49th Annual Celebration of Caring
Assistance League of Phoenix hosted the 49th Annual Celebration of Caring on March 13 at Chateau Luxe. One of the last in-person galas of the season due to COVID-19, the gala drew 175 guests and raised $370,000 for its Operation School Bell, the nonprofit’s signature program that provides school uniforms, shoes and other necessary items for 8,500 children living in poverty each year. The evening recognized Fiesta Bowl Charities with the Excellence in Philanthropy Award.
The fundraising effort included a Dress a Child Challenge, which was an ask for guests to fund a wardrobe for a child in need. The retail value is $250, and the cost to provide the wardrobe is $80. BHHS Legacy Foundation generously agreed to match donations in the Challenge dollar for dollar.
Assistance League’s newest Delivering Dreams Bus, sponsored by Fiesta Bowl Charities and BHHS Legacy Foundation, debuted at the gala. It is one of three buses that are part of the Operation School Bell Program. The mobile dressing room includes four dressing rooms, a shoe station, clothing and a waiting area.
Susan Thomas chaired the event, which had as its theme “The Heart of the Emerald City.” Steve Irvin, ABC 15, served as the evening’s emcee, and Letitia Frye as the auctioneer. Desert Financial Credit Union and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona were the presenting sponsors.
PHOTOS COURTESY ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF PHOENIX