Apparel Company State Forty Eight Launches New Foundation

CHANDLER, AZ — A local apparel company built on Arizona pride is launching its own nonprofit with a virtual event Thursday.

State Forty Eight, the Chandler-based clothing company, announced the start of the State Forty Eight Foundation, a natural extension of the company's existing efforts to help the community it represents.

"We're limited on the for-profit side with what we can give and do, so it just makes sense," CEO and co-founder Michael Spangenberg told Patch of the decision to start a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. He is also now the chair of the foundation's board. "What we're passionate about is getting involved."

Spangenberg founded the streetwear and lifestyle company in 2013 with Stephen and Nicholas Polando, born out of an appreciation for their home state. Since its inception, State Forty Eight has given more than $100,000 to local charities. In 2019, the company began its "Community Impact" initiative, dedicated to community outreach, engagement and connecting fans with local causes, events or volunteer opportunities.

Spangenberg told Patch that the foundation, which has been in the works for about six months, will likely focus on youth mentorship and assisting budding entrepreneurs, calling small business "the way of the future."

"Now, more than ever in 2020, you've got to be able to control your own destiny," he said.

The foundation's board will be meeting early next year to discuss its goals and the programs it plans to support. In the meantime, it will continue to strengthen the partnerships State Forty Eight already has, like one with the Arizona Cardinals.

The foundation will officially kick off Thursday with a virtual event hosted by State Forty Eight Foundation Director Zach Hall and Lisa Matthews, the Arizona Cardinals' team reporter. The two-hour event will feature conversations with several community movers and shakers:

• Debbie Castaldo, SVP and Corporate & Community Impact for the Arizona Diamondbacks
• Thomas Barr, Executive Director of Local First Arizona
• Jake Arians, Son of Bruce Arians and President of the Arians Family Foundation
• Lady La, Radio & TV Personality and Founder of Mahalo Made

"The main goal is to get a bunch of people familiar with what we'll be doing while hanging out at home and having a cocktail," Spangenberg said. "Just to learn more about what we're trying to do and then hear some cool stories along the way."

A $20 ticket will make fans eligible for one of several door prizes that will be awarded throughout the event, including a custom State Forty Eight WestCoast Scooter and a new flat screen TV. Those tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite. For those who can't attend from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, the foundation has set up a donation button on its website and created a special T-shirt and hat available for purchase for anyone who wants to lend a hand.

Spangenberg is a rare Arizona native who was born and raised in the Grand Canyon State, and stuck around into adulthood. Growing up, he said it drove him crazy that most of the crowds at Cardinals games would be sitting in the stands supporting the opposing team, as Arizona has long been a state full of transplants. Now, the tide is turning and the state is developing its own diverse culture.

A large part of State Forty Eight's mission is to represent Arizona in a fashionable and positive way, which Spangenberg and his team hope will translate to the new foundation.

"It's about so much more than selling T-shirts and hats," he said. "We really want to make a difference in Arizona."