Assistance League® of Phoenix held its 53rd Annual Celebration of Caring Gala, “The Butterfly Effect” on April 6, 2024, from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Chateau Luxe, located at 1175 E. Lone Cactus Dr. in Phoenix. The evening raised over $554,000 to benefit children in need throughout the Greater Phoenix area.

“This year’s gala illustrated the large impact we can have when we come together as a community,” said Aimee Runyon, CEO, Assistance League of Phoenix. “We are so thankful for our corporate & foundation partners, our members & volunteers, and the many friends who helped make the evening a success.”

The funds will support Operation School Bell®, the nonprofit’s signature program, which provides school clothing, shoes and hygiene items for thousands of children living in poverty. Other programs include providing basic need items for newborns born into poverty, providing teddy bears for children to hold as a calming and security aid during a crisis and providing books to K-8 students and schools with high rates of poverty and local social service agencies.

This year’s emcee was Nick Ciletti, ABC15 Arizona. This year’s Excellence in Philanthropy honoree was the Carroll & Marguerite Wheeler Foundation. The Texas-based organization supports a broad spectrum of charitable organizations dedicated to educating, supporting and strengthening families and communities.

Sara Fleury, Executive Director, The Scottsdale Center for the University of Arizona and Assistance League of Phoenix Advisory Council Member was this year’s Event Chairman. Sara, along with the gala committee, organized and developed the vision for an evening of entertainment, auction, networking and philanthropy for professionals and businesses from across the Valley.

Presenting sponsors of the event were Desert Financial Credit Union and The Carroll & Marguerite Wheeler Foundation.