The Heart Behind the Mission

Preston’s Story

Meet Preston Hite, our Chief Inspiration Officer, and the heart behind why we serve with dignity, compassion, and respect.

Prestons Friends exists because of a life marked by consistency, kindness, and faith in action. Preston Hite has spent decades showing up for work, for his community, and for the people around him in ways that are simple and powerful. His story reminds us that service is not a moment. It is a rhythm.

Volunteers preparing and serving meals together during a La Mesa community outreach event

Showing Up Is Preston’s Superpower

Preston is a Red Mountain High School graduate and has worked at the same Pizza Hut location for more than 26 years. That kind of steadiness says a lot about who he is. He brings joy to everyday moments, takes pride in doing things well, and treats people like they matter.

Tuesday Nights and a Title He Earned

Every Tuesday, Preston volunteers with La Mesa Ministries serving dinner for neighbors experiencing homelessness in Mesa. Sponsored through Christ Greenfield in Gilbert, the outreach has been part of his life since the beginning, more than eleven years ago. The team even gave him a title that fits him perfectly. Chief Dessert Server.

Preston does not volunteer for recognition. He volunteers because he loves people, and because service is part of how he lives his faith.

Golf, Confidence, and Community

Preston enjoys inclusive athletics with his friends, including baseball, bowling, and golf. Golf is his favorite and his strongest. He has competed in ten national golf championships and earned eight silver medals. Each trip, each course, and each round has been another chance to grow, connect, and celebrate progress.

For Preston, golf is not just a sport. It is community, confidence, and joy.

Honoring Veterans Matters to Him

Preston also serves at church as an usher and takes special joy in honoring veterans each year on Veterans Day. That respect and gratitude are part of the heart of Prestons Friends. We believe people who have served should be seen, supported, and honored.

Why This Story Became a Mission

Prestons Friends is guided by Matthew 25:40 and built around a simple conviction. When we serve others with dignity, we are serving Christ Himself. Preston’s life is a living picture of that truth. His story helps shape how we show up for neighbors experiencing homelessness, veterans and their families, and people with disabilities across Arizona.

Learn more about the mission and the board behind it on our About Us page.

Gallery

A glimpse into the relationships, service, and everyday moments that bring this mission to life across our communities.

Inspired by Preston’s Story

Preston’s life continues to shape the heart of this mission. Through outreach, partnerships, and programs like adaptive golf, we carry that same spirit of dignity, compassion, and consistent care into the community.

A Community Called to Compassion

Rooted in Matthew 25:40, we meet real needs with humility, dignity, and consistent care.

Faith Led Service

Our work is grounded in Scripture and lived out through consistent, practical care.

Volunteer Led

We are 100% volunteer-led. People choose to show up, serve, and carry the mission forward.

Partner Powered

We work alongside trusted local partners to strengthen outreach and expand support across Arizona.

Dignity First

We meet people with respect and kindness, honoring every individual as someone deeply valued.

Secure Giving

Online donations are processed through secure, reputable tools to keep giving simple and protected.

Clear Communication

Supporters and volunteers receive timely updates and clear next steps so everyone knows how to engage.

Built on Faith. Lived Through Service.

Our work is rooted in a simple conviction—to serve others with dignity, consistency, and care. Through trusted partnerships and volunteer-led outreach, we meet real needs while building lasting relationships across our communities.