The local community “Saddled Up” for Child Crisis Arizona on Saturday, March 9th as the non-profit organization, which is dedicated to promoting the well-being and safety of children and families, raised over $1 million to support its intervention, prevention, and early education programs during its annual gala. In addition to raising critical funds, the Yellowstone-themed event, which took place at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa and was attended by over 450 supporters, also served as a launch for the organization’s Beyond the Building initiative.

“Later this year, we will open the doors to the 38,000-square-foot Child Crisis Arizona Center for Child & Family Wellness, bringing our foster care, adoption, counseling, family education and other vital
support services important to children's health and wellness under one roof,” said Torrie A. Taj, Chief Executive Officer of Child Crisis Arizona. “At the same time, we’ve expanded our Extended Foster Care and Kinship programs; recently acquired Whispering Hope Ranch to provide therapeutic and recreational programs for children and youth; and developed a partnership with First Things First to provide resources for every baby born in Arizona by delivering free Parent Kits to hospitals and birthing centers.”

All of this, according to Taj during her speech at the event, is coupled with Child Crisis Arizona’s plan to leverage synergies with partner organizations to provide on-site services to youth once the Center for Child & Family Wellness is complete.

This includes:
• Animal therapy care in partnership with Gabriel's Angels
• Ballet studio with instruction from Ballet Arizona
• Weekly food distribution boxes provided with support from United Food Bank
• Zero-carbon industrial kitchen supplying healthy meals for children in Early Education, Shelter, and Group Home
• Five community rooms for instruction, mentorship and collaboration for Child Crisis Arizona
• Family education with partners like Big Brothers Big Sisters of AZ, New Pathways for Youth, and one-n-ten
• An urban garden and rooftop garden for teaching gardening basics to children in their programming and growing fresh produce for the kitchen
• Eight art-inspired spaces that connect visitors to the natural elements on display within the building
• Sustainability Solar, which will ensure the building generates more power than it uses
• Car Seat Safety Station for instruction on proper installation and distribution of car seats and booster seats for certified families

“In addition to raising the vital funds needed to support our current programs, this gala was our chance to share the details of the new programming opportunities within the new Center for Child & Family Wellness with our many partners, donors, and community leaders,” said Taj. “We are so thankful for the outpouring of support and look forward to connecting with those interested in collaborating through philanthropy, volunteerism or donations for the Beyond the Building Project as we move toward our opening.”

In addition to the major programmatic and funding announcements, event guests enjoyed a gourmet dinner and signature cocktails as well as a slew of interactive entertainment options, including mechanical bull rides; photos with Bonita the burro; casino and western carnival games; and the opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind cowboy or ranch hat – complete with jewels, feathers, leather, or ribbons – at the Child Crisis Arizona Hat Bar hosted by Scottsdale’s Rancher Hat Bar. There was also live country music by Ryan and the Renegades, dancing, and a luxe silent auction as well as the chance to hear first-person accounts from members of the local community directly impacted by Child Crisis Arizona.

Individuals or business interested in learning more about how to support Child Crisis Arizona operations and all things Beyond the Building may contact Justin Duran at justin.duran@childcrisisaz.org.

For more information, visit http://www.childcrisisaz.org.