Oct. 21, 2014

Porch Party

: Event chairs Molly Stockley and Dr. Sameer Keole

: Dr. Samir Patel

: Gordon and Ruthie Johnson

: Honorary Chairs Kay Kays and Dr. Michael Gordon

: Jeff and Trisha Gardner

: Paula and Bob Hardison

: Phil and Juanita Francis, Martha and Charlie Henderson

: Molly and Robert Stockley

: Kathy Altergott

: Jay Thomas, CSCAZ Executive Director Kathy Thomas and Jonathan DiCesare

: Erston and Dawn Senger

: Emcee Tim Hattrick, CSCAZ Board Chair Andrea Moseley and Will Moseley

CLICK ON PHOTOS

Oct. 18 evening supports programs of Cancer Support Communities

Molly Stockley, assistant vice president of hospital growth for Cancer Treatment Centers of America, and Dr. Sameer Keole, Proton Beam medical director for the Mayo Clinic, joined forces to chair the 2014 Porch Party. The Oct. 18 event at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown benefited Cancer Support Communities, an international nonprofit dedicated to providing support, education and hope to people affected by cancer.

CSCAZ Youth Leadership Council members hosted an art gallery and showcased their photographs they took at the Phoenix Zoo that depict what leadership means to them. Appetizers for the evening were prepared by CTCA Chef Frank Caputo. The evening also included a live auction, Gift Card Frenzy and a fund-a-program opportunity. Live music was provided by Laura Fial and Friends.

Community volunteer, patient advocate and 20-year pancreatic cancer survivor Kay Kays and Dr. Michael Gordon, Pinnacle Oncology Hematology, served as honorary co-chairs. They spoke about new discoveries in immunotherapy, the research and personal discoveries behind the needs to provide a better quality of life through the psychological and social services that CSCAZ provides.

About admin

Porch Party

: Scott Caygill, executive chef, True Foods at Scottsdale Quarter

: Youth artists Manuel Ordonez, Serena Bellinger, Rosie Garcia, Kara Houser and Eddy Torres

: Rachel and Colby Finchman

: Tracy Thurston and Cherie and Natalee Lauro

: Vincent Guerithault, executive chef and owner, Vincent on Camelback

: Kyle Jones, Melissa Seiler, Jonathan DiCesare, Emilie Jarboe and Nicole DiModica

: Nancy Dregne and David Gonzales

: Mary Ann Sturm, Melissa Costello, Mary Bielsik, Halo Holman, Jamie Sellar and Ninette Sellar

: Dawn Kennington-Bejar, executive chef of Benedict’s, with Courtney Nouri

: Honorary co-chairs Kara Houser and Hal Holman

: Co-chairs Andrea Moseley and Reisha Zang

: Dana Mule, co-owner of Hula’s Modern Tiki, with teammate Ashley

CLICK ON PHOTOS

The Wellness Community moved its annual fundraising dinner from the backyard of its home on East Palm Lane in Phoenix to the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown on Nov. 8. New to the party this year was a display of photographs by youth artists, depicting how they grow their strength during and after the cancer journey.

Chefs from around the Valley created recipes with cancer-fighting foods and made the recipe cards available for guests to take home. Vincent on Camelback, Benedict’s, True Food Kitchen and Hula’s provided the tasting menu.

The formula was a successful one that drew 400 guests and raised $300,000 for the Wellness Community, which provides support, education and hope to people affected by cancer and their loved ones. Andrea Moseley and Reisha Zang co-chaired the dinner, and Kara Houser and Hal Holman served as honorary chairs. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona was the presenting sponsor.

About admin

Porch Party

The ninth annual Porch Party to benefit The Wellness Community-AZ was held Oct. 29 in the newly purchased lot adjacent to the organization’s 103-year-old California bungalow-style home in downtown Phoenix. Every year, the theme centers around the welcoming front porch at The Wellness Community, emphasizing the warmth and hope cancer survivors feel as they walk through the doors.

Guests enjoyed a family-style dinner of roasted chicken and beef short ribs, acorn squash boats with smashed potatoes and fall roasted root vegetables.

David Bauer Occasions designed the décor, and Laura Fial Trio played throughout the cocktail hour and dinner. After dinner, guests danced to the tunes of McFly.

The evening honored Paula and Bob Hardison for their dedication to cancer survivors. Paula is The Wellness Community’s former executive director. The Hardisons issued a challenge gift of $15,000 to ensure another $15,000 would be raised in the call-to-the-heart fundraising initiative, which raises funds specifically for operational needs. The gifts were then matched by Janet and Clive Cussler, generous supporters of The Wellness Community-Arizona.

Nita and Phil Francis were the evening’s honorary chairs.