39th Annual Authors Luncheon

One of the longest running and most prestigious author events in the country celebrated its 39thyear on Nov. 3. The Arizona Women’s Board presented The Annual Friends of Erma Bombeck Authors Luncheon at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa to a sold-out ballroom of 850 guests. The event, chaired by Kathleen McClain, netted approximately $500,000 for Arizona kidney patients and their families.

The day prior to the luncheon, event emcee and author Adriana Trigiani visited the Bombeck Nephrology Unit at Phoenix Children’s Hospital to witness firsthand the critical work accomplished due to the funds raised. She visited patients along with Dr. Martin Turman, chief of nephrology; Matthew Bombeck; and numerous members of the Arizona Women’s Board and National Kidney Foundation. “Children must be on dialysis three times per week for several hours at a time, so PCH has school teachers on staff so they don’t fall behind in school. We provide complete services for the children and their families,” Turman explained.

The Authors Luncheon began with a VIP private book signing, followed by sales and signing for other guests, the luncheon, author presentations and additional book sales and signing. This year’s authors included Eva Chen, Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes; Nathaniel Philbrick, In the Hurrican’s Eye – The Genius of George Washington and the Victory at Yorktown; Paula McLain, Love and Ruin; Colonel David Hunt, Without Fear; Adriana Trigiani, Cooking with My Sisters.

PHOTOS BY COLLEEN KATZ PICTURES IN PIXELS, COURTESY ARIZONA WOMEN’S BOARD

Amanda Garmany, Erin Gogolak, Harriet Friedland and Radha Nieburgs

Natalie Gaylord and Leonard McDonald

Tyler Brackin, Tim Louis and Madeline Louis

Terri Worthington, Robin LeMarr and Kimberlee Padilla

Penny Gunning, Jacquie Dorrance, Hillary Sher, Aimee Josette and Kolby Moffatt

Dana Jirauch and Jan Cacheris; Nan Howlett and Ann Vry

Elise Bard and Sandy Magruder

Standing: Ashley Schufeldt and Kathryn Crippen. Seated: Leslie McReynolds and Leslie Owen

Candyce Williams, Laurie Nady and Gretchen Jacobs

Paula Smalley, Amanda Garmany and Brenda Howard

Diane Halle and Elva Coor; Jennifer Taylor

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