Teaming Up For Kids

The ninth annual luncheon March 3 to benefit Florence Crittenton was a slam dunk for the young people who utilize the organization’s services. Keynote speak Bill Walton shared words of wisdom and lessons learned through his career, focusing on teamwork and the ability to overcome adversity.

HOPE Award recipient Gerda Weissmann Klein inspired guests with her powerful story of surviving the Holocaust.

Tables for the nearly 900 guests were topped with brightly colored bags that included toiletries, bath items and clothing/hair accessories for the young women. David Bauer, Oonagh Boppart and Barbara Lytle underwrote the centerpieces.

In addition to the silent auction, the “dream bag” fundraiser, where table hosts bid silently to receive an overflowing gift bag of goodies for everyone at the table, helped fill the coffers.

In all, the efforts generated almost $460,000 to support the organization’s core programs. The luncheon was chaired by Rebecca Ailes-Fine and Kathy Munson, and the presenting sponsor was The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com.