13th Annual Drive the Dream Gala Nets $1M-plus

“Now, this is a gala,” declared one guest as the curtain raised on the after-party in the Frank Lloyd Wright Ballroom at the Arizona Biltmore on Jan. 14. The 13th Annual Drive the Dream Gala to benefit Childhelp was part theater, part concert, part dance and all fun. In addition, it netted more than $1 million for Phoenix-based Childhelp, which is dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child abuse.

Giant flowers and mushrooms in the foyer

Giant flowers and mushrooms in the foyer

The fundraising soiree was chaired and underwritten by Dr. Stacie Stephenson and Richard Stephenson, who created an extravaganza built around the “Journey to Oz.” From the moment they were greeted by the giant mushrooms and flowers in the foyer, guests knew they being transported to the Emerald City. The dining room setting confirmed it: Yellow and green hot air balloons adorned tables around the outside the room, and a yellow-brick carpet carved a road right down the center.

Playing acoustically, The London Essentials, who had mingled with guests in the foyer, continued in the dining room, surprising them with serenades. During the salad course, Dorothy and her sidekicks made their appearance along the yellow “bricks” with an entertaining song and dance routine. After the program, which included a presentation of awards, the party never stopped. Produced by Michael Ravenhill, the entertainment included The Temptations, Peter Cetera of the band Chicago, and five-time Grammy Award winner CeeLo Green, in that order. When the dining chairs were empty, it was because guests were on their feet in front of the stage.

The evening’s honorees included Senator Jon Kyl and Caryll Kyl, who received the Spirit of the Children Award, presented by Childhelp co-founders Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson; the WD-40 company, which received the Nellie Jackson Award, presented by Craig Jackson; and Julian Movsesian, who received the Man of the Year Award, presented by Jim Hebets, executive vice chairman of the Childhelp National Board of Directors. Special tribute was paid to Linda Pope, who passed away in July 2016. Pope conceptualized the first Drive the Dream Gala and was a tireless supporter of the organization throughout the years.

As with many galas today, when the party was over, it wasn’t really over. As tables were cleared, the curtain on which the Emerald City had been projected was raised, and the after-party began. Dancing continued to the music of the Montreal Rhapsody Orchestra.

Best known for his role in Saved by the Bell, entertainer and Dancing With the Stars finalist Mario Lopez served as the evening’s emcee. Cancer Treatment Centers of America, the Foundation for Global Sports Development, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, and Dr. Stacie Stephenson and Richard Stephenson were the presenting sponsors.

HAUTE EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY

Richard Stephenson and Dr. Stacie Stephenson, Yvonne Fedderson, Sara O'Meara and Mario Lopez

Richard Stephenson and Dr. Stacie Stephenson, Yvonne Fedderson, Sara O’Meara and Mario Lopez

www.HautePhotoVideo.com

Dorothy and friends perform on the yellow brick road.

www.HautePhotoVideo.com

Jim Hebets, executive vice chairman of the Childhelp National Board of Directors

www.HautePhotoVideo.com

Carolyn Jackson and Sylvia Shoen

www.HautePhotoVideo.com

Pamela Wright Keiper and former Arizona Governor Jan Brewer

www.HautePhotoVideo.com

Sharon Dupont McCord and Phil Edlund

www.HautePhotoVideo.com

Missy Anderson and Pat Bondurant

www.HautePhotoVideo.com

Senator Jon Kyl and Caryll Kyl

www.HautePhotoVideo.com

Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson

www.HautePhotoVideo.com

Cathy and Tom Reahard

www.HautePhotoVideo.com

CeeLo Green

www.HautePhotoVideo.com

The Frank Lloyd Wright Ballroom transformed into the Emerald City

www.HautePhotoVideo.com

Chrissy Sayare, Oscar De las salas and Char Hubble

www.HautePhotoVideo.com

Presentation of colors by the Phoenix Police Department

www.HautePhotoVideo.com

Kelly Levesque performs the national anthem

www.HautePhotoVideo.com

Pre-dinner procession includes bagpipes

www.HautePhotoVideo.com

The London Essentials serenade guest Kristy Ryan

www.HautePhotoVideo.com

Craig Jackson present the Nellie Jackson Award to the WD-40 company.

www.HautePhotoVideo.com

Char and Bill Hubble

www.HautePhotoVideo.com

Camerone Parker and Dr. Robert McCulloch

www.HautePhotoVideo.com

Sharon and Michael Lechter

www.HautePhotoVideo.com

Carrie Martz, Molly Stockley and Kim Rivera

Richard Stephenson and Dr. Stacie Stephenson

Richard Stephenson and Dr. Stacie Stephenson

About Cindy Miller

From Frontdoors Magazine

Back to Top