Assistance League® of Phoenix held its 52nd Annual Celebration of Caring Gala, “Big Dreams & Blueprints” on March 10, 2023, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Chateau Luxe, located at 1175 E. Lone Cactus Dr. in Phoenix. The evening raised over $560,000 to benefit children in need throughout the Greater Phoenix area.

“We’re so appreciative of the generous support that we received from our corporate & foundation partners, our members & volunteers, and many friends in the community who helped to make this a record-breaking year,” said Aimee Runyon, CEO, Assistance League of Phoenix.

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 honoree was Jim Swanson, President, and CEO of Kitchell Corporation. He received the Excellence in Philanthropy Award. The employee-owned enterprise is focused on charitable endeavors in the areas of education, pediatric healthcare and social services; helping dozens of organizations in communities where they have operations. Swanson, along with the rest of Kitchell leadership, encourages community service, caring, and helping neighbors in times of need.

Nick Cilleti, Anchor ABC 15 emceed the event and Leticia Frye was the auctioneer. Assistance League of Phoenix Vice Chair Susan Frank was Event Chairman. Susan along with the gala committee organized an evening of entertainment, auction, networking and philanthropy for professionals and businesses from across the Valley.

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

About Assistance League of Phoenix:
Assistance League of Phoenix is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has been serving the Phoenix area for 61 years. The organization has 130 members and over 1200 community/corporate volunteers and is affiliated with a national Assistance League with 120 chapters nationwide. Last year, Assistance League of Phoenix members volunteered over 26,000 hours and raised $2 million to serve over 20,000 children in the greater Phoenix community. For more information on Assistance League of Phoenix visit http://www.alphx.org.