 2011 by award-winning chef, Jennifer Caraway, The Joy Bus was named in honor of her dear friend Joy. Joy struggled with the painful and debilitating side effects of ovarian cancer to which she ultimately succumbed. Her grace, drive, and determination inspire us to help those who fight that same battle.

Many cancer patients are left to fend for themselves during this turning point in their lives. The Joy Bus eases that burden by providing healthy meals specified to meet our patrons’ needs, delivered by volunteers who are often cancer survivors themselves.

ABOUT THE JOY BUS DINER™

Now open in Phoenix, The Joy Bus Diner™ is a 100% nonprofit restaurant that’s helping make our Valley a tastier, happier place, one meal at a time. Serving hearty, made-to-order breakfast and lunch fare every Thursday – Sunday from 7am – 2pm, every cent earned will be used to support The Joy Bus, a local charity that’s been bringing chef-inspired meals and caring conversations to cancer patients Valley-wide.

Founded and operated by Jennifer Caraway, The Joy Bus Diner™ is the culmination of her five-plus year effort to improve the lives of local cancer patients through the power of a hand delivered meal and face-to-face interaction. Inspired by a friend named Joy who had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, Caraway started dropping off home-cooked dinners and chatting with local cancer patients in need of a little good cheer. Over time it expanded into Valley-wide non-profit organization named The Joy Bus, which collects and cooks donated food for volunteers to deliver to patients around the Valley in need of a friendly face and an open ear. Most important, Caraway says, she’s been embraced by the local food community, with Crooked Sky Farms and others donating fresh food, while chefs including Tracy Dempsey (Tracy Dempsey’s Originals), Gio Osso (Virtu Honest Craft, Nico) and Bernie Kantak (Citizen Public House, The Gladly) all serve on The Joy Bus Board of Directors, and Fox Restaurant Concepts donating both financial support and culinary expertise.

MORE THAN A MEAL

EPISODE ONE:

BOARD MEMBERS

Rebecca Ailes-Fine: President Philanthropist, accomplished fundraiser, and Board Member for various Phoenix organizations including Desert Botanical Garden and Arizona Science Center

Judi Goldfader: Vice-President Chief Business Development Officer for Arizona Science Center with over 35 years experience with inspiring success strategies for organizations, companies, and communities

Lynette Livesay: Secretary Psy.D. Chief Psychologist at Southwest Behavioral & Health Services, triple negative breast cancer survivor with 25 + years in the behavioral health field

Kathleen Bonzani: Treasurer Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting officer for Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Greg Cole: Associate General Counsel at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona with 20+ years attorney experience practicing healthcare law

Daniel Rubin, ND: Co-founder and Medical Director of Naturopathic Specialists, LLC, Founding President of the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians

Bruce St. James: Morning Show Host at 890 WLS - Chicago with over 20 years of experience in radio and communications

Danielle Williams: Entrepreneur owner of Diva Strong Media LLC, Lung Cancer Survivor as a non-smoker and former broadcast journalist. 

Butch Raphael: Owner of AZ Pops Artisan Popsicle Shop, Vice President of Phoenix Chapter of the American Culinary Foundation

Chris Kmetty: Cancer Survivor, Professional Engineer, Senior Project Manager at DOWL Engineering and Planning, and ASU FOCEE Fundraising Committee Chair

Amy Hall: Cancer survivor, community leader and fundraiser with over 20 years of experience. Member of The Board of Visitors, and co-chair for the  Phoenix Zoo’s Capital Campaign and Arizona State University’s President’s Club

Clint Woods: Chief Culinary Officer at Fox Restaurant Concepts with 25+ years of experience in the culinary industry

Suzanne Hensing Experienced healthcare professional, Board Chair of Women Investing in Science and Health (WISH), and a member of the Arizona Humane Society Board