Human Services Campus raises more than $1 million

A record crowd of more than 700 people helped raise over $1 million for the Human Services Campus (HSC) at the Mike McQuaid I Am Home Breakfast on Dec. 13 at The Arizona Biltmore.

With pledges and commitments still coming in, “we are incredibly grateful,” said HSC Executive Director Amy Schwabenlender. “Every dollar is an investment in addressing the needs of men and women experiencing homelessness through proven best-practice programs and collaborative services that help move individuals off the streets and into permanent housing.”

Also at the event, the André House (www.andrehouse.org) received the 2019 Mike McQuaid Collaboration Award for its ongoing partnership with the Human Services Campus and its compassionate services to the homeless community that include dinner every night, access to showers and laundry, clothes, blankets and “a welcoming open door to men and women in need,” McQuaid said.

McQuaid also moderated a “Transforming Lives” Roundtable Panel featuring three individuals who told their personal stories of overcoming homelessness and who now help guide homeless men and women through the process to get off the streets.  Panel participants were Francine “Frankie” Dees, Behavioral Health Coordinator at the Human Services Campus; Joe Martin, Veteran’s Outreach Aide at Catholic Charities’ MANA House; and Deven Torrez, HCI Manager – Phoenix Rise at Community Bridges, Inc.

Guests at the event were entertained by the Phoenix Symphony Ensemble through the “B-sharp Music Wellness Program,” a multi-faceted music wellness experience for healthcare and community facilities serving individuals experiencing homelessness.  Musicians were Dian D’Avanzo and Tessa Gotman on violin, Mark Dix on viola and Mike D’Avanzo on cello.

For more information about the Human Services Campus or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.hsc-az.org.

Community leaders tee up for Phoenix Children’s Hospital patients

Local community and business leaders were all in “fore” a good cause when they raised a total of $590,000 at the 21st annual Phoenix Children’s Hospital Golf Tournament on Friday, Nov. 22 at Troon North Golf Club in Scottsdale. 

Presented by CBRE and MJ Insurance, proceeds from the tournament benefit the Hospital’s Hope Fund – the area of greatest need. The Hope Fund helps launch critical news programs, purchase essential equipment, conduct cutting-edge research and more. The Phoenix Children’s Hospital Golf Tournament has raised more than $7.3 million for children in the community since its inception 21 years ago.

288 golfers teed up for the idyllic day of golf and support for Phoenix Children’s Hospital patients and families. 

“Phoenix Children’s Hospital Golf Tournament participants get more than bragging rights out of this beautiful day of golf,” said Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer, Steve Schnall. “They also get the satisfaction of knowing they are funding critical care for the thousands of families that come through our doors each year.” 

Sponsors for Phoenix Children’s Hospital Golf Tournament include co-presenting sponsors CBRE and MJ Insurance. Additional sponsors include Talking Stick Resort, Angry Crab Shack, MI Windows and Doors, Infinity of Scottsdale, Dutch Bros. Coffee, Snowflake Computing Inc., Delta Diversified and Ensemble Real Estate Solutions. 

To reserve your spot for the 2020 Phoenix Children’s Hospital Golf Tournament, visit phoenixchildrensfoundation.org.

Ballet Arizona’s Dance with Me Gala returns April 18

Ballet Arizona’s annual Dance With Me Gala returns on Saturday, April 18 at The Camelback Inn with a new theme that celebrates its past, while looking toward its future. Honorees for the evening include Gwen Hillis Board Chair Emerita and Artistic Director Ib Andersen. 

Twenty years ago, Gwen Hillis helped Ballet Arizona keep its doors open and guided the company to place it on the path to success, which included hiring Ib Andersen during her tenure. Andersen, celebrating his 20th anniversary as Artistic Director of Ballet Arizona, has contributed to the national and international acclaim that Ballet Arizona has received over the past 20 years.

“We are so proud to be celebrating these two extraordinary individuals this year,” said Samantha Turner, executive director of Ballet Arizona. “It is safe to say that the company may not exist today without the work of these two passionate people. Gwen Hillis rallied the community in support of the ballet 20 years ago when it faced financial crisis, and Ib has created an artistic jewel in the desert that has elevated the arts and cultural offerings in our community for many years. Twenty years in 2020 gives us pause to celebrate our past and look 20 years into our future.” 

All proceeds from the event support Ballet Arizona’s season of performance performances as well as its education and community engagement programs. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres followed by a special performance from the Ballet Arizona dancers choreographed by Andersen. Once the dinner has ended, a live band takes the stage and guests take the dance floor with the professional dancers for the remainder of the evening. Tickets for this black-tie event begin at $600 and table sponsorships begin at $6,000 for this fun and high-energy evening. 

The event chairs for this year’s Dance with Me Gala are Miranda Lumer, Molly Greene and Salvador A. Bretts. Reservations for tickets, sponsorships, and program ads can be purchased by calling Natalie Salvione at 602-343-6522 or nsalvione@balletaz.org.

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