Each regional event reflects the power of community coming together to create opportunity for students. Through the generosity of our sponsors, volunteers, partners, and supporters, these events help advance Simon Youth Foundation’s mission of empowering students to graduate and thrive. Thank you to everyone who made this year’s regional events a success.
Mid-Atlantic – Philadelphia, PA
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
The Philadelphia region launched a new tradition this year with its inaugural Pickle for a Purpose tournament at Robbinsville Pickle House. The event raised $154,665, surpassing its fundraising goal and becoming the region’s most successful event to date.
Event Chairs Caitlin Perrone and David Martin, with support from Regional Vice Presidents Denise Ipsen, Justin Feldhouse, and David Johnson, brought together teams from Quaker Bridge Mall, Ocean County Mall, Lehigh Valley Mall, Oxford Valley Mall, Philadelphia Premium Outlets, Jersey Shore Premium Outlets, Jackson Premium Outlets, Pocono Premium Outlets, Gloucester Premium Outlets, and King of Prussia.
As the region’s first pickleball tournament, the event offered a fresh way for sponsors and Simon teams to connect through friendly competition. Robbinsville Pickle House’s professional tournament staff helped create a seamless experience, complemented by great food, thoughtful event details, and a welcoming atmosphere. With 17 sponsors supporting the event, Pickle for a Purpose showed how new ideas and community partnerships can come together to create opportunity for students.
South 1 – Atlanta, GA
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
The 2026 Tee Up for Education Golf Outing returned to Chateau Elan in Braselton, Georgia, raising $171,970 for Simon Youth Foundation—an increase of 16% over the previous year and another successful year for the South 1 region.
Event Chairs Randall Jackson and Isabella Eulloqui, alongside Regional Vice President Brian Nelson, welcomed teams representing Concord Mills, Haywood Mall, Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, Mall of Georgia, SouthPark, Calhoun Outlet Marketplace, Carolina Premium Outlets, Charlotte Premium Outlets, Gaffney Outlet Marketplace, North Georgia Premium Outlets, Sugarloaf Mills, West Town Mall, Opry Mills, and The Mall at Green Hills.
From the $10,000 Hole-in-One Challenge to a special appearance by the Coca-Cola Polar Bear, the day offered plenty of memorable moments. The addition of Nashville-area properties also expanded participation and strengthened connections across the region.
One of the day’s most meaningful moments came from Nikki Ross, Principal of Phoenix Academy, and two Academy students, who shared their experiences with attendees. Their stories provided a firsthand look at the impact made possible through the generosity of 67 sponsors and community partners.
Mid-Atlantic – Washington, D.C.
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
The Potomac River provided the backdrop for the 2026 SYF Cruise for a Cause II, as sponsors, partners, and Simon Property Group teams came together aboard DC City Cruises. The afternoon raised $88,965 in support of Simon Youth Foundation.
Event Chairs Gene Condon, Jen Snitselaar, Wes Mehr, Jim Gonzalez, Wendy Ellis, and Todd Jerscheid, with support from Regional Vice Presidents Denise Ipsen and Mel Palencia, welcomed participants from Apple Blossom Mall, Clarksburg Premium Outlets, Leesburg Premium Outlets, Williamsburg Premium Outlets, Norfolk Premium Outlets, Hagerstown Premium Outlets, Arundel Mills, Potomac Mills, St. Charles Towne Center, and Fashion Centre at Pentagon City.
With views of Washington, D.C.’s iconic monuments and landmarks, guests enjoyed beautiful weather, food, and time together. The Prize Wheel quickly became a favorite activity, adding to the afternoon’s energy.
The event’s most meaningful moment came from Imani Middleton, a Simon Youth Foundation scholarship recipient, who welcomed guests and shared how SYF helped shape her future. Her story offered a powerful reminder of what community support can make possible for students.
South 1 – Miami, FL
Monday, July 27, 2026
The South 1 region hit a home run with the 2026 Home Run for Education at loanDepot Park, home of the Miami Marlins. The event raised $189,146, surpassing its goal by more than $63,000 while achieving a 30% increase in funds raised and a 44% increase in attendance over the previous year. Silent auction and raffle proceeds also doubled.
Event Chairs Chase Berry and Kennedy Weinstein, with support from Regional Vice President Brian Nelson, brought together teams from Brickell City Centre, Coral Square, Dadeland Mall, Dolphin Mall, The Falls, Miami International Mall, Florida Keys Outlet Marketplace, Town Center at Boca Raton, and Sawgrass Mills. Two additional Miami-area properties joined the event this year, helping expand its reach.
The evening combined baseball, networking, and community in an energetic setting, with exceptional support from the Miami Marlins staff. Guests stayed engaged from first pitch through the Marlins’ victory, with enthusiastic participation in the silent auction and raffle.
With 72 sponsors and a record 325 attendees, Home Run for Education demonstrated the momentum that can come from growing partnerships and bringing more of the community together in support of students.
Northeast – New York, NY
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
The Northeast Malls, Mills, and Premium Outlets marked the fifth anniversary of Baseball for Education at Citi Field in Queens on August 25. Led by Co-Chairs Mathew Boals and David Mistretta, the event welcomed nearly 500 guests and raised a record $474,867 for Simon Youth Foundation.
The event also introduced a new $25,000 Grand Slam sponsorship level, with three sponsors participating at this level. Beyond the excitement of the game, the afternoon created opportunities for sponsors, Simon teams, students, alumni, and educators to connect.
Students and educators were recognized on the field and engaged with sponsors and community partners throughout the event. The gathering also opened the door to conversations around future workforce and education partnerships.
Participating properties included Dover Mall, Mills at Jersey Gardens, Menlo Park, Nanuet, Newport Centre, Rockaway, Roosevelt Field, Walt Whitman, Smith Haven, The Shops at Riverside, The Westchester, and Woodbury Commons Premium Outlets. The fifth anniversary celebration capped another successful year for Baseball for Education while setting a new fundraising record for the event.
West 2 – Del Mar, CA
Thursday, September 3, 2026
The Southern California West 2 region took to Del Mar Racetrack on September 3 for Day at the Races, raising $182,960, well above the $140,000 goal. The event welcomed 185 guests and 49 sponsors and continued the event’s year-over-year fundraising growth.
Led by Co-Chairs Nina Kiefer, Thien Nguyen, and Marc Smith, the event brought together teams from Beverly Center, Brea Mall, Camarillo Premium Outlets, Carlsbad Premium Outlets, Del Amo Fashion Center, Desert Hills Premium Outlets, Fashion Valley, Gardens at El Paseo, Las Americas Premium Outlets, Ontario Mills, Outlets at Orange, Pismo Beach Premium Outlets, and Shops at Mission Viejo.
This year also marked a major milestone: Day at the Races has now raised more than $500,000 since its inception. Guests enjoyed an afternoon filled with beautiful florals, delicious food, and plenty of activities, all set against the excitement of the races.
The event space, located directly along the finish line and accommodating up to 200 guests, gave participants plenty of room to gather and connect. With its festive atmosphere and strong support from sponsors and Simon teams across Southern California, Day at the Races celebrated both a successful year and an important milestone for the region.
Central – Indianapolis, IN
Thursday, September 24, 2026
After a three-year break from hosting a standalone regional fundraiser, the Central Region brought Racing for Education back to Indianapolis with a new venue, an interactive experience, and a strong show of support for Simon Youth Foundation. The September 24 event at Silo Auto Club & Conservancy raised $101,541, exceeding its $98,000 goal.
The evening traded a traditional fundraising setting for racing simulators, classic cars, and plenty of opportunities for guests to connect. Sixty-eight attendees, including representatives from 60 sponsors, joined Simon executives and Foundation leadership for an event that blended networking with a little friendly competition.
But the most memorable moments weren’t on the track. Speakers from True North Academy in Indianapolis, including Academy Leader Suzanne Zybert and current student Cherish, shared perspectives on the opportunities made possible through SYF. Alumna Karla also spoke, offering another reminder of how educational support can shape a student’s path beyond the classroom.
Their stories gave attendees a firsthand look at the relationships behind the Foundation’s mission, from the educators who guide students to the community partners who help make opportunities possible.
Led by Event Chair Danielle Parker and Regional Vice President Rob Courtney, the event brought together teams from Castleton Square, Greenwood Park Mall, Fashion Mall at Keystone, College Mall, Hamilton Town Center, and University Park Mall.
Southwest – Allen, TX
Wednesday , September 30, 2026
Pickleball made its debut on the Southwest Region’s fundraising calendar this year, and the response was unmistakable. Hosted September 30 at Chicken N Pickle in Allen, TX, the region’s first Pickleball Tournament & Mixer raised $102,665 against a $75,000 goal, delivering its strongest fundraising result since 2019.
The event was full of firsts: a new activity, a new location, and first-time co-chairs Michael Allegra and Karen Walter. What followed was an afternoon that welcomed both competitive players and guests who had never picked up a paddle. Professional instructors helped facilitate tournament play and more casual games, making it easy for everyone to join in—or simply enjoy the atmosphere.
The experience extended well beyond the courts. Custom paddles, personalized signage, swag bags, special medals, a photo booth, and custom cookies gave the event a distinctive feel. Sponsors were also treated to thoughtful recognition, including branded social courts and personalized gifts that made their support feel especially appreciated.
Behind the fun was an equally impressive fundraising effort. Sixty-two sponsors supported the event, with 30 attending in person, while 96 guests took part in the day’s activities. Returning sponsors increased their collective contributions by 40% year over year, and all event funds were collected before the event. An additional $15,000 in in-kind donations helped bring the experience to life.
Regional Vice President David Johnson and teams from 18 participating Simon properties helped make this first-time event a success.
New England – Boston, MA
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
For 17 years, New England’s Swing for Success has brought Simon teams, sponsors, and community supporters together around a shared commitment to education. This year’s gathering proved that the tradition is still gaining momentum: the October 6 event at Topgolf in Canton, MA, generated a record $249,000 in sponsorship support, surpassing its $186,000 goal by $63,000.
The scale of the event reflected that enthusiasm. A crowd of 275 attendees and 90 sponsors filled more than 30 Topgolf bays for a day of golf, food, raffles, and conversation. The Longest Drive competition added some friendly rivalry, while raffle baskets, a 50/50 drawing, and a new employee-only raffle featuring Boston Celtics tickets gave guests additional ways to participate.
Yet the day’s biggest takeaway came from the people whose lives connect directly to the Foundation’s mission.
Two Simon Youth Academy teachers shared the story of a recent graduate who received a $18,000 scholarship to attend university. An event sponsor added another meaningful perspective, sharing that their organization had recently hired a Simon Youth Academy graduate as an electrical apprentice. Together, the stories illustrated the lasting value of investing in students, from helping them pursue higher education to preparing them for careers.
Event Chairs Steffan Brown, Carolyn Edwards, Emily O’Brien, and Tristan Young, alongside Regional Vice President Justin Feldhouse, helped lead an effort supported by 18 participating Simon properties across New England.
West 1 – Seattle, WA
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
