People and Places
May 5 >> Cinco de Mayo Festival & Salsa Challenge, El Pedregal, 34505 North Scottsdale Rd.
Photography by Eric Fairchild
Guests enjoyed the music of the Mariachi Tierra del Sol Band and Spanish guitarist Miguel de Maria, and other events like the Salsa Challenge, Tequila Tasting by Partida Tequila, and fine Mexican cuisine.
April 19 >> Lou Grubb Friends Fore Golf Tournament Gala Dinner, Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, 2400 East Missouri Ave.
Photography by Mark Susan
With more than 240 players, the Lou Grubb Friends Fore Golf Tournament is one of the best-attended golf events in Arizona. A Valley tradition since 1976, the tournament began donating its proceeds to Barrow Neurological Institute at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in 1994. Lou Grubb and his wife, Evie, became acquainted with St. Joseph’s and Barrow when Lou suffered a ruptured aneurysm at the Phoenix Open in 1986. When physicians told Evie that Lou had little chance of survival, she insisted that they transfer him to Barrow, where his life was saved. Since 1994, the tournament has raised more than $3 million for the hospital.
April 28 >> “An Evening to Paws”, Scottsdale Hilton Resort & Villas, 6333 North Scottsdale Rd.
Photography by Michelle Pelberg
Arizona’s largest black-tie fund-raiser to benefit homeless dogs and cats is being called a rousing success by the Arizona Animal Welfare League and SPCA (AAWL). PetSmart was this year’s “Leader of the Pack” event sponsor, and AAWL Chairman of the Board Elizabeth Sharp served as chair for the event. Ingrid Spelts served as honorary event chair.
May 15 >> Mayor’s State of the City Address and Luncheon, Phoenix Convention Center, 111 North 3rd St.
Photography by Eric Fairchild
Mayor Phil Gordon addressed his plans for the city of Phoenix to become the 21st century’s first “Great City.” For more information, visit phoenixchamber.com.
March 24 >> 13th Annual Celebrity Fight Night, JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, 5350 East Marriott Dr.
Photography by Eric Fairchild
This power-packed night of excitement not only leaves the audience with unforgettable memories each year, but more importantly provided significant dollars for charities that help many people in need. Throughout Celebrity Fight Night’s twelve-year history, over $45 million have been raised, with the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute as the primary beneficiary. Numerous other charities have benefited and countless lives have been changed, thanks to the tremendous generosity of the supporters.