28 minute read
COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY January 2022 Writer Joseph J. Airdo
Jan. 8 and 9
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CINDERELLA KIDS AUDTIONS
Photo by Michele Celentano Musical Theatre of Anthem will audition potential cast members for its upcoming production of “Cinderella,” a stage adaptation of Disney’s treasured animated film. Auditionees aged 6–10 should prepare a musical theater song. Audition preparation workshops are available for an extra charge. $325; sibling discounts available. 10:30 a.m. RSVP. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Anthem. 623-336-6001; musicaltheatreofanthem.org
THE HELLO GIRLS
The Phoenix Theatre Company will present its production of “The Hello Girls,” a jazzy new musical about the unsung heroines of World War I — bilingual telephone operators who, after volunteering for the front lines to help turn the tide, returned home to fight a decades-long battle for equality and recognition. See website for price and times. The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-2542151; phoenixtheatre.com
Jan. 7
CHRIS MANN CELEBRATES THE TONY BENNETT SONGBOOK
Top-selling recording artist, singer, songwriter and actor Chris Mann will take the stage as part of Arizona Musicfest to celebrate the legendary music of Tony Bennett with songs from the Great American Songbook, Broadway and the biggest pop hits of Bennett’s most famous collaborators. $49+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org
Jan. 7–9
SURPRISE FINE ART AND WINE FESTIVAL
Thunderbird Artists will host its 10th annual event during which guests can view fine art selected through a comprehensive jury process, sample fine wines and spirits, snack on festival food and listen to live music — all while enjoying the sunshine and meeting fellow art lovers. Watercolor and gouache artist Ken Ferguson has been selected as the event’s featured artist while participating wineries will include Cellar 433, Schlossadler, King Frosch and Mediterranean Table, as well as Desert Diamond Distillery for whiskey, vodka and rum. $3. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Downtown Surprise, 15930 N. Bullard Ave., Surprise. thunderbirdartists.com
Jan. 8 and 9
CELEBRATE HIP HOP
Musical Instrument Museum will break into the new year with a weekend-long event featuring dance workshops and musical performances. $20; youth discounts available. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd. Phoenix. 480-478-6000; mim.org
Jan. 8 and 9
SEUSSICAL AUDITIONS
Musical Theatre of Anthem will audition potential cast members for its upcoming production of “Seussical,” a
musical caper in which Dr. Seuss' best-loved characters collide and cavort. Auditionees aged 11–19 should prepare a musical theater song. Audition preparation workshops are available for an extra charge. $325; sibling discounts available. 2:30 p.m. RSVP. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Anthem. 623-336-6001; musicaltheatreofanthem.org
Jan. 10
JOHN LLOYD YOUNG: BROADWAY’S JERSEY BOY
John Lloyd Young will take the stage as part of Arizona Musicfest to celebrate classic hits from the 50s and 60s rock ‘n’ roll, doowop and rhythm and blues. $49+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org
Jan. 14–16
WINTER CAREFREE FINE ART AND WINE FESTIVAL
Thunderbird Artists will host its 29th annual event that will bring together more than 150 juried fine artists, musicians, wineries, distilleries and more. Ceramicist Sumati Colpitts has been selected as the featured artist for the event while musicians will include violinist Teresa Joy, Chapman Stick player Bob Culbertson, guitarist Chuck Hall and flutists Henry Molder and Vibhas Kendzia. $3. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Downtown Carefree, 101 Easy Street, Carefree. thunderbirdartists.com
Jan. 14–23
DISNEY’S MY SON PINICCHIO, JR.
Starlight Community Theater will present its production of “Disney’s Pinocchio,” based on the classic animated feature film. See website for price and times. Starlight Community Theater, 1611 W. Whispering Wind Dr., Suite 9, Phoenix. starlightcommunitytheater.com
Jan. 15–April 9
RADICAL HAPPINESS
The Gallery at Chandler Center for the Arts will host an exhibition from Tucson-based artist Lex Gjurasic, featuring a collection of mixed media works that incorporate a wide breadth of unconventional materials — such as sample house paint, mortar and Styrofoam. The artist developed the series while quarantining at home during the pandemic to relieve the anxieties and uncertainties of living in a country ravaged by COVID-19. Free. The Gallery at Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. visiongallery.org
COMMUNITY January 2022 Writer Joseph J. Airdo
Jan. 20
MAURA ALLEN
Meet artist Maura Allen and discover her remarkably beautiful documentations of the American West that draw upon the continuum of its past and present. Like opening a forgotten trunk full of memories in an old attic, each of Allen’s works is full of intimate surprises. Extra inventory will be on-hand, including special oneof-a-kind pieces. Free. 4–7 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Hum Road, #7, Carefree. 480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com
GYPSY
Arizona Broadway Theatre will present its production of “Gypsy,” a musical that tells the story of the dreams and efforts of one hungry, powerhouse of a woman to get her two daughters into show business. See website for price and times. Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria. 623-776-8400; azbroadway.org
Jan. 27–29
ME, MYSELF AND SHIRLEY
Laverne and Shirley star Cindy Williams will share memories of her career and hilarious backstage tales from her lifetime in entertainment during a one-woman show that chronicles the stories, the secrets, the embarrassing moments and the highs and lows of her life in Hollywood. $30+. See website for times. Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. memyselfandshirley.com
Jan. 28
BERNADETTE PETERS CONCERT
Celebrated star of stage and screen Bernadette Peters will take the stage as part of Arizona Musicfest to perform an evening of songs from the Broadway shows for which she has received accolades as well as from her Grammy Award-winning and nominated albums. $49+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org
Jan. 28–30
ARIZONA BALLOON CLASSIC
Arizona Events Group will host its 11th annual Arizona Balloon Classic. $18+; youth, active-duty military, first responder, veteran and senior discounts available. Friday 4–8 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday 7–10 a.m. Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear. abcfest.com
Jan. 28–Feb. 13
GREASE
Fountain Hills Theater will present its production of “Grease,” based on the classic film about two lovers who, after a whirlwind summer romance, are unexpectedly reunited. See website for price and times. Fountain Hills Theater, 11445 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills. 480-837-9661; fhtaz.org
Jan. 31
SERGIO MENDES CONCERT
Legendary Brazilian bandleader Sergio Mendes will take the stage as part of Arizona Musicfest. $49+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands
Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org
Feb. 2–April 3
SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN
The Phoenix Theatre Company will present its production of “Singin’ in the Rain,” a stage adaptation of one of the most popular movie musicals of all time. See website for price and times. The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-254-2151; phoenixtheatre.com
Feb. 4–20
A SOLDIER’S PLAY
Black Theatre Troupe will present its production of “A Soldier’s Play,” a Pulitzer Prize-winning drama that examines and evaluates the causes of oppression of African Americans and the obstacles to their advancement by realistically describing the complex social issues and systemic racism in the U.S. Army during World War II. See website for price and times. Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center, 1333 E. Washington St., Phoenix. blacktheatretroupe.org
Feb. 5
LUCY LOVES DESI
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts will welcome L.A. Theatre Works for its unique radio-style production of “Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom,” which tells the tale of how the pioneering TV sitcom came to be with as much heart and humor as an episode of “I Love Lucy” itself. See website for price. 8 p.m. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale. 480-499-8587; scottsdaleperformingarts.org
COMMUNITY January 2022 Writer Joseph J. Airdo
Feb. 4
STEVE TYRELL CONCERT
Grammy Award-winning vocalist Steve Tyrell will take the stage as part of Arizona Musicfest for a concert of reinvented and repopularized classic standards for a modern audience. $49+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org
A STAR IS BORN: THE CONCERT
A trio of the best voices from Broadway and cabaret will take the stage as part of Arizona Musicfest to celebrate the music from all three film versions of “A Star is Born” while also paying tribute to other classic films about emerging stars. $35+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org
Feb. 12
NVSO BLACK AND WHITE BALL
North Valley Symphony Orchestra will host an event celebrating its 10th anniversary, featuring cocktails, dinner, a silent auction, music and dancing. $100. 5:30 p.m. Sheraton Crescent, 2620 W. Dunlap Ave., Phoenix. 623-980-4628; northvalleysymphony.org
Feb. 12 and 13
LOVE FROM SEA TO SEA
Arizona Masterworks Chorale will perform a concert filled with romantic and dreamy selections to experience with your loved ones. $15+. Saturday 7:30 p.m. at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 6300 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. Sunday 3 p.m. at Ascension Lutheran Church, 7100 N. Mockingbird Lane, Paradise Valley. arizonamasterworks.com
Feb. 14
MUSIC CITY HIT-MAKERS CONCERT
Several Grammy and American Country Music awardwinning songwriters who have composed hit tunes for Nashville’s biggest stars will take the stage as part of Arizona Musicfest to perform a concert of classic and contemporary country favorites while telling entertaining, personal stories of the music-making and personalities of Nashville’s famed Music Row. $35+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org
March 19
MUSICAL CHAMPAGNE SALON
ProMusica Arizona will host its 4th annual event that brings together music lovers for an elegant evening in a spectacular private home in the Anthem Country Club. Guests will be treated to musical performances by ProMusica Arizona chorale and instrumental soloists and small ensembles in a lovely and comfortable setting. Heavy hors d'oeuvres, decadent desserts, champagne, wine and other beverages will be served and a silent auction will be available. $100. 6 p.m. Location to be announced. 623-326-5172; pmaz.org
ART MUSEUM ANNOUNCES AWARDS
Phoenix Art Museum recently named Sama Alshaibi as the recipient of the 2021 Arlene and Morton Scult Artist Award. The museum also named Gloria Martinez-Granados, Chris Vena, Sam Frésquez and Merryn Omotayo Alaka as the recipients of the inaugural Sally and Richard Lehmann Emerging Artist Awards. Each artist will receive funding to support the creation of new work, which will premiere in solo and group exhibitions at Phoenix Art Museum this fall. phxart.org
CHORALE AND ORCHESTRA HOLDS AUDITIONS
ProMusica Arizona Chorale and Orchestra this month is holding auditions for its spring semester. All instruments and voice parts are welcome to audition — especially strings, double reeds, horns and tenor and bass voices. Playing level must be advanced intermediate and above for the orchestra. Standard orchestral excerpts will be required for the audition. Music reading ability is required for the chorale at intermediate level and above. By appointment only. 602-570-4458; pgraetz@pmaz.org
MUSEUM ACQUIRES RASHID JOHNSON DRAWING
Phoenix Art Museum has acquired “Untitled Anxious Bruise Drawing” by critically acclaimed New York-based artist Rashid Johnson. The work is the latest purchased by the museum with funds from the Dawn and David Lenhardt Contemporary Art Initiative and furthers its mission to diversify its contemporary art holdings. Johnson is internationally renowned for his abstract and evocative installations, two- and three-dimensional objects, videos and performances that explore themes of social history, art history, philosophy and his own autobiography. $23; youth, student and senior discounts available. Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. phxart.org
MUSICAL THEATER OFFERS NEW CLASSES
Musical Theatre of Anthem recently announced its winter/ spring schedule with a large variety of new and returning classes and workshops. Classes include homeschool theatre, improv games, improv troupe, fairytale theatre, puppetry and more. $10 per class or $90 for 10-week session. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Anthem. 623-336-6001; musicaltheatreofanthem.org
YOUTH FOR TROOPS RECEIVES RECOGNITION
The Ocotillo Chapter of the Arizona State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution this month presented a community service award to Youth for Troops in recognition of the nonprofit organization’s outstanding contributions to the Anthem and North Phoenix communities. Youth for Troops’ mission is to inspire patriotism in fellow youth and across generations by volunteering on behalf of military and veterans through community service, advocacy and education. youthfortroops.org
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Orchestrating Opportunities A Decade of North Valley Symphony Orchestra
Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography by Mike Benedetto
KKevin Kozacek firmly believes that the arts are an essential part of both every community and every child’s education. “If you go clear back to the Greeks, they believed that the arts were foundational,” he explains. “They were part of the core of education. Our society has moved away from that and the arts are now elective.”
Therefore when, in 2012, Kozacek was invited to serve as the founding music director for North Valley Symphony Orchestra, he jumped at the opportunity. The nonprofit performing arts organization was created with the intention to provide skilled and aspiring musicians of all ages the opportunity to learn, rehearse and perform exceptional orchestral music while fostering music appreciation and engagement among members of the North Valley community.
“We [at North Valley Symphony Orchestra] strongly believe that the arts should be core to what we learn,” Kozacek says. “After all, you learn so much through the arts as far as extended education of history, social interaction, math and science. There is an awful lot that is encompassed in the arts.”
Celebrating its 10th anniversary season this year, North Valley Symphony Orchestra’s mission was essentially two-fold.
“North Valley Symphony Orchestra had a vision of being very community-based — having very low ticket prices and building community through concerts that were very attractive to a broader audience base,” Kozacek says.
Determined to not let ticket prices be a barrier for those who wanted to attend its concerts, the nonprofit performing arts organization set them at a mere $5 — a tradition that continues to this day.
“That was very foundational to us,” Kozacek says. “What that requires is a different philosophy of how we raise money. Therefore our donor and sponsor base is extremely important to us — as are grants — because that is where we get the money for us to be able to succeed.”
And succeed it has over the past decade, especially in the way of the other half of its mission.
“We wanted to offer a youth orchestra as a subordinate member of North Valley Symphony Orchestra,” Kozacek explains. “And over the past 10 years, that vision of having just one youth orchestra has grown into three youth orchestras.”
North Valley Symphony Orchestra has beginner, intermediate and advanced youth ensembles called North Valley Youth Orchestra, North Valley Youth Strings and North Valley Symphonettes, respectively.
“It is very exciting to be able to offer not only concerts with the adults performing for the community but also opportunities for the youth to have three very quality orchestras here in the North Valley,” Kozacek says.
Those youth components help with concert attendance as students and their families are always eager to enjoy performances. They also make the North Valley Symphony Orchestra very attractive to granting agencies, as do the nonprofit performing arts organization’s low ticket prices.
“Whether they are corporate, city or state agencies, I think that they feel that their money is going toward a really great cause and broad vision of bringing music to everyone and increasing the accessibility of the arts in our community,” Kozacek explains.
North Valley Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a full season of spectacular concerts, including one in March that features music composed by women and one in May for which Arizona State University’s professor emeritus of composition James DeMars wrote a special piece titled “River Run.”
The nonprofit performing arts organization will also hold its annual black and white ball Feb. 12 at Sheraton Crescent in Phoenix, during which it will officially commemorate its first 10 years entertaining Arizona audiences. The fundraising gala will include cocktails, dinner, dancing and a silent auction.
“The event is typically for donors and sponsors but this year we are really trying to get more of our own musicians our audience members to attend, as well,” says Kozacek, noting that one of the items featured in the silent auction is a hand-crafted
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violin made by local luthier Jody Summerford. “A number of our students have been awarded one of his violins through competitions and they absolutely love them. Professionals love them, as well.”
Looking ahead, North Valley Symphony Orchestra hopes to expand North Valley Symphonettes — which is currently completely comprised of strings — into a full orchestra with winds, brass and percussion.
“Another goal is to continue with our wonderful outreach program,” Kozacek adds. “We usually have quartets and quintets that perform in the community. Now that [the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided], we are able to go back out into retirement homes and businesses celebrating grand openings and anniversaries and provide music for them.”
Overall, Kozacek is exceptionally proud of what North Valley Symphony Orchestra has accomplished over the past decade. “I think that our growth into a fully symphonic orchestra is commendable for a community group,” the music director explains. “As is the fact that we attract adults of all ages — up to 80 years old — and even have some students who are good enough to play with us. That is a wonderful thing to see such a variety of ages in our adult orchestra.
“Growing from one youth ensemble when we first started to now being able to offer students throughout the North Valley three levels of youth orchestras is also very commendable, especially in only 10 years.”
northvalleysymphony.org Facebook: @northvalleysymphonyorchestra Instagram: @northvalleysymphony
Lightening Loads and Brightening Lives
standalone building on the grounds of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Catholic Parish. conference president of St. Vincent de Paul Society in Anthem, which operates out of a Jean Renn (shown on right with food pantry director Linda Handlon) is the local
Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photographer Carl Schultz
JJean Renn recalls the blessing that she and her family received from the St. Vincent de Paul when she was just a child growing up in San Fransisco. Having had experienced the nonprofit organization’s assistance firsthand, it was always a dream of hers to give back and be able to lighten the loads and brighten the lives of those who need a helping hand.
And that is precisely what she and her neighbors do as part of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Anthem, which operates out of a standalone building on the grounds of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Catholic Parish.
The reasons that people need the St. Vincent de Paul Society’s assistance are diverse. Some have lost their jobs, others have had their hours reduced and some simply do not make enough money to support themselves or their families — especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, of which the effects are still lingering.
“People are going back to work but there are also people who cannot find work,” explains Renn, the local conference’s president. “We have many people who have looked for jobs but they are either overqualified or underqualified.”
Sometimes, the St. Vincent de Paul Society is able to successfully refer such people to local businesses where
they get hired and are able to begin their journey back to independence. But there are still many others who count on the nonprofit organization’s help in order to survive.
“I think that people outside of the Anthem area have this perception that it is a very middle-class community,” Renn says. “But there are people living paycheck to paycheck in Anthem just like everywhere else. It is expensive to live and the opportunity for jobs is minimal. There are many reasons why [people find themselves in need of our help] and none of them are through any fault of their own.”
The St. Vincent de Paul Society has had a presence in the Anthem community since 1998, starting as a small food pantry in the back of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Catholic Parish. As the need for its services grew, the nonprofit organization — a local conference of a worldwide organization founded way back in 1833 — eventually needed its own space.
In 2010, plans were introduced to move the St. Vincent de Paul Society into a double-wide trailer on the property, but it was decided that a new standalone building would better serve the community. The nonprofit organization spent the next few years securing all of the necessary plans and funding for the project and officially moved into its own building in 2015.
Providers, the St. Vincent de Paul Society was able to offer a total of $174,697 in financial help to 1,304 people in need last year. (on left) and through various donations and with the help of those organizations within the Network of Anthem Area Assistance Under the supervision of caring individuals like local conference president Jean Renn (on right) and food pantry director Linda Handlon
We feel that we are helping one person at a time and we see that as a blessing. Just knowing that we have relieved the stress of financial and food issues is a reward for us. Jean Renn
“Our area covers as far north as Black Canyon City and as far south as Tramonto,” Renn says. “We help with not just food but also utilities, rent, medical bills, car payments — you name it.”
The St. Vincent de Paul Society also partners with other nonprofit organizations — including Anthem Cares Through Service, Anthem Giving Circle, the Daisy Mountain Firefighters Charities Association, Daisy Mountain Veterans, Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center and the Salvation Army.
Through various donations and with the help of those organizations within the Network of Anthem Area Assistance Providers, the St. Vincent de Paul Society was able to offer a total of $174,697 in financial help to 1,304 people in need last year.
That figure is in addition 1,006 bags of food, which are filled with canned goods, frozen meats and pizzas, among other things. The nonprofit organization even supplies toiletries — essential items that are not typically covered by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
“We often tell people to come as often as they want,” says Renn, noting that the St. Vincent de Paul Society’s food pantry, run by Linda Handlon, is open Noon–2 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. “Because they can take that money that they would have spent on food and use it on bills, instead.”
Those in need of the St. Vincent de Paul Society’s assistance may call 623-465-9694 — even outside of the food pantry’s hours. Renn also strongly encourages donations to the nonprofit organization from community members who are fortunate enough to be able to do so. After all, the more funding it has, the more people it can help.
“We feel that we are helping one person at a time and we see that as a blessing,” Renn says. “Just knowing that we have relieved the stress of financial and food issues is a reward for us.”
The Fabric of Anthem
Travis Ringe.) Depot load consultant Chris Gonzalez; and previous Business Person of the Year Award winner Play Hard Marketing owner Manny Chazan, The Salt Spa owner Sawana Grimmett and Loan previous Business Person of the Year Award winner Tyler Ringe; fellow nominees Work Hard Sam Crump (second from right) its 2021 Business Person of the Year. (Also pictured, from left, Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce named Anthem Law and Sam’s Frozen Yogurt owner
Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography by Mike Spinelli Photography
SSam Crump takes tremendous pride in being both a resident of and business owner in Anthem — a community that he says is exceptionally special for a number of reasons. “Anthem is a community that we have built from the desert floor,” he explains. “Unlike most towns that have a long history, we are in the unique position of creating the history of our founding years. All of us are building the foundations that will support future generations of Anthem residents. Our schools, churches and nonprofit organizations supporting youth, seniors, veterans, animals and more are the fabric of Anthem.”
Crump adds that at the center of it all is Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce, which last month named him its 2021 Business Person of the Year.
“I derive energy from engaging with my fellow passengers on this journey,” says Crump, who owns both Anthem Law and Sam’s Frozen Yogurt. “And I am honored to be recognized for it.”
A number of those other individuals, businesses and organizations of which Crump speaks — that truly are the fabric of Anthem — were also recognized during last month’s award ceremony.
Fuego Hot Yoga and Wellness was recognized for its commercial design while Sunset Cyclery and North Valley Custom Hauling received the chamber’s Economic Impact
and Community Impact awards, respectively. North Valley Custom Hauling’s Dustin Holm also took home the chamber’s Congressional Recognition Award while Uncorked Media Group’s Mary Ellen Twohey was named the recipient of its Leadership in Action Award.
Retired community leader and volunteer Bill Black of the Rotary Club of Anthem was honored to receive not just one but two awards, being named both Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2021 Public Servant of the Year and its 2021 Ambassador of the Year.
“Being a member of Anthem Rotary provided me the opportunities, with their many events and projects, to participate and give back to the community,” Black says.
Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce also named Musical Theatre of Anthem as its 2021 Nonprofit of the Year — an honor for which the theater’s producing artistic director Jackie Hammond could not be more grateful.
Like all nonprofit organizations — as well as businesses and individuals for that matter — Musical Theatre of Anthem faced unprecedented challenges over the past two years as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The theater remained steadfast in its commitment to serve the community by introducing new programming such as homeschool theater classes, performer-led workshops such as its first-ever haunted house and livestreaming events for those who cannot attend shows in person.
“Musical Theatre of Anthem would like to thank the wonderful Anthem community for participating in our
Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce named retired community leader and volunteer Bill Black (right) its 2021 Public Servant of the Year and 2021 Ambassador of the Year. (Also pictured, Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce president-elect Matt Word.)
Musical Theatre of Anthem grant writer and office coordinator Karen Gallagher (center) accepts an award, on behalf of the organization, for Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2021 Nonprofit of the Year. (Also pictured, Desert Foothills Land Trust’s Vicki Preston and Rotary Club of Anthem’s John Salem.)
Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce’s departing executive director Heather Maxwell (center) received the chamber’s 2021 Living Legacy Award. (Also pictured, previous Living Legacy Award winners Eric Kilstrom and Bonnie Smith.)
programs when it is more important than ever for kids to be together and learn and grow as artists, patrons and leaders in their community,” Hammond says. “We would not be successful without this amazing community of participants, audience members, dedicated donors, board members and resilient staff members.”
Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce’s departing executive director Heather Maxwell was also honored during the ceremony, receiving its 2021 Living Legacy Award.
“It has been so rewarding to work alongside our local business owners and help support their goals and be a part of the story of our amazing community,” Maxwell says.
anthemareachamber.org
Handbags and Heartstrings
fundraiser to strengthen the community — all of it, especially those in need. an avenue like Anthem Giving Circle and its annual Purses for a Purpose From left, Debi Quinn, Diane Steenman and Jill Hieb are grateful to have
Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography by Carl Schultz
LLike so many other cherished community events, Anthem Giving Circle’s annual Purses for a Purpose fundraiser last year pivoted to a virtual format as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eating, drinking, socializing and celebrating made way for an online bidding process and livestreamed program. In spite of that, the event was a stellar success for the nonprofit organization that, since 2007, has been helping people throughout the communities of Anthem, Desert Hills and Tramonto with medical bills, rent and utilities payments, home and automotive repairs and emergency expenses.
“We got to reach out to people all over the United States,” says Diane Steenman, who chairs the nonprofit organization. “From a fundraising point of view, we made 95% of what we made the year before; so that was fantastic. Everybody was in such a giving way.”
Steenman believes that generosity was due, in part, to the fact that the world at large is a very challenging place right now.
“I think because the world is so challenging, people really see just how blessed they are and are then willing to open up their pocketbooks to help others — especially when we tell them some of the stories of what is happening here in the Anthem area,” she explains. “They are shocked when they hear that there are children in need here in Anthem as well as in Tramonto and Desert Hills,
which are all typically considered to be very affluent areas.”
Because of the community’s generosity last year, Anthem Giving Circle was able to expand its service area to Black Canyon City.
“That is pretty significant for us because there is a lot of real serious need up there,” Steenman says.
The nonprofit organization is counting on the community’s continued support in order to address that need throughout 2022. The Anthem Giving Circle team is, therefore, grateful to be returning to an in-person format for this year’s Purses for a Purpose fundraiser, with the hope it can match or exceed the 2019 event’s total of $32,000.
This year’s event, scheduled for Feb. 1 in Anthem Country Club’s Ironwood Ballroom, will carry a western theme and feature 150 silent-auction purses, five live-auction purses and a raffle purse valued at $1,000.
“This year’s raffle is for a beautiful Burberry purse with Burberry wallet,” says Steenman, noting that the winner may choose to either keep the purse and wallet or return them to Nordstrom for store credit.
Event tickets are $50 and include a drink and hors d'oeuvres. Raffle tickets — which cost $20 for five or $50 for 15 — can be purchased online in advance of the event on the nonprofit organization’s website. Another successful fundraiser will help Anthem Giving Circle continue its various charitable efforts, which include providing area schools with gift cards that they can give to students in need and donating items to the St. Vincent de Paul Society and Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center. The nonprofit organization also collects new and gently used bras for St. Vincent de Paul’s undergarment drive.
“We were able to support them — no pun intended — with 750 bras and $500 in donations last year,” says Steenman, noting that the cause is one of the most underserved efforts with some of the greatest need. “That is close to a 30% year-over-year growth.”
Steenman is incredibly grateful to the community for its support of Anthem Giving Circle over the past 15 years and hopes it will continue to help the nonprofit organization achieve its goal to improve lives and lessen needs — or at least make them more manageable.
“We are a small charity,” Steenman acknowledges. “We call ourselves ‘small but mighty.’ Everything that we do is for our community.”
Steenman also encourages the community to personally join Anthem Giving Circle.
“You will get to meet new friends and really feel the impact that you are making in the community,” she says.
anthemgivingcircle.com
Experience Purses for a Purpose: Double Deuces Tuesday, Feb. 1 | 5–8 p.m. | Anthem Country Club’s Ironwood Ballroom 41551 N. Anthem Hills Drive, Anthem $50 | anthemgivingcircle.com
