‘Downtown Soul’ Raises Funds for Children, Families in Crisis
The sounds of Motown resounded throughout “Downtown Soul,” the 37th annual Friends of Child Crisis Arizona Gala on Feb. 11 at the Sheraton Grand Phoenix. More than 450 guests attended, many dressing Motown-style for the occasion. The generous guests helped raise more than $400,000 for Child Crisis Arizona.
The agency runs the only licensed emergency shelter program for children from birth to age 8 in Maricopa County. It also licenses foster families and certifies adoptive families, operates Early Head Start and preschool programs, coordinates home visitation services and runs family classes and workshops.
Kate Dei Cas and Nicole Garcia co-chaired the gala. Arrowhead Cadillac, the presenting sponsor, generously donated a 2017 Cadillac XT5 Crossover for the evening’s live auction. Other items included jewelry from Isaac Jewelers and an exclusive six-course, in-home dinner for 40 guests prepared by Thrillist Chef of the Year Silvana Salcido Esparza of Barrio Café.
PHOTOS BY COLLEEN KATZ/PICTURES IN PIXELS AND RAYANN MARIA PHOTOGRAPHY
Maria Williams, Marisa Harelson and Lesia Jones
Torrie Taj, Child Crisis Arizona CEO, with Bob and Charmie Bove
Friends of Child Crisis Arizona
Guests ready for Motown; Michelle and Rick Meewes with Torrie Taj
Patti and Jessie Thomas; Pat Andler, Torrie Taj and Hunter Marckwald, board chair
Gina Montion and Scott Sharples; Jackie Forbes
Gala volunteers
Adoptive mom Tara Montgomery
