Events are back, and they’re better than ever. Check out our roundup of some of the valley’s most recent celebrations.
PHOTO COURTESY OF NOCHE EN BLANCO
SIXTH ANNUAL NOCHE EN BLANCO In late October, Hance Park Conservancy—in partnership with the city of Phoenix—celebrated the sixth annual Noche en Blanco event in high style. Inspired by a similar event that originated in Paris more than 30 years ago, guests donned all-white ensembles for the alfresco community dinner, where they enjoyed a sunset toast before vibrant performances by the Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra. Additional special performances representing the Japanese Friendship Garden, the Irish Cultural Center, the Arizona School for the Arts, Mariachi Fusion and The Nash also took place. One hundred percent of proceeds from the event benefited the nonprofit Hance Park Conservancy.
PHOTO COURTESY OF NIGHT OF HOPE GALA
NIGHT OF HOPE GALA More than 350 guests flocked to Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch for the Phoenix-based childhood cancer foundation Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels’ Night of Hope Gala. Kicking off the 2021 gala season with a bang, the event raised a whopping $607,000 for programs benefiting families facing childhood cancer. Besides dinner, dancing, speeches—including one by child cancer survivor Trinity (pictured at right)—and live entertainment, the event featured a silent auction with more than 150 items.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE POLO PARTY
BENTLEY SCOTTSDALE POLO CHAMPIONSHIPS 10TH ANNIVERSARY: PRESENTED BY TALKING STICK RESORT To celebrate a decade of polo, more than 12,000 fans descended upon WestWorld of Scottsdale in late October for a fun-filled day of matches with top players like legend Nic Roldan; Melissa Ganzi and her son, Grant Ganzi; and more. In addition to polo, guests enjoyed The Canine Couture Dog Fashion Show presented by Lugari Pet Salon, the World’s Longest Catwalk Fashion Show on Grass produced by Phoenix Fashion Week, a preview of Barrett-Jackson’s 2022 Car Collector Scottsdale Auction and performances by the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show. Compared to 2019, ticket revenue for this year’s event increased more than 180%. Wow!
PHOTO BY ROBERT HUMANSKI
PHOENIX CANCER SUPPORT NETWORK’S FIFTH ANNUAL FRIENDRASIER & GALA Dr. Stephanie Lindauer, Dr. Noemi Sigalove, Dr. Steven Lindauer, Dr. Steven Sigalove (all pictured) and many more attended the Phoenix Cancer Support Network’s fifth annual Friendraiser & Gala, where a record-breaking $66,000-plus was raised to help provide cancer care services. Hosted by emcee and radio legend Dave Pratt and influencer Julie Xander, the event featured many fun moments, like when dancers from Fred Astaire Dance Studios of Paradise Valley taught the PCSN shuffle, and an exciting bidding war for a pair of signed Mike Tyson boxing gloves.
PHOTO COURTESY OF KIDS IN FOCUS
NOCHE PARA LOS NIÑOS FUNDRAISER The Arizona Heritage Center at Papago Park was abuzz on Nov. 4 when Kids in Focus held its annual Noche para los Niños fundraiser. The beautiful evening included performances by hoop dancers, stilt walkers and dancers, along with music by Nate Nathan and the Mac Daddy-O’s. Auctioneer Anna Aja led the exciting live auction, while emcee Catherine Anaya kept the crowd entertained throughout the evening. A moving tribute to honorary chairs philanthropists Billie Jo and the late Judd Herberger was made by Kids in Focus founder Karen Shell and event chair Stephanie Nowack.
Photography by:
