Feb. 27, 2020

Drive the Dream

Lelft: Childhelp co-founder Sara O’Meara, Joey and Ivy Ciolli, Jacqueline Nerguizian, Donald "DJ" Friese, co-founder Yvonne Fedderson. Upper right: Urban Electra during the cocktail hour. Lower right: Richard Swetonic, Lily Florkiewicz and Laurie Swetonic

More than 700 guests attended the Feb. 15 Childhelp Drive the Dream Gala at the Phoenician. The event draws a number of high-profile guests each year, and this year was no exception. Among the attendees were Dancing With the Stars’ Maks Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd, as well as The Bachelor’s Arie Luyendyk and Lauren Luyendyk, former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner, WWE wrestler Mickie James and Seinfeld’s John O’Hurley.

A highlight of the Mary Poppins-themed evening was the presentation of the Childhelp Spirit of the Children Award to Laurie and Budd Florkiewicz. Emceed by Reba and Baby Daddy star Melissa Peterman, the gala featured performances by REO Speedwagon, Phoenix Theatre Company and Childhelp Youth Ambassador Rosevelt Rals, a 12-year-old singer from Mesa. Urban Electra performed during the cocktail hour, their attire reflecting the Mary Poppins theme. White House Design Studio carried out the theme in the dining room. Ivy Ciolli chaired the event with Dru Hammer and Jacqueline Nerguizian as co-chairs. Proceeds benefit Childhelp programs.