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TheMesaTribune.com |
THE MESA TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 12, 2021
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Mesa man completes 3K bike trip, raises $102K TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF
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Mesa lawyer-entrepreneur raised $102,000 for his foundation to give to charities by riding a bike 3,000 miles from San Diego to Jacksonville, Florida. Tim Markison, who also founded a golf shoe company, recently concluded the journey that he took to increase awareness about child abuse prevention and to promote healing for those who were victims of abuse – such as himself. He raised more than $102,000 on his 40-day journey, which started Sept. 29 and ended Nov. 7 with an overnight stay in Mesa in early October. Markison plans to distribute all proceeds made to his foundation, Interwoven Circles, evenly to three different non-profit organizations: Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Arizona, and Safer Society. “The ride was a microcosm of life; full
Mesa lawyer-businessman Tim Markison took 40 days to ride a bike from California to Florida to increase awareness of child abuse and raise money for groups that help victims. (Courtesy of Interwoven Circles)
of challenges, unexpected detours, easy stretches, hard stretches, and required
adaptations,” said Markison. “There were many times when I wanted
to quit but I kept going and I’m glad I did. I met hundreds of people along the way, many of whom shared their personal experiences of abuse or the abuse of a loved one. It was very moving and healing for all of us involved.” The Cycle to End Abuse was sponsored by OCA Ventures, Athalonz, and Mesa Naturopathic Wellness and Aesthetics. “OCA Ventures was proud and honored to support the Cycle To End Abuse, and we applaud Tim Markison for his courage to share his vulnerability in order to bring visibility to childhood abuse such that others may be comfortable to seek support and counseling,” said Kelley Quinn, of OCA Ventures. “Dramatic change requires dramatic action, and through Tim’s unyielding efforts, we are galvanized around the mission to eradicate systemic childhood abuse.” While the ride began as a way to pro-
see BIKE page 13
Mesa woman makes partiers feel like royalty BY DANA TRUMBULL Tribune Staff Writer
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hen planning your career choices, did you ever consider Fairy Godmother? Gretchen Landin did. And with her background in theatrical set design – she interned with the Walt Disney Company – and professional event planning, she has achieved that goal. On Dec. 1, the Royal Soirée opened the castle gates on a new boutique event décor rental company. Based in Mesa, the team of three fairy godmothers deliver elaborately themed event packages designed to make your child’s dreams come true. “My goal is to take on the task of building the perfect setting for your celebration,” Landin explained, “so
that you can focus on being present in those special, priceless moments.” Every event features hand-painted and custom-embellished props to truly make guests feel that they have entered a magical world of celebration. The fairy godmothers, dressed in brocade, lace and rhinestones, handle delivery, set up and removal of the fully designed set. All the client adds are food and guests. Although the themes are magical, Landin designs with the reality of sustainability in mind. Rather than using mass-produced, non-recyclable party decorations to create the desired ambience, the unique decor pieces are sourced from antique stores and vintage resellers, or handmade and intricately embellished so that the items can be reused.
Even the dinnerware is reusable: elegant melamine plates and metal cutlery. All linens, napkins, and chair covers are washed between uses with eco-friendly detergent. “The Royal Soirée is dedicated to bringing sustainability to the world of event planning,” Landin said. “The event industry creates countless amounts of waste per year, and we want to change that!” A few of the available themes include “Cinderella,” “Beauty and the Beast” and the “Frog and the Princess.”
see ROYAL page 13
Gretchen Landin is the owner and founder of The Royal Soirée in Mesa. (Courtesy The Royal Soirée)
