April 2, 2015

2015 Celebration of Caring

(left to right) Dorothy Hobbs gets a hug from Baxter; Susan Thomas with Assistance League President Barbara Morray; and Brooke Mitchell and her mother, Pat Erickson

The Assistance League of Phoenix’s 44^th Annual Celebration of Caring was March 14

at the Omni Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Montelucia. The occasion served as an

opportunity to honor three outstanding individuals with Excellence in Philanthropy

awards: Derrick Hall, president and CEO of the Arizona Diamondbacks (accepted by

Tom Harris); Joe Ducey of ABC15’s “Let Joe Know” and Jerry Wissink for

BHHS Legacy Foundation. Brenda Sperduti, Assistance League of Phoenix CEO

and executive director, presented the awards.

Special guests Penni Martinez, community outreach specialist from Cactus Wren School in the Washington Elementary School District, and her student, Tha Zin, spoke about the impact the new school uniforms provided by Assistance Leaauge have on children who often do not have new school clothes, how it boosts self-esteem and allows children to focus more on their studies.

Auctioneer Paul Ramirez energized the audience during the live auction and came back on stage later calling for Dress A Child pledges. The pledges began with the announcement of a $25,000 anonymous gift from an audience member, followed by another announcement that Blue Cross Shield pledged $10,000. The Diamondbacks’ Tom Harris pledged &7,500. Brenda Sperdulti announced that Phoenix Rotary 100 will also make a grant of $50,000 to support Operation School Bell.

In all, guests pledged more than $76,000 to Dress A Child, plus the $50,000 Rotary gift, all to be matched by BHHS Legacy Foundation. In total, the evening raised more than $400,000. Stephanie Chastain chaired the occasion, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona was the presenting sponsor.