2015 Teaming Up For Girls
(left to right) Emcee Heather Moore, luncheon chair Deborah Bateman, Florence Crittenton CEO Dr. Kellie Warren, HOPE Award recipient Shanna Parker, and keynote speaker Amy Van Dyken-Rouen
Six-time Olympic gold medalist and keynote speaker Amy Van Dyken-Rouen shared
her story of determination and resilience at the 13th Annual Teaming Up For Girls Luncheon.
The March 6 fundraising luncheon was held at the Arizona Biltmore.
More than 700 community leaders, including event chair Deborah Bateman, attended the luncheon to celebrate Florence Crittenton's 118 years of service to at-risk girls and young women in the Valley. The occasion raised $420,000-plus to support Florence Crittenton’s core programs and Girls Leadership Academy of Arizona, a Florence Crittenton initiative. The funds are vital to continuing essential care for at-risk girls to overcome issues of abuse, neglect, teen parenting and more, and to deliver college preparatory education to young women in the community.
“We are fortunate to have such compelling speakers share their stories with our supporters and especially, the girls we serve that are in the audience,” says Dr. Kellie Warren, CEO of Florence Crittenton.
Van Dyken-Rouen gave an encouraging speech about becoming an Olympian, winning six gold medals nad enduring the tough road to recovery after experiencing a nearly fatal ATV accident in Arizona. She also participated in a question-and-answer session with emcee Heather Moore of 3TV.
This year’s HOPE (Head start Opportunity, Positive future and Education for children) Award was presented to human-trafficking survivor and activist Shanna Parker, who recently founded the nonprofit Angels Go To Work and wrote an autobiography titled And He Called Me Angel. Longtime Florence Crittenton supporter Debbie Gaby received the Visionary Award.
Billing Tree and Talking Stick Resort sponsored the event.
PHOTOS: HARLEY BONHAM
(left) Dr. Kellie Warren and Visionary Award recipient Debbie Gaby
array(right) Lisa Glow, Florence Crittenton development officer, and Amy Van Dyken-Rouen
(left) Florence Crittenton Auxiliary members
array(right) National Bank of Arizona table: Standing, Cheri Brady, Dana Saylor, Dyan Haugen, Pamela Keefe, Marlena Krueger, Linda Herold and Tami Gilbertson. Seated, Tom Rouen, Amy Van Dyken-Rouen, Deborah Bateman and Kate Van Driel
(left) Jan Lewis, Cathy Stein and Susan Mayer
array(right) Amy Van Dyken-Rouen and Dr. Kellie Warren
array(left) Representatives of the Cowgirls Historical Foundation
array(right) Brian and Nina Munson, Amy Van Dyken-Rouen and Shanna Parker
(left) Shanna Parker, Amy Van Dyken-Rouen and Tahnia McKeever
array(right) Standing, Marilyn Lillard, Stephanie Bolena, Tahnia McKeever, Dr. Rachel Spieldoch, Jane Jozoff, Anne Christensen and Stevie Eller. Seated, Celia McClelland and Suellen Edens
