Sept. 26, 2024

‘Sip & Soirée’ Event Raises Over $500,000 for Fresh Start to Help Empower Women

***2024 Co-Chairs Chelci Hudson & Erin Itkoe***

The Fresh Start Auxiliary Board hosted their annual fall luncheon on September 16, 2024 at Chateau Luxe. The event featured a successful handbag raffle that included items from Fendi and Prada.

Event Co-Chairs: Chelci Hudson & Erin Itkoe

Honorees: Barb Lowe | Fresh Start Volunteer of the Year, McCarthy | Community Partner of the Year

Presenting Sponsor: D.A.Ranch Estate Vineyards

Dollars Raised: $500,000+

Emcees: Dominique Newland & Syleste Rodriguez of FOX10

Auctioneer: Anna Aja

Entertainment: Mariachi Pasión

Notable Moments: The energetic day started with a marketplace filled with women-owned Arizona businesses and a selection of “sips” and raffle opportunities. The luncheon program included an event Ambassador fundraising face-off, won by Tony Alfonso. It concluded with an inspiring speech about the Fresh Start women being supported by Kim McWaters, President & CEO, followed by a generous show of support.

Photos: Gudenschwager Photography

***Alexandra Bray, Brecken Blades, Chelci Hudson, Arden Anderson & Rebecca Cohen-Collins***

***Allison Davis, Libby Cohen, Jen Reid, Katie Lichtsinn & Ashley Brown***

***Taylor Twedell, Natalie Hubbard & Rose Pitman***

***Executive Board of Directors Chair Kim Fowee-Perera, Jules Perera, Amina Swenson, Beth Sieloff & Francisco Kamani***

***Presenting Sponsor D.A.Ranch Estate Vineyards with Auxiliary Board member Alexis Petznick***

***Brooklyn Taylor & Andrea Casavilca***

***Auxiliary Board Chair Carina Robson, Denise Lukas & Ashley Lukas***

***Fresh Start President & CEO Kim McWaters***

***Mariachi Pasión — the all-women mariachi group!***

***Charlie Crews & Bec Striffler of McCarthy, the Fresh Start Community Partner of the Year Awardee, with Heidi Coupland, Fresh Start Chief of Staff***

***Volunteer of the Year Awardee Barb Lowe & Heidi Coupland***

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Frontdoors Media celebrates the people and groups who give generously and work to build the future of our community. It’s the premier source of information – and inspiration – for those who strive to make the Valley of the Sun a better place to live.

‘Sip & Soirée’ Event Raises Over $500,000 for Fresh Start to Help Empower Women

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