Nov. 15, 2018

The Pulse of the City

Upper left: The party fun. Lower left: Brenda Kotiza, event chair. Right: Blaine Long

Banner Health Foundation held its signature gala, The Pulse of the City Soiree, at the Omni Scottsdale Resort at Montelucia on Oct. 27. The event raised $710,000 for three Banner Children’s medical centers: Cardon Children’s in Mesa, Banner Thunderbird in Glendale and Diamond Children’s in Tucson.

The party’s theme “Come Grow With Us”was woven throughout the evening. From décor to program, The Pulse of the City Soiree featured lush greenery with white flowers and black and gold accents, representing a spirit of blooming and growing through personal health challenges facing children in Arizona.

Will Graham, 19, was the inaugural recipient of the Banner Children’s Healthy Hero Award. A video presentation told the story of Graham’s two-year battle beginning at age 16 to recover his heath – and his 400 hours of service as a volunteer in the surgery waiting room at Banner-University Medical Center Phoenix. As he approached the stage to accept his award, the 630 guests gave him a standing ovation.

The evening included silent and live auctions, dinner and the smooth sounds of Valley native and The Voice season 11 contestant Blaine Long, accompanied by Rosas Del Rey. Later, MJ LIVE, a Las Vegas Michael Jackson Tribute, performed an hour-long set from from the King of Pop’s playlist, plus some Jackson Five favorites.

Brenda Kotiza served as chair for the evening, and Jody Oehler was the emcee.

PHOTOS COURTESY BANNER HEALTH FOUNDATION