Havana Nights

2015 Children’s Museum of Phoenix

fundraiser raises $175K for the

museum’s Every Child Program.

For the 335 guests at the March 14 fundraising gala for the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, it was a night in Havana without ever leaving Phoenix. This year’s gala transported guests to a steamy and sensational evening of music, entertainment, food and drinks infused with Latin flair at the Lath House Pavilion in Heritage Square in downtown Phoenix.

The evening raised almost $175,000 to benefit the museum’s Every Child Program, which ensures that all children in the community have the opportunity to experience the museum’s rich learning environment without having to pay.

Upon arrival, guests enjoyed a cocktail party on the green in Heritage Square. The offerings included specialty Mojitos courtesy Bootlegger’s and Joyride Taco House, and appetizers courtesy of District American Kitchen and Wine Bar, Oregano’s Pizza Bistro, Province, Stonegrill at the JW Marriott Resort and Spa, the Ritz-Carlton Phoenix and Jewel’s Bakery and Café. During the cocktail party, guests bid on an array of silent auction items.

(left) Rhoda Rizkalla-Couvaras, gala chair, and Kate Wells, Children's Museum of Phoenix CEO 

For dinner at the Lath House Pavilion, guests were treated to a Latin-inspired menu served by the museum’s exclusive in-house caterer, Spoonz Café. A live auction during the dinner hour raised more than $50,000.

The evening included the presentation of the museum’s Kids at Heart Award to the 2015 recipients: Sandi Perez of the Delta Dental Foundation of Arizona received the individual award, and Dignity Health received the corporate award.

Entertainment during cocktails and dinner was provided by Marcus Crego and the Cuban Tribe and Dance Time Studio, Jaime Rivera. During the after party, guests danced to the beats of DJ Mister PHX and enjoyed a cigar bar and desserts offered by Chestnut Fine Foods and Provisions, Del Frisco’s Grill, Fairytale Brownies and Kick Ass Kakes. 

Rhoda Rizkalla-Couvaras chaired the gala, and 12 News reporter Gia Vang served as emcee for the evening.

(left) Kate Wells, Children's Museum of Phoenix CEO, and honoree Sandi Perez, Delta Dental Foundation of Arizona

array(right) Dan and Becky Lieberman, chair of the Children's Museum of Phoenix board of directors

(left) Joyride Mojitos with bartender Brent Karlicek

array(right) Appetizers courtesy of Stonegrill at the JW Marriott

array(right) Dining tables inside the Lath House Pavilion