Teen Lifeline will honor Arizona businessman, entrepreneur and international sports mogul Jerry Colangelo with the Alfredo J. Molina Community Lifeline Award at Teen Lifeline’s 2012 Crystal Ball at Montelucia Resort on October 6, 2012.
Colangelo is internationally known for his ownership of the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks and Phoenix Mercury. His commitment to the Valley transcends sports, and he is one of the city’s most active community leaders. He led the 2008 Olympic basketball team to gold in Beijing as the Chairman of the US Olympic Basketball team. He will lead the 2012 team in the London Olympic Games. Colangelo led the reinvention of the Downtown Phoenix area and has made a significant multi-million-dollar impact on our community.
The 9th Annual Crystal Ball…A Night of Hope funds the peer-to-peer suicide prevention hotline and statewide suicide prevention mission. In 2005, the Alfredo J. Molina Lifeline Award was named in honor of the inaugural recipient, Alfredo J. Molina, for his service to Arizona youth and our community.
“There is great joy in giving and helping people. I’m grateful to be a part of the positive change for Arizona’s youth, especially to be part of the work of the teens at Teen Lifeline,” said Colangelo.
Jerry understands that sports play a big role in the psychological well-being of youth. “Research suggests that participation in sports provides some protection against feelings of hopelessness and suicide among adolescents,” said Teen Lifeline Executive Director Michelle Moorhead. “His involvement will help us continue to raise awareness of teen suicide and help train more peer counselors to assist other teens with their challenges.”
The annual fundraising gala will be co-chaired by local business owners and community advocates Renee Dee and Jennifer Collins. Tickets start at $250 per person and sponsorships are available. Contact Teen Lifeline at www.teenlifeline.org or call 602-248-8337.
