Gala Chairs: Cindy Watts & Mark El-Tawil

Founders’ Award Honoree: Michelle Kerrick 

Fashion Show: Neiman Marcus presents Carolina Herrera with Creative Director Wes Gordon

Entertainment: The Hamptons

Auctioneer: Letitia Frye

Decor: Inspired Environments

Notable Moments: The celebratory evening kicked off with cocktails on the east lawn, followed by the incredible Neiman Marcus fashion show presenting Carolina Herrera fashions as the sun set. Creative director Wes Gordon introduced the fabulous collection filled with tailored necklines, fitted bodices and structured skirting in bright spring colors and patterns. The garden theme continued as guests entered the ballroom filled with greenery above the dance floor and shades of green throughout the lighting, centerpieces and tablescapes. The heartfelt program was once again filled with stories of ‘Fresh Start Women’ who have overcome incredible adversity on their journey with the organization. The generosity flowed after the program as paddles were raised to raise additional funds, and the evening concluded with a vibrant dance floor filled with couples and friends swaying the night away. 

Photos courtesy of Gudenschwager Photography

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Event Co-Chairs: Dr. Katie Martin & Jill Merrion

Competition Judges: Linda Dean, Suzy Nyemchek & Ricky Bentzen 

Judges Choice Winners: Dr. Michael Aragon & Lincy Maldonado 

People’s Choice Winners: Jeff Frye & Melissa Scarcelli 

Philanthropy Award: Melissa Scarcelli 

Sapphire Sponsors: Devil’s Hideaway | Legacy EV | Pedal Haus | Scarcelli Family Foundation

Emcee: Weezy 

Notable Moments: The evening’s theme of Fantasy & Feathers was on point for the ballroom dancing fun as many guests found ways to incorporate feathers into their ritzy attire. After cocktail hour, co-chairs Katie and Jill surprised the room by entering in succession with a dance paired with a pro partner of their own! Before dinner was served, everyone enjoyed the parade of the dancers and their pros per tradition. When the show began, all 12 numbers were fun to watch, making voting for the People’s Choice Awards extremely difficult! Congrats to the winners, and cheers to raising funds for the vital local programs provided by the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona. 

Photos courtesy of Carrie Evans Photography 

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Exhibit Curator: Helen Jean, the Jacquie Dorrance Curator of Fashion Design at Phoenix Art Museum

Notable Moments: The preview was a first chance for top supporters of the Arizona Costume Institute and Phoenix Art Museum to experience more than 250 vintage dolls, over 50 historical objects and the life-sized Barbie Mirror-Pink Corvette on display. Guests walked the pink carpet while dressed in their prettiest pink, creating a sea of blush tones, bubble gum and fuchsia. Special touches included pop music in the air, pink drinks and treats, and the fabulous “Barbie box” photo booths as guests entered the space. This exhibit will run until July 7, 2024. 

Photos courtesy of Airi Katsuta 

A look inside the Exhibit

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Presenting Sponsor: Waymo

Safe to Age Award Recipient: APS

Emcee: Whitney Clark, Arizona’s Family

Dollars Raised: $162,000

Notable Moment: Attendees were welcomed with an extensive overview of the organization’s recent accomplishments before the organization leaders, the event speakers, and some incredible client stories were introduced. Len, a resident of one of FSL’s affordable housing communities, took to the stage to share his story. Like many who rely on FSL for affordable housing, his journey is one of changing circumstances in life and health that led him to need assistance. He found his community when FSL property manager Scott VanSoest took the time to get to know him and encouraged him to start the process. As an interactive opportunity, guests were encouraged to paint a rock for the Adult Day Health Center Garden.

Photos courtesy of Jaron Quach

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Gold Sponsors: Cheryl Hintzen-Gaines & Ira Gaines | Fore the Kids | Hospice of the Valley

Event Co-Chairs: Christina Andrews & Lisa Swanson

Emcees: Lindsey Smith & Tracy Leonard-Warner

Dollars Raised: $225,000

Notable Moments: Breakfast attendees learned about the impact that Ryan House made on two special families: the Garcias and the McMullins. Kaylee Garcia was born with CHARGE syndrome, a disorder that affects many areas of the body. The family would later be referred to Ryan House, which provides respite care and give Kaylee’s parents a break from caregiving. Ryan House parents Chris and Lauren McMullin also shared their Ryan House journey with their son, William, who was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor. The couple shared how Ryan House supported their whole family through William’s end-of-life journey and how they remain active supporters of the organization today. Once again, the heartfelt stories told from stage depicted what incredible support Ryan House provides to families in need of support during such difficult times. 

Photos courtesy of Lori Krenzen Photography

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Title Sponsor: Amplify Capital Advisors 

Co-Chairs:  Jody Sarchett & Basil Zaidi  

Honorees:  The Moffett Family & Crescent Crown Distributing

Emcee: Tim Ring

Entertainment: The Pickup Lines

Notable Moments: The gala honored Bubba & Blair Moffett and Crescent Crown Distributing for their longtime commitment to Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley and many other local organizations. The program also recognized 12 outstanding Club teens, the “Youth of the Year.” These Boys & Girls Club members have overcome incredible obstacles to succeed and shared their inspirational stories. In addition to hearing from the Youth of the Year representatives, guests enjoyed a large silent auction of items, including concert experiences, high-end jewelry, restaurant experiences, sports memorabilia and an animated live auction of world-class vacations and items bidders can’t find anywhere else.

Photos courtesy of Mark Skalny for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley

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Cocktail Reception Hosts: 4EverYoung & Amazon

After Party Host: Pharos Foundation

Event Co-Chairs: City of Chandler Vice Mayor, OD Harris & Elizabeth Ward Harris and Jill Watts & Shawn McClain 

Auctioneer: Letitia Frye

Dollars Raised: $435,000

Entertainment: Bad Cactus Brass Band

Notable Moments: The festive evening kicked off with signature cocktails and the essence of Mardi Gras fun, which was present throughout the reception. Once again, the famous mystery boxes sold out quickly before everyone entered the ballroom for the dinner and program. The heartfelt program featured the Big Brother of the Year and Big Sister of the Year, and honored and incredible stories of success from “Littles,” who have stayed in touch with their “Bigs” as they have gone on to college and beyond. The famous after party was filled with toasts to a fabulous evening of hope and late-night snacks (pretzels and cheese anyone?). 

Photos courtesy of Elena and Jim

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Presenting Sponsor: Crest Insurance

Dollars Raised: $370,927

Emcee: Kristy Siefkin

Auctioneer: Subyn Novelle

Entertainment: Urban Electra & Live Artist Randall Hedden

Notable Moments: As guests arrived at The Phoenician, they were greeted by the sounds of Urban Electra and a myriad of silent auction items like video game equipment and a portrait of Prince by Randall Hedden. Among the many highlights of this year’s gala, one particular moment captivated guests: Hedden’s live painting of a Taylor Swift portrait during the auction. As brushes danced and colors mingled, the room was filled with awe and admiration. Each guest received a piece of plantable paper made with wildflower seeds, with a note that read, “Let hope bloom. Plant this seed in a place where the wildflowers within can inspire a moment of happiness, reflection or appreciation in all who see them.”

Photos courtesy of Phil Gudenschwager

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Event Co-Chairs: Sarah Gallagher & Brigette Sebald

Honorary Chairs: Brophy President Bob Ryan & Brophy Principal Jim Bopp

Fashion Show Presented by: Neiman Marcus

Fashions Worn by Seniors: 7 For All Mankind | AG Jeans | American Eagle | Carter’s Men’s Clothing | Faherty | Johnnie O |  King & Ducks | Nick’s Menswear | One Five One | State and Liberty | Tommy Bahama | Travis Mathew | Untuckit 

Emcee: John Auran

Notable Moments: Once again, the Brophy community came together for a fabulous fundraiser and celebration of their senior class. The day kicked off with a sunny cocktail party on the deck of the Camelback Inn with luxury raffle prizes and mimosas. The class of 2024 did not disappoint as they created a tunnel of cheers for guests and family as they entered the ballroom per tradition. The Neiman Marcus fashion show was full of “oohs” and “ahhs” from those present and was filled with bright spring and summer colors. The grand finale by the class of ’24 included the boys wearing sporty fashions, uniforms and Brophy gear, and the room was filled with pride by the families. Congrats to all!

Photos courtesy of Jake Kelly

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Presenting Sponsor: Phusion Projects 

Event Co-Chairs: Dena Zell & Kristine Hedlund

Community Partner Award Recipient: The Arizona Diamondbacks

Co-Emcees: Wish Kids Aubrie & Dania with Nick Ciletti of ABC15 Arizona

Dollars Raised: $2.7 million

Auctioneer: Letitia Frye

Notable Moments: The fancy ballpark theme started the moment guests entered the main entrance, filled with an aerialist clad in silver and ladies in ball skirts filled with glasses of champagne. Cocktails were served on the main concourse, which was filled with fun photo ops before everyone headed down to the field for dinner, the program and dancing. Bidding was fierce for the live auction items, including the annual sale of the “Best Table at the Ball,” which was sold twice. The paddle raise portion was the special moment of the evening, as the challenge at the $10,000 level was to fund 44 Wish Kid wishes. Not only did 44 people give at that level, but it commemorated 44 years of Make-A-Wish! The celebration continued with dancing to DJ Natty Rico.    

Photos courtesy of Loren Anderson Photography and Eklund Photography

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