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.
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