Our History

HISTORY OF FRONTDOORS MEDIA

Frontdoors Media was founded in 2002 as Frontdoors Lifestyle News, a color newsprint publication focused on sharing community stories with residents of the Arcadia, Biltmore and Paradise Valley neighborhoods of Phoenix, Arizona. Founding publisher Julia C. Patrick was inspired to share inspirational and positive news surrounding philanthropic support of the community to the “front doors” of those who were involved in giving back. The first cover story featured Shonda Schilling, wife of Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Curt Schilling and founder of The Shade Foundation. The organization was established after Shonda’s public battle with malignant melanoma. Sharing the important work Shonda took on to create the only national children’s foundation devoted to skin cancer education and prevention at the time was the perfect launch for Frontdoors. 

The Frontdoors print publication has remained a leader in the community news space and was early to publish a digital “flip-book” version in 2006. It later added a weekly email newsletter, The Knock, to keep readers informed of announcements and coming events in between publication of the features in the print publication. Andrea Tyler Evans and Tom Evans acquired Frontdoors Media in 2017.

Today, Frontdoors Media’s readership is representative of philanthropy and lifestyle across all communities in Maricopa Country. Our mission is to celebrate the people and groups that give generously and build the future of our community. It’s the premier source of information — and inspiration — for those who strive to make the Valley of the Sun a better place. Frontdoors Magazine is published five times per year with releases in early September, November, January, March and May to coincide with the social season. Our weekly newsletter, The Knock, is published each Thursday afternoon and features philanthropic announcements, local lifestyle features and photo galleries from charity events as well as access to stories from the magazine and our other publications. Since 2017, Frontdoors Media has added the following specialty publications and brands: Arizona Tax Credit Giving Guide, Furry Friends, FrontdoorsTV with Carey Peña and the Frontdoors Philanthropic Honors event (formerly the Society of Chairs). Frontdoors has grown tremendously since its founding in 2002 and reaches over 20,000 print readers and over 50,000 digital readers today. 

HISTORY OF THE RED BOOK

The Red Book is a private community directory published annually in print and online that was launched in 1993 by Jacquie Dorrance, Carol Waldrop and Nancy White. The publication serves as a community resource to connect the Valley’s social, business and philanthropic leaders with the charitable organizations they support. Red Book members are all about connections, friendships, generosity, community service and the inside scoop. Membership in The Red Book is by invitation from existing members, and only members are permitted to purchase a book or access the online member directory. The Red Book is celebrating 31 years in 2024 and is one of the Valley’s longest-standing philanthropic institutions. Frontdoors Media became the publisher of The Red Book in 2021.

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Combined with our magazine, weekly e-newsletters, Frontdoors Media and The Red Book provide continuously updated calendars of charity fundraisers, cultural events and community happenings. We are also your go-to resource for access to nonprofit organizations and community boards, coverage of black-tie and fundraising events, profiles of community leaders and the latest trends in fashion, beauty and design.