Portraits of Opportunity to benefit children

Photo by Christine Keith.

A unique photography exhibit and fundraiser this week focuses on children who need your help.

The third annual Portraits of Opportunity event celebrates  the real lives of families impacted by the services available at Southwest Human Development — while acknowledging the growing unmet needs of others.

Photo by Rick Gayle.

The event features work by some of the Valley’s best-known photographers, whose pictures tell the stories of children and families who were touched and changed. Participants will meet the photographers and families and learn about the latest work in the early childhood field.

Portraits of Opportunity takes place from 6 to 9pm Thursday, Oct. 20 from 6-9pm at Steele Indian School Park’s Memorial Hall and includes wine, beer, hors d’oeuvres, live music and a silent auction. All proceeds benefit programs for young children.

Auction items include:

• 12 person suite at a Phoenix Coyotes game
• one night stay for two plus a $150 spa credit at the Enchantment Resort in Sedona
• Police helicopter patrol flight
• Bootcamp membership
• Gift certificates to some of Phoenix’s best restaurants

Photo by Rick Gayle.

Tickets are $75 in advance and $85 at the door. Get your
tickets today.

Southwest Human Development is Arizona’s largest nonprofit child development agency, providing programs and support for more than 135,000 children ages birth to 5 and their families.

“I’ve met many famlies who are so grateful for the services that [SWHD] offered,” says Karen Ramos, senior manager of community relations for CVS Caremarks and a longtime SWHD supporter. “One particular mother didn’t know what to do or where to turn when she had a baby born with a disability. A nurse at the hospital told her about Southwest Human Development; she was so grateful to have that help to guide her. When I met her, the child was 3 and she had seen him improve and grow. She attributed all of it, from the day he was born, to Southwest Human Development.”

Read some of the success stories that inspired the exhibit. To purchase tickets, visit swhd.org or call Lindsey Roberts at 602-224-1759.

Photo by Christine Keith.

Fighting back with A Confident Start

Arizona Broadway Theater and New Life Center are sponsoring a beauty product donation drive to benefit women who are suffering from domestic abuse.

“A Confident Start” is an effort to help restore self-esteem and confidence to women who have fled violent home situations in search of new, independent and violence-free lives.

During the run of Arizona Broadway Theatre’s “Steel Magnolias” (Sept. 2-25) patrons are asked to donate a new, unwrapped beauty product as they arrive to watch the show. The products will be distributed to women who arrive at the New Life Center with a little more than the clothes they are wearing.

"Steel Magnolias" runs Sept 2-25 at Arizona Broadway Theatre in ...???

Why “Steel Magnolias”? ABT staff thought it was the perfect show to pair with this event because its themes explore true friendship and the importance of  feeling beautiful on both the outside and inside.

Even if you can’t make one of the shows,  you can participate in the beauty drive. Donations will be accepted at the ABT box office from  10am Monday-Sunday, through Sept. 25.

ABT is a nonprofit dinner theatre that showcases actors and designers from the greater Phoenix area and around the country. All aspects of the productions are build at the theater, making it one of the largest producers of live, year-round theater in Arizona. The theater is located at 7701 W. Paradise Lane in Peoria. For information, call 623-776-8400 or visit azbroadway.org.

Goodyear-based New Life Center has been dedicated to sheltering victims of domestic violence since 1991. Last year alone, services were provided to 1,121 women and children fleeing domestic violence. Of those, 95 percent went on to live in an abuse-free setting after completing the New Life Center’s program. Learn more. — Jordan Taffet

So many (fun)draisers this weekend!

All of the following events take place this Saturday, May 7:

WalK WITH ME TO CURE ARTHRITIS

The Arthritis Foundation Greater Southwest Chapter is hosting its annual Walk with me to Cure Arthritis event to raise awareness about arthritis. The leisurely 1.1 mile-walk around the Phoenix Zoo concludes with a DJ, Massage Envy massage chairs and GoDaddy photo opportunity with a motorcycle and a GoDaddy Girl. Registration (free, donations welcome) begins at 7am; walk begins at 8am. Participation gives you free access to the zoo for the rest of the day. 455 N. Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix.

WALK WITH ME

Easter Seals Southwest Human Development hosts Arizona’s third annual Walk With Me event to benefit children with disabilities and support a wide array of developmental programs, therapies and activities for thousands of Arizona children. The 1.25-mile community walk will be followed by a fun-filled morning of entertainment, food and family activities. Registration begins at 7am; walk begins at 8am. Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Rd. in Phoenix. Learn more.

PRAY FOR JAPAN – SOUND OF CHERRY BLOSSOM

Xavier College Preparatory will present a special benefit classical concert, “Pray for Japan—Sound of Cherry Blossom.” The two-hour concert features Naoko Garrison and her friends in a classic concert including a piano solo, piano duo, small ensemble and voice solo. 7pm in the Virginia G. Piper Performing Arts Center at Xavier College Preparatory. $15 minimum donation for adults and $8 for ages 18 and under. All proceeds will be donated to Catholic Relief Services to help the victims of the earthquake in Japan.

A DERBY AFFAIR

From 1 to 4:30pm the Kentucky Derby will be coming to Arizona as Homeward Bound hosts its 7th Annual “A Derby Affair.” The Derby Lawn of the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa will be transformed into a day of grand traditions and fashionable hats for this event featuring the South’s finest fare, beverages and the best attire this side of the Mississippi. Money raised will support Homeward Bound’s work with families coping with homelessness and domestic violence.

Guests will mingle in “millionaires’ row” while feasting on southern culinary delights, “betting” on horse races throughout the day, taking part in a “Best Dressed” and “Best Hat” competition, enjoying the cigar lounge, bidding in the silent auction and taking photo ops with the on-site equine. The event will culminate with the Kentucky Derby’s Run for the Roses, which will be simulcast on large screens placed throughout the Derby Lawn for all to enjoy.

Tickets range from $350 to $5,000. ) Learn more. and for more information on Homeward Bound.

Date nights for a cause

Date nights may have become a little more rare since your family has grown but have no fear! During the coming weeks there are several events going on that will give you the chance to spend alone time together while beer tasting, golfing and rocking out for a cause.

The certified therapy dogs at PCH comfort kids and families and often play an integral role in motivating kids to heal. Photo courtesy of Swing Fore Kids.

Sixth Annual Swing Fore Kids Golf Classic

Wake up bright and early and pack the clubs in the car. While enjoying your golf came at Monument Course at Troon North Golf Club, you’ll also be helping to bring fuzzy friends to visit young patients at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.  All proceeds will go to benefit the hospital’s Animal Assisted Therapy Program.

Sponsored by the Southwest Section of the PGA and Petsmart, golfers will enjoy a continental breakfast, lunch program, silent auction and raffle.

You’ll go home feeling much more connected, and, should you be the lucky golfer to make a hole-in-one, you might also bring home $50, 000.

The shotgun start is at 8:30am on Friday, April 22 at Monument Course,  10320 E Dynamite Blvd in Scottsdale. Learn more.

Rock the Zoo

For this trip to the zoo, couples will definitely be leaving the kids at home. The beverages will be abundant as guests get the chance to sample beer, wine and liquor from more than 30 local breweries, wineries and distributors.

While sipping cocktails, the music of several ’80s-style rock bands will be floating through the air. The Motels, Dramarama, Tommy Tutone, Animotion, The Promise and comedian Barry Sobel will all be performing to help raise money for the zoo animals and educational programs.

Your chance to give is through buying 50/50 tickets, where one winner will bring home half of the cash, while the other half is given to the zoo.

The event takes place from 7pm-11pm on Friday, April 29, at the Phoenix Zoo.

Karaoke day at the STARS programs new Cholla Campus.

Fiesta de las Madrinas

Fiesta de las Madrinas benefits STARS, an organization that helps adults with conditions like autism, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy.

Alongside a silent auction featuring paintings and photography from some of STARS’ own artists, guests will be able to taste tequila from Senor Rio, enjoy the music of Mariachi Pasion and dance to Main Street Swing.

The evening begins at 6pm on Saturday, May 7, at Chaparral Suites, 5001 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale.

Earlier this year, STARS added services for teens transitioning from local high schools at a new Cholla Community Campus. The Cholla Campus is the result of a partnership with the Scottsdale Unified School District and is also home to the Miracle League of Arizona.

Coming this fall, the campus will add a PANDA Program for preschoolers with special needs and a medical clinic for individuals with special needs. STARS’ participants learn life skills, cooking and baking, become award-winning artists, and can realize their dream of increased independence through on-site work centers or competitive employment in our community. Learn more about STARS. — Veronica Jones

Plan your “date night” around a cause

For some couples, planning a weekly “date night” is a way to keep the “you and me” intact when so much focus and time is directed to the all-consuming demands of family.

What if “date night” had an even larger purpose? What if your evening out involved support for local arts groups, innovative education programs or the struggling families of Japan?

Here are some opportunities and upcoming events to consider.

Champagne & Crepes

Jazz artist Lyn Jackson.

Arizona Museum for Youth is holding a “Champagne & Crepes” fundraiser from 6 to 9pm Saturday, March 26. Enjoy champagne and local microbrews, an assortment of sweet and savory crepes, entertainment by Phoenix jazz artist Lyn Jackson, beautiful artwork and hands-on activities from the “Once Upon a Time” exhibition and nostalgia in the new presentation of “Play Ball! The Cactus League Experience.” Ages 21 & up only. March 26. $75 per person with proceeds benefiting educational programs, exhibitions and general operating costs at the Museum. 35 N. Robson St., Mesa. 480-644-5564 or arizonamuseum foryouth.com.

Jazz It Up For Literacy

Jazz event on the 27th promotes literacy for children and adults.

In Arizona, four students in a standard class of 27 have reading
disabilities, such as dyslexia. If not properly diagnosed and treated, a learning disability can impact a child’s life forever. Whether helping a child overcome a disability or offering free literacy classes to adults, Arizona Literacy & Learning Center works to change lives.

A March 27 benefit concert, “Jazz It Up For Literacy,” will feature vocalist Dennis Rowland, trumpeter Jesse McGuire and Clark Krueger’s Extreme Decibel Big Band. The event takes place Sunday, March 27, at the Herberger Theater Center in downtown Phoenix. Enjoy an elegant hors d’oeuvre reception and silent auction from 5:30 to 7pm, followed by the concert performance at 7:15. Admission is $50 for orchestra-loge-mezzanine seats and $40 for upper balcony seating. Learn more or purchase tickets.

Recovery Roll

Sushi at Stingray Sushi in Scottsdale.

Stingray Sushi in Old Town Scottsdale has added the Recovery Roll to its menu, all proceeds from which  benefit Red Cross support of the recovery efforts in Japan. The Recovery Roll consists of spicy tuna and avocado, topped with seared salmon and spicy sesame honey mustard sauce and scallions. It’s available now for $12. 4302 N. Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale. 480-941-4460 or stingraysushi.com.