Camaraderie Gala

The Arizona Grand was a grand place for a party Feb. 18. The 28^th annual gala to benefit the homeless and domestic violence shelters and youth programs of A New Leaf Foundation netted $178,000.

The black-tie optional affair was chaired by Anne Bennett McCawley, A New Leaf board bember and special events chair. McCawley’s grandmother, Dorothy B. Mitchell, was one of the original founders of the agency more 40 years ago, then named PREHAB.

Former news broadcaster and Miss USA Jineane Ford was the emcee for the evening. Other royalty joined her as Miss Phoenix Whitney Thomas attended. Thomas’ platform is supporting women and children survivors of domestic violence. She volunteers at A New Leaf by garnering auction items, attending events and promoting the agency and its causes on social media.

Guests browsed and bid on an assortment of silent auction items during the cocktail hour, including artwork, cruises and other trips. After dinner, the Party Favers, featuring Scott Faver, brought many of the 210 guests to the dance floor, where line dancing was especially popular.

Equally popular with the guests was the casino action, where options included Craps, Black Jack, Roulette and Texas Hold ’Em.

Iafrate & Associates sponsored the event.