Verde Valley News – The annual fundraiser for Verde Valley Caregivers Coalition filled Enchantment Resort’s ballroom with men in crisp tuxedos and women dressed to the tiara.
Guests said, “it was over the top,” and “definitely the best event of the year in the Verde Valley.”
The 160 gala guests last Friday followed inspiration from 60s icons like Sean Connery in James Bond and Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The Black and White Gala a la 60s projects raising $200,000 for VVCC’s programs and services.
“We are so proud of the efforts of our staff and supporters,” said Linda Clark associate executive director and event coordinator. “We were pleased to see all of our live and silent auction items leave the event with guests.”
The night saw people dancing beneath twinkling lights on a black and white dance floor in the Anasazi Ballroom with flowing draperies and an assortment of 60s-themed dining tables, all designed by Talk of the Town events. But what really got people moving was the music by the Lucky Devils Band, playing instantly recognizable tunes like the James Bond theme, Burt Bacharach hits, and Henry Mancini tracks.
But the night of fun was ultimately for a larger cause. The support of VVCC’s mission and services will help ensure the nonprofit’s 3,900 clients across the Verde Valley will receive the support they need to remain independent, including accessing their healthcare, food, and support services.
VVCC’s mission commits to supporting and encouraging older adults in their quest to age in place in their community of choice by enhancing their independence, promoting a higher quality of life, reducing barriers to happiness, and making the Verde Valley an attractive and sustainable retirement destination.
VVCC thanks the following sponsors: Title Sponsor Verde Valley Rural Health Network; James Bond sponsors Bruce and Ann Peek, John and Ann Steinbrunner; Breakfast at Tiffany’s sponsors John and Kathy Louderback, Northern Arizona Healthcare’s Office of Philanthropy, Savas and Linda Sosangelis, and Ray and Debbie Schwartz; Event Sponsors Mary Jane Thompson, Sedona Monthly, Javelina Leap Vineyard and Winery, and Enchantment Resort.
VVCC would also like to thank live auction donors Savas and Linda Sosangelis, Forty1 Executive Chef Dave Duncan, Mike and Christine Schroeder, Mike Parish, and all our wonderful silent auction donors.
“The event’s success is really due to our dedicated donors and supporters,” Clark said. “They are the reason we can do what we do, and we love throwing them the best party we can.”
VVCC is a 501 (c) (3), in its 32nd year, with approximately 3,900 older adults and adults with disabilities enrolled throughout the Verde Valley. VVCC’s services are provided at no cost to eligible clients. Volunteers provide many of the services. For information about services and/or volunteering please call (928) 204-1238.
You may also visit our website https://vvcaregivers.org/ to donate and for a full list of client services and volunteer opportunities.