KICKS, HAIRCUTS, AND CONFIDENCE: Rafi’s Hope sends kids back to school in style A sneaker boutique, a barber’s chair, and 200 new backpacks turned school shopping into a celebration. Guest List founder Ryan Gizinski (left) paired local students with new shoes for school. (Courtesy of Rafi Law Group) F amilies lined up at Arizona Mills this summer for more than new shoes. Thanks to Guest List and Rafi’s Hope, it was an opportunity for kids to get back to school on the right foot. Rafi’s Hope partnered with Guest List, the popular, locally owned sneaker and streetwear boutique at Arizona Mills, to help students start the school year with new shoes, new backpacks, and plenty of confi- dence. Roughly 200 kindergarten through fifth-grade students received a free pair of brand-name athletic shoes and a backpack at the July 26 event, held at the Guest List storefront. Founded around 2009 by Ryan Gizinski, Guest List has built a following in the Valley around sneaker and streetwear culture, dressing pro athletes and touring musicians alongside loyal locals. The back-to-school collaboration brought that local connection together with Rafi’s Hope and its mission of investing in Arizona chil- dren and families. In addition to the new shoes and backpacks, barbers from Xclusives Barber & Shave Parlor set up chairs and gave free haircuts throughout the day, and Desert Water and the 24 Peach Cobbler Factory kept families going with drinks and snacks. Rafi Brand Ambassador Bryanna Sompayrac, a sports content creator, and radio host Suzette of Mega 97.1 also stopped by for stickers, swag, and photos with families. “Ryan and Guest List have built something that really connects with young people in our community, which made this such a natural partnership,” says Rich Yado, execu- tive director of Rafi’s Hope. “We wanted these kids to have more than the things they need for school. We wanted them to walk away feeling good about them- selves and excited for that first day.” By bridging local streetwear culture with community action, the event went far beyond a typical back-to-school giveaway. With fresh haircuts, brand-new sneakers, and full backpacks, the students left Arizona Mills equipped with the tangible tools and, more impor- tantly, the self-esteem needed to conquer the coming year. When the first bell rings, they’ll step into their classrooms knowing that a passionate network of Valley busi- nesses, creators, and advocates is standing firmly in their corner. - By Cynthia Barnes OCT 1ST - OCT 7TH, 2026 PHOENIX NEW TIMES | NEWS | FEATURE | FOOD & DRINK | ARTS & CULTURE | MUSIC | CONCERTS | CANNABIS | phoenixnewtimes.com
