The ballroom will shimmer with masks, music, and candlelight, but the true radiance will come from stories of survival. On Saturday, October 25, CeCe’s Hope Center will gather hundreds of supporters for its annual Night of Light Gala, an evening that blends elegance with urgency in Arizona’s fight against sexual exploitation.  At its center stands Valley philanthropist Michael Pollack, who will be honored alongside his wife Cheryl Pollack, with the CeCe’s Hope Award, the organization’s highest recognition.

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Pollack accepted the recognition with his characteristic humility. “Supporting CeCe’s Hope Center is an honor,” he said. “Survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation deserve more than compassion; they deserve opportunity, empowerment, and a community that refuses to let them stand alone. I am proud to stand with CeCe’s Hope Center and to help bring both resources and renewed energy to this year’s gala.”

Founded in 2017 and named for a young woman who survived years of abuse and trafficking before her tragic death in 2016, CeCe’s Hope Center exists to give other young women the second chance CeCe herself fought for until the end. The nonprofit serves survivors of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation, ages 18 to 30, offering not only safe housing and meals but also a structured path to healing and independence. Its programs combine immediate stabilization with long-term empowerment, ensuring women are equipped with the resources, skills, and community connections to rebuild their lives.

The gala sustains that mission through programs that provide:

  • Safe housing and stabilization for women at risk or survivors of sex trafficking.
  • A 12-month residential program with phased steps toward independence.
  • Comprehensive case management and individualized mental health services.
  • Life-skills training in financial literacy, routines, and career readiness.
  • One-on-one mentorship and community connections for long-term success.

Pollack is no stranger to the spotlight, though he has always redirected it toward others. For decades, his giving has reached far across Arizona, bolstering children’s charities, hospitals, and families in need. With CeCe’s Hope Center, his support has been both steady and personal. This year, he and Cheryl are supporting the event as Beacon of Life level sponsors and underwriting the gala’s live entertainment—a gesture that is equal parts celebration and strategy: the more unforgettable the evening, the wider the mission’s reach.

“Michael’s commitment to giving back has been a beacon of light for so many,” said Renee Lopez, Co-Founder and Board Chairman of CeCe’s Hope Center. “Our distinguished honoree award is reserved for those whose impact is transformative. Michael has not only invested in communities but also in the futures of young women who deserve the chance to reclaim their lives. We are thrilled to celebrate his leadership at this year’s Night of Light Gala.”

Pollack’s recognition is not a single act of philanthropy but part of a longer story. Through the Daniel Heath Pollack Memorial Foundation, named for his late son, he has championed projects ranging from a $50,000 playground to major gifts to organizations such as Child Crisis Arizona, Mayo Clinic, Banner Health Foundation, Save the Family, Boys & Girls Club, and Special Olympics. He has also supported Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), sponsoring their annual dinner and most recently serving as a lead sponsor of the Type 1 Walk. In addition, he has contributed significantly to Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona, which reinvests its revenues into career development and social service programs across the state. For him, service has never been about legacy—it has been about lives. And on October 25, in a ballroom filled with hope, that truth will shine brightest of all.

Guests will begin the evening with a cocktail hour and plated dinner, followed by live music and moving tributes to survivors and advocates. Throughout the night, attendees will be invited to become Hope Ambassadors—a role that extends beyond the ballroom and into the lives of young women building futures once thought impossible.

Tickets and sponsorships, ranging from $250 to $15,000, are available now at www.cecescenter.org/night-of-light.