Good morning, Mesa.

Paz de Cristo Community Center announced the launch of Sole 2 Soul—a community-wide shoe drive partnering with East Valley churches to collect new shoes for unhoused and low-income residents throughout October.

Churches will serve as collection hubs as organizers coordinate weekly pickups and social media outreach to ensure recipients get quality footwear before cooler weather begins.

Ray Zabel, 93, and his wife Jan, 90, will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on August 26 at Discovery Point Retirement Community in Mesa; they first met while stationed at the U.S. Naval Hospital Corona in Norco+ in 1954.

A new Chick-fil-A restaurant will open in Mesa on Aug.

28 at 6 a.m. at 4512 S. Ellsworth and will create about 100 jobs while serving guests with multiple dining options. Local owner Joshua Lindsey offers a free meal for customers in cow attire on opening day — and pledges a $25,000 donation to United Food Bank to help fight hunger.

A 17-year-old dancer, Jossette Sanaphav, won a key battle at the Red Bull Dance Your Style qualifiers in Phoenix on a recent Saturday night and advanced to the national finals in San Francisco—her Mesa mentor Andrea Pentecostes celebrated her growth and skill as a hometown favorite.

The Arizona Department of Transportation is planning a new freeway called SR 505 that will run from the 60 in Apache Junction to I-10 in Eloy; the project could cut Mesa Gateway Airport travel time by 19 minutes and is under an environmental review—public feedback is invited through Sep. 8.

Friday Night Fever will take its high school football show On the Road during the 36th season by visiting schools in Gilbert, Queen Creek, Miami, and other Valley communities starting August 29 at 11:35 p.m.—Lina Washington will report live from each location.

This tour will spotlight local high school football while engaging fans across the region.

12Sports’ Cameron Cox and recruiting influencer Chilly are launching a new show—Dropping Dimes with Cam and Chilly—that will air Monday at 8 p.m. on the 12+ App, featuring Notre Dame commit Devin Fitzgerald discussing his offseason in the Dominican Republic while recruiting analyst Adam Beadle previews Week 1.

Liana De La Rosa and Ali Hazelwood Discuss Gabriela and His Grace

7-9 p.m. — Mesa Arts Center — Ticket includes a signed copy — Dive into a historical romance between a rebellious heiress and a duke as bestselling authors share fascinating insights.

Mesa Arizona Business Networking Event

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — $25 drop-in fee — Connect with local entrepreneurs and influencers to enhance your business growth.

WHIRR / NOTHING Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Nile Theater — Buy tickets — Experience an energizing night of music with WHIRR and special guests.

Willow Canyon vs Dobson Football Game

7-11 p.m. — Dobson High School — Admission TBA — Catch the high school varsity football action as Dobson faces off against Willow Canyon in a non-conference matchup.

Ken Carson Live Concert

8-11 p.m. — Mesa Amphitheatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience an electrifying night with hip-hop sensation Ken Carson performing hits from his chart-topping album More Chaos.

Mesa Networking Event

11:30 a.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — $25 drop-in fee for guests — Connect with entrepreneurs and grow your business in a supportive community.

ANCIIENTS Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — The Underground — Ticket prices vary — Experience an evening of mesmerizing tunes by Dearest as they perform their hit songs.

Stamp & Scrapbook Expo Mesa

Various hours — Mesa Convention Center — Admission fee may apply — Explore an extensive range of crafts, workshops, and shopping opportunities at this vibrant arts and crafts fair.

Filipino Night Market: Food and Culture Festival

4-9 p.m. — AZ International Marketplace — Free entry — Celebrate Filipino culture with delicious food from local vendors in a vibrant night market atmosphere.

Sunday Evening Recital: Amy & Alina Dampt

6:30-7:00 p.m. — Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors' Center — Free entry — Enjoy an inspired performance of beautiful sacred music by flutist and harpist duo Amy and Alina Dampt.