Child Crisis Arizona, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the well-being and safety of children and families, will host its milestone 49th annual signature fundraising gala – Mixtape Magic – at the JW Marriot Camelback Inn Resort & Spa in Scottsdale on March 21, starting at 6 p.m. Mixtape Magic will take place entirely under the stars and take guests on a rad journey back to the 80s, complete with arcade games, live entertainment, and much more.

“In recent years, we’ve transported guests to the disco days of the 1970s, to the tropics of Hawaii, and even to John Dutton’s Yellowstone ranch via our funky twists on the traditional gala, and this year is no different,” said Torrie Taj, CEO of Child Crisis Arizona. “For one night, we want to take guests back to the biggest and most bodacious moments of the 80s to help us celebrate what has been an extraordinary period of growth for our organization as well as to help us usher in some sweeping new initiatives.”

Guests who attend the event will surely get neon-soaked nostalgia from the entertainment in every direction throughout the evening. Rather than hosting a traditional cocktail hour and then seated ballroom dinner, Mixtape Magic takes place entirely outdoors across the expansive terraces at the JW Marriot Camelback Inn Resort & Spa. The evening will kick off with a laundry list of inspired activations, notably a large-scale vintage arcade with everything from Ms. Pac-Man to Whack-A-Mole, DJ spinning classic 80s hits, a host of iconic 1980s look-alikes including Cyndi Lauper and Madonna, and even Glamour Shots.

“Oh, Glamour Shots! Rather than the usual photo booth, we wanted to bring back those gloriously over-the-top photo sessions many of us took part in at our local mall back in the 1980s, complete with soft lighting, big hair energy, and dramatic poses,” said Taj. “Equal parts nostalgia and playful camp, guests can strike a pose, lean into the decade’s excess, and walk away with a frame-worthy memory that is as fabulous as it is fun.”

Mixtape Magic will also feature themed cocktails and mocktail, including a dirty soda bar, and Rancher Hat Bar will give guests the chance to customize their own vintage trucker hat. Of course, there will also be both live and silent auctions, with gnarly packages from the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Mastro’s, Little Daisy Inn, Garland Hotel North Hollywood, The Phoenician, Hotel Valley Ho, Revel Surf, Kimpton Miralina Rersort, Tommy Bahama, 32 Shea, Brody’s Italian, ONEHOPE Wine, Rusty Spur, The Mick Brasserie, Anhelo, Buck & Rider, Pyro, Picazzo’s, Pinyon, Lovecraft, Toca, Madera, and many more.

“After the cocktail reception, guests will move to a larger 80s-themed terrace for a gourmet dinner under the stars and program emceed by notable auctioneer Bobby D. during which time we will share success stories from individuals who have benefitted from the organization, host our paddle raiser and raffle, and then get dancing all night long,” said Taj.

To ensure guests get “Footloose,” Mixtape Magic is honored to have the iconic Rock Lobster serve as its house band for the evening. This beloved band leans hard into retro fun, playing crowd-pleasing ’80s and early ’90s hits with big personalities, bold costumes, and dance-floor-ready energy designed to keep the party going all night.

In addition to Rock Lobster, after the dinner and formal program, the arcade will re-open for added fun, and guests will also have the chance to snag luxury wines and spirits via a scratcher-style raffle game all night long.

Mixtape Magic is made possible by the generous sponsorship of General Dynamics, CHASSE Building Team, Wilde Wealth Management Group, Lennar Homes, America First Credit Union, Nautilus Insurance, and Nationwide Insurance.

“Child Crisis Arizona exists to ensure that moments of crisis do not define a child’s life. By providing safety, stability, and care when it matters most, we help children and families move from uncertainty toward possibility. By supporting this event, guests are supporting the future of Arizona,” said Taj.

Individual tickets start at $500 each, and tables start at $5,000. Individuals or business interested in sponsorship opportunities should contact at Emily Obenauf at Emily.Obenauf@childcrisisaz.org.

For more information, visit www.childcrisisaz.org/event/mixtape-magic.