When Ellese Gudvangen and her husband Kyle founded The Gud Ark three years ago, they weren’t just opening an animal sanctuary — they were building a refuge for the overlooked and the forgotten. Tucked away just south of city limits in Hidden Valley, the sanctuary is now home to nearly 400 animals, including parrots, porcupines, reptiles and some of the most overlooked cats and dogs in the shelter system.
Many of these animals are elderly, disabled, or considered “unadoptable.”
“We’re a sanctuary, not a rescue,” explained Ellese Gudvangen. “When the animals come to us, they live out the rest of their lives here. We’re pretty much the last stop before they go to glory.”
The Gud Ark is also on a homegrown mission built on resilience and hope.
“It was part of our healing journey,” said Gudvangen. “After a bad accident, I had to let go of a lot of plans. Gud Ark came out of that. It became our glimmer of hope, and it has turned into that for a lot of other people, too.”
The sanctuary also serves foster youth, hosts educational programs and offers a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds to connect, learn and feel seen.
Let’s party!
As a way to give back to the community, on Saturday, July 19 from 6 to 8:30 p.m., The Gud Ark is throwing open its gates for a night of joy, animals and glowsticks: their first-ever Back-to-School Glow Party.
Aimed at kids aged 5 to 16, the event is part dance party, part animal tour and part community celebration, all set against the backdrop of the glowing desert evening.
The idea came after a spontaneous end-of-camp dance party brought big smiles to little faces. “The kids were having an amazing time,” recalled Gudvangen, “and we thought, ‘Why not turn this into something bigger? A fun way to celebrate before the long school year starts.’”
Maricopa Unified School District students return to classes July 23.
The glow party promises music, games, crafts, face painting and animal encounters, all wrapped in glowing colors and good vibes. A live DJ or performer may even make an appearance. Admission is $10 for kids with online RSVP, $12 at the gate and just $3 for adults.
The entry includes glowsticks, crafts, games, popcorn, face painting and a full animal tour.
“We’re trying to keep it really easy, really fun and really affordable,” Gudvangen said. “One hundred percent of the proceeds go directly back to the care of the animals. So, while the kids are having a blast, they’re also helping us keep the sanctuary running.”
Food will be available for purchase at family-friendly prices. Guests are encouraged to wear bright or neon clothing, anything that shines under black lights.
“I plan on wearing a glow-in-the-dark tutu,” said Gudvangen, “and I know some of our volunteers are going all out with festive outfits. Just wear something fun and comfy. And bring good shoes. You might end up dancing or feeding a pig.”
While the event is aimed at kids, it’s open to the whole family.
“If you’re a little older or younger and just want to come hang out with the animals, that’s totally fine. Parents always end up having just as much fun as the kids,” Gudvangen said.
RSVP and learn more by clicking here.
The short version
What: Back-to-School Glow Party with the Gud Ark Animal Sanctuary
When: Saturday, July 19 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: 50459 W. Papago Road
How much: $10 per child or $12 at the gate; $3 for adults
How do I get tickets? Click here.
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