‘Venice’ Gala Raises $92K for St. Jude
The inaugural St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Gala, “A Night in Venice at Carnevale,” brought supporters from across Arizona together to raise over $92,000 to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
On March 3, guests gathered at the Legacy Ballroom 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; 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.
Items up for auction included a night with rock legend Alice Cooper and trips to Boston, Las Vegas, and Memphis, which included a VIP tour of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
During dinner, attendees heard the story of 2017 Guest of Honor, Kiara, 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 regular checkups.
The evening to fight childhood cancer was made possible by sponsors including TSYS, American Airlines, AJ’s Fine Foods, Arizona Distilling Company, Cake Doll, Fingerpaint Marketing, Chris and Nina from KMLE 107.9, Elizabeth Marie Photography and Epic Valet.
