LOS ANGELES, June 17, 2026 – Premiere Networks-syndicated personalities Johnjay Van Es and Rich Berra, hosts of The Johnjay & Rich Show, were unexpectedly honored with the “Igniting the Spark – Celebrating Brilliance” Award from the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation (AFFCF), recognizing more than 15 years of dedicated support for children and young adults in Arizona’s foster care system.

The award was presented to the Arizona Broadcasting Hall of Famers during AFFCF’s annual graduation celebration, held June 13 at Dave & Buster’s in Tempe, Ariz. The event honors foster youth who have earned high school and college diplomas as they transition into adulthood. Surrounded by current and former foster youth, the surprise recognition carried special meaning for the longtime advocates. 

“For over 15 years, we’ve had the privilege of participating in this incredible event and witnessing the resilience, determination, and heart of these young people,” said Johnjay Van Es. “To be surprised with this award in a room full of foster kids and graduates we’ve admired for so many years was incredibly humbling.”

The annual graduation ceremony celebrates the achievements of foster youth who have persevered through extraordinary challenges to earn their diplomas and degrees. It serves as both a recognition of their accomplishments and a reminder that they have an entire community cheering them on.

“What has always stood out to us is the strength of these kids,” said Rich Berra. “They inspire everyone in that room. We’ve never shown up expecting recognition. We’ve shown up because these young people deserve to be celebrated.”

The “Igniting the Spark – Celebrating Brilliance” Award honors individuals and organizations whose dedication helps create brighter futures for Arizona’s foster youth. While Johnjay & Rich were the recipients of the award this year, they emphasized that the true spotlight belonged to the graduates. 

“Watching these students walk across the stage year after year is one of the most meaningful experiences we’ve been a part of,” Van Es added. “Their stories are powerful, and their accomplishments deserve to be recognized and celebrated.”

During the ceremony, iHeartImpact, a division of iHeartMedia focused on aligning brands with nonprofit organizations, surprised attendees with a donation of $25,000 to AFFCF in support of its mission.  

For decades, Johnjay & Rich have used their platform to support causes that strengthen communities across Arizona, including initiatives benefiting children, families, and rescue animals. Through their non-profit #LoveUp Foundation, their longstanding partnership with the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation reflects a shared commitment to ensuring foster youth feel seen, supported, and encouraged as they pursue their dreams.

About The Johnjay & Rich Show
Airing Monday through Friday from 5 to 10 a.m. MT, The Johnjay & Rich Show is a non-stop blend of pop culture, news and events, welcoming a wide range of music artists, newsmakers and celebrities. Originating from iHeartMedia’s 104.7 KISS-FM Phoenix, the duo is joined on-air by Kyle and Payton. The show is a special brand of “reality radio,” with listeners engaged and interacting with the crew via every form of social media - Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X, Facebook, YouTube, and more. Their style means humor comes from any and every direction.  For more information or to find a station in your area, visit www.johnjayandrich.com.  The Premiere Networks-syndicated program can also be heard on iHeartRadio, with additional content available via their After Words podcast. 

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Media Contact:
Rachel Nelson
Premiere Networks
rnelson@premierenetworks.com