March 22, 2017

Inaugural Gala Raises $92K to Benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital

Left: Performer, Pyrrha Sutra Presents. Top, middle: Guest of honor Kiara Grindrod with her father, Jeremiah Grindrod. Right: Robin Macy and Vera Gibran

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital hosted its first gala, A Night in Venice at Carnevale, on March 3 at the Legacy Ballroom. The inaugural event brought supporters from across Arizona together to raise awareness and more than $92,000 to support the life-saving mission of St. Jude and enjoy authentic Italian fare and entertainment in the style of the traditional Venetian Carnevale.

The event, emceed by Nina D. and Chris from the Chris and Nina Morning Show on KLME Country 107.9, featured a cocktail reception, live and silent auctions, dinner by Creations in Cuisine Catering, a masquerade-themed cake by Cake Doll and live performances by fire breathers, stilt-walkers and contortionists from Pyrrha Sutra Presents.

During dinner, guests heard the story of 2017 guest of honor Kiara Grindrod, who was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor, medulloblastoma. She underwent seven rounds of chemotherapy, six weeks of radiation therapy and intensive rehabilitation services at St. Jude. Now finished with her initial treatment, Kiara visits St. Jude quarterly for checkups.

Robin Macy and Vera Gibran co-chaired the event.

ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY

Committee members Holly Carroll, Susan Sheen, Lynita Johnson, Jazmin Contreras, Toni Teplitsky, Rachel Martin, Robin Macy and Vera Gibran (Not pictured: Lauren Mendoza)