April 27, 2015

2015 notMYkid Gala

Scottsdale-based notMYkid, a nationally focused nonprofit organization,

raised almost $300,000 at its annual gala April 17 at The Yard Tempe.

Heather McDermott, Lisa Hunter, Christy Orders (Event Chair/NMK Event Manager), staff member at The Yard, Naomi Berry, Nine Blaicher, Lisa Shapiro (Event Chair/NMK Event Manager)

notMYkid seeks to educate individuals and communities about the consequences of destructive youth behaviors such as substance abuse, body image, unhealthy relationships, bullying, depression and Internet safety.

Themed “Back to the Boardwalk,” the gala marked the 15^th anniversary of notMYkid. To honor the milestone, Gov. Doug Ducey congratulated the organization’s three founders, Steve and Debbie Moak and Dr. Mark Rohde in a video message.

“Simply reaching 15 years for a nonprofit organization is a major milestone, but to grow the organization to the point where we have helped inspire and empower more than 1 million teens and families is truly something to celebrate,” said Aimee Runyon, notMYkid CEO. “The $300,000 we raised at our annual gala will help us expand our programs in Arizona and across the U.S. and we couldn’t be more thankful for the support and generosity of our many donors.”

notMYkid also presented its first Inspiring Young Philanthropist Award to 13-year-old Hailey, who chose notMYkid as her Bat Mitzvah project. Hailey received help from the organization after being a victim of bullying.

(left) Larry Lytle, Tracy Lytle, staff member at The Yard, Mirav Bradshaw and Steve Glacy

(right) Lisa Henry Holmes, auxiliary board member; Barbara Lytle, auxiliary board member; and Jansen Neff, event chair/notMYkid event manager

(left) Seth Leibsohn, notMYkid board chair; Dr. Zuhdi Jasser, notMYkid board member; Gada Jasser; and Debbie and Steve Moak notMYkid founders

(right) Bridget Hanger, auxiliary board member; Jansen Neff, event chair/notMYkid event manager; and Kerri Geisler, auxiliary board member