Connections of Hope

The Oct. 6 gala at the Montelucia Resort & Spa to support Teen Lifeline saw revenues increase 400 percent over last year’s event. Through attendance and live and silent auctions, the 330 generous attendees raised $360,000. The proceeds will fund Teen Lifeline’s peer-to-peer hotline and suicide prevention community outreach.

Jerry Colangelo, Arizona business, entrepreneur and sports mogul, was presented the Alfredo J. Molina Community Lifeline Award. The award was named in honor of Molina, its original recipient, for his service to Arizona youth and community.

The annual fundraising dinner featured live entertainment by Justice Odem and the Dylan Gardner Band.

Renee Dee and Jennifer Collins were the event co-chairs. Teen Lifeline is an independent, Phoenix-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide a safe, confidential and crucial crisis service where teens help teens make healthy decisions.