The Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation has announced its 22nd annual Beach Ball gala to benefit the Hospital’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.
To be held on Saturday, February 28, 2015, at The Phoenician resort, this year’s theme is the Lemonade Soirée, inspired by the positive attitudes of Phoenix Children’s Hospital (PCH) patients who every day find ways to make lemonade out of the proverbial lemons that life has handed them.
Event organizers will look to beat last year’s fundraising initiatives, which raised an incredible $1,005,000, by adding even more incredible packages for silent and live auctions, in addition to having another sell-out year.
The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Phoenix Children’s Hospital is the largest pediatric program of its kind in Arizona, providing a family-centered approach to care for children diagnosed with malignancies and hematologic diseases. Nearly 300 children and teens with a new diagnosis of cancer are treated at Phoenix Children’s each year, with nearly 70 receiving treatment each day. Each child has his or her own team of physicians, nurses, social workers, physical therapists, nutritionists and more, who provide care throughout the treatment and healing process.
“Our Center employs many of the nation’s top specialists in the fields of hematology and oncology, and it is through their expertise and the generosity of our donors that we are able to provide cutting-edge medicine to all of our pediatric patients,” said Dr. Robert Arceci, Phoenix Children’s Medical Group Division Chief in Hematology and Oncology. “The funds raised through the efforts of this year’s Beach Ball Committee will allow us to expand upon our already existing exceptional standard of care.”
A leader in the fields of oncology and hematology, Phoenix Children’s Hospital houses the largest pediatric cancer and blood disorder programs in the state. Specialty programs in these fields include Early Drug Development, Survivor/Long-Term Follow Up and Neuro-oncology, in addition to the Ottosen Family Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, Solid Tumor/Vascular Program and Liquid Tumor Program.
“Every year, Beach Ball gets better and better. I am personally excited for this year’s theme because it captures the true spirit of what – and more importantly – who, we raise money for,” said Steve Schnall, senior vice president and chief development officer for Phoenix Children’s Hospital. “These kids are an inspiration day in and day out, and this year, we hope to provide some inspiration for them – to let them know how much our community cares about their treatment and survival.”
Since Beach Ball’s inception in 1993, the event has raised more than 13.5 million dollars for Phoenix Children’s Hospital. This year’s event will be co-chaired by Susan Rehorn, Amy Joffe and Gerri Richards, all active members in the local community and each heavily involved in raising money for PCH.
Planning for the event is already underway, with 50 members of the community coming together to volunteer their time, service and generosity for the benefit of the Hospital. To become involved in the planning of the 2015 Beach Ball event, or to volunteer for future events, please contact Lyndsay Magre, Director of Special Events, at (602) 933-2669.
Event and donation information may be found at www.pchbeachball.com, and on the event’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/PCHBeachBall.
