Child Crisis Arizona Hosts Fundraising Lunch
On Oct. 20, Child Crisis Arizona hosted its annual fundraising luncheon to share with its guests the agency’s mission of safe kids and strong families. A crowd of almost 700 attended the event at the Arizona Biltmore.
Regina Bidstrup and Torrie Taj
Child Crisis Arizona announced its new name one year ago at this same event and since then has served more than 5,500 children and families. The organization has an annual operating budget of $17 million and has grown to 280 staff members.
Thalia Ambrosia, 19, spoke at the event. She is a past shelter resident who has returned to Child Crisis Arizona as a volunteer. At 5 years old, the unsteady cycle of neglect and abuse for Thalia and her brothers came to an abrupt halt when Child Crisis Arizona welcomed them into the shelter.
“Thinking about it now, my experience at Child Crisis Arizona brings tears of joy to my eyes. For the first time in my life I felt like I was wanted, and I felt like I had a home. The employees and volunteers who worked there were not just staff to me. They were my guardian angels. Instead of doing the minimum required to get by, they went above and beyond to make sure I felt not only safe, but happy,” Ambrosia says.
The Bidstrup Foundation, General Dynamics, Talking Stick Resort, Ford, Bank of Arizona, Jaburg Wilk and Macy’s sponsored the luncheon.
PHOTOS COURTESY CHILD CRISIS ARIZONA
Peformers Sydney Del Fosse and Sydney Volker
