Night for Life

The 17^th annual Night for Life Gala to benefit the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS was spectacularly beautiful, spectacular entertaining and spectacularly successful. The sold-out May 12 black-tie gala at the Montelucia Resort drew 600 guests who came ready to have fun for a worthy cause.

Simon Doonan, creative ambassador-at-large for Barneys New York, was the evening’s emcee, and guests were treated to a special performance by Franc D’Ambrosio, known for his role in the Tony Award-winning “Phantom of the Opera.” White House Design Studio created over-the-top gorgeous tables for the occasion.

The event, co-chaired by Ryan O’Meara and Jack Luciano, raised more than $350,000 to support programs and services at the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS, including health, wellness and education programs.

But the big announcement of the evening was a $5 million gift from the Parsons Foundation to name a downtown Phoenix community health center focused on HIV/AIDS prevention, wellness and related research. The donation includes $3.5 million to renovate the center and provide support for prevention, wellness, community outreach and testing programs. The other $1.5 million is part of a community matching incentive challenge offered by Renee and Bob Parsons.

The evening was presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and Wells Fargo. It honored Carole and Bob Machiz with the Lifetime Achievement Award, Dr. Doug Cunningham of Pueblo Family Physicians with the Outstanding Achievement Award, William Hardin of Osborn Maledon with the Community Champion Award and RJ Shannon of Arizona Department of Health Services with the Outstanding Community Service Award. Betty McRae was the honorary chair.