OUR STORY

The Nothing Is Greater Than Love Foundation began life as the Valley of the Sun Charity Foundation, founded by Bobbie Bennett and Phyllis Smolens; two   

strongminded and impassioned women from the volunteer community in Phoenix. Bobbie and Phyllis embraced a deep-seated love and compassion for children and the empowerment of their futures by passionately supporting schools in their local community. They also began partnering with local groups The Starbright Foundation and Mama's House, to support victims of human trafficking. 

Joni and Debbie Sledge of the music group Sister Sledge were passionate supporters of the foundation, and often donated their time, talents and treasures to the organization's fundraising events. Following Joni's passing in 2017, Debbie joined the board and in march of 2018 became Co-founder of the newly titled 'Nothing Is Greater Than Love Foundation'  - named after a philanthropic blog that her sister Joni authored. Joni and Debbie's passion for promoting the Arts in schools and the empowerment of women and children was second to none. Following on from this exciting relaunch, and now in Joni's memory, Debbie, Phyllis and Bobbie are substantially growing the movement to support those in need even more.  

In 1992, Phyllis moved to Mesa, Arizona, where she met the love of her life, Greg Smolens. After a decade of marriage and raising three wonderful kids, they launched an event planning company called Experienced Hearts. As Phyllis excelled in her career, she committed to donating 10% of her revenue to local schools by purchasing essential supplies for teachers in need.

Recognizing a broader need, Phyllis also began volunteering locally and internationally with Habitat for Humanity, taking mission trips to Mexico with her family to help build homes for those in need. Driven to empower her community further, she co-founded the Valley of the Sun Charity Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Phyllis’s joyful personality and infectious humor led her to become a popular figure on reality TV shows, including "Who Gets the Last Laugh," "The Game of Life," "The Steve Harvey Show," "The Price is Right," and "Let’s Make a Deal." She has also participated in pilot shows for ABC, CBS, NBC, TBS, and TruTV. While life may not be a fairytale, Phyllis strives to fill each day with love, peace, and joy, continuing her dedication to serving as a volunteer and supporting under-resourced schools in her community

Debbie is an accomplished vocalist and recording artist who has been mesmerizing audiences since the early 1970s. She is a principal member and vocal director of the group she began with her siblings, the Grammy-nominated Sister Sledge, who hit the top of the charts with dance anthems such as We Are Family, He’s the Greatest Dancer, Lost in the Music, and Thinking of You. These songs made global superstars of the sisters, and today they continue to perform to enthusiastic audiences all over the world. In 2015, Debbie started a blog with her sisters called 'Nothing is Greater than Love'.  It was created to uplift and encourage peace, understanding and the empowerment of others, especially women. Sister Sledge subsequently participated in many charity-led events such as CARE International’s 'Walk in Her Shoes' women’s march (along with Helen Pankhurst, Annie Lennox and Bianca Jagger). Debbie also participated in the United Nations Women’s campaign, 'UNiTE to End Violence Against Women’.  Debbie is also a supporter of various charitable organizations including Extreme Love Missions; an organization that works to rescue women and children from human trafficking, SOS Children’s Villages and ActionAid UK - an incredible relief agency that provides safe havens and support for women, children, and vulnerable people. 

Bobbie has been an avid photographer for many years and treats clients with excellent customer service due to her extensive background in the hospitality industry. Bobbie belongs to the Arizona Photographer Adventure Club and is a member of groups such as Foothill’s Women’s Club, eWomen, Heartlink and Empowering Women of Phoenix. Bobbie graduated ASU as an Event Planner and has an extensive background in running charity events. Bobbie is Producer of 'Queen Diva of The Year' and creator of 'The Kids Kooking Class’.  Her volunteer experience includes being a Docent at the Tempe Museum, an active certified Tourism Ambassador for the State of Arizona and Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Channel Eight (KAET) pledge drives. She is also the editor/publisher of The Beaver Valley Bulletin. 

Bobbie’s personal goal is to surround herself with women who lead from their hearts and value people who make an impact, not just in our local communities but out in the world! When Bobbie isn’t volunteering at our fundraisers or other non-profit events, she enjoys performing as a stand-up comedian.