May 28 >> The Opus Movie Premier and Release, Scottsdale Center for the Arts,
7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale

Photography by Eric Fairchild

Motivational speakers, inspirational music, and a life-changing movie were featured at this world-premier event. The premise of this occasion was to “help people become the best, biggest, most incredible, spectacular you possible.” The featured docudrama showed guests the plan-and-action steps top achievers use to create greater abundance in wealth, health, relationship, and self-fulfillment. theopusmovie.com

June 21 >> Birthday and Benefits Charity, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, The Wrigley Mansion, 2501 E. Telewa Trail, Phoenix

Photography by Larry Rubino

Raven Events LLC owner Raven Valdes, renowned producer and promoter of all the Valley’s hit celebrations and networking events, threw a birthday bash/benefits charity honoring the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) and her own special day. The event benefited honorees Kyle D. Bell of Charity Benefits Unlimited and Nicole Ryba of Desert Living Magazine. Local firefighters bartended, guests wore ’70s-inspired costumes, and a five-piece band and DJ kept spirits up and dance floors packed. ravenevents.com

June 20 >> Phoenix Coyotes NHL Draft Viewing Party, Upper Deck Sports Grill,
4224 N. Craftsman Court, Scottsdale

Photography courtesy of the Phoenix Coyotes, Norm Hall-NHLI

The Phoenix Coyotes appeared at Upper Deck Sports Grill in Scottsdale for a free, fun afternoon of raffles, contests, and prizes in celebration of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Coyotes players Derek Morris and Peter Mueller, along with the team’s mascot Howler, were on hand for autographs and pictures. The event was hosted by Coyotes announcers Bob Heethuis and Louie DeBrush, with XTRA’s Jeff Dean and Luke Lapinski broadcasting live. phoenixcoyotes.com

Photography by Mark Susan

April 9 >> West Valley Child Crisis Center Kids at Heart Luncheon, Renaissance Resort and Spa, 9495 W. Coyotes Blvd.

The 22-year-old nonprofit organization hosted the luncheon, presented by The Golden Wheel Organization, to raise money, support, and awareness for abused children across the community. wvccc.org

April 11 >> Joy Christian School’s “Return to Hollywood,” Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane

Joy Christian School presents their annual “Return to Hollywood” auction and dinner. The glamorous event, which is the school’s largest fund-raising event of the year, was generously sponsored by The Reserve at Eagle Heights—Western Pacific Properties, and Moore Chrysler Jeep. Moore Chrysler Jeep donated a new vehicle for the auction.

Photography by Josh Miller–Hope4Kids International

March 28 >> Hope 4 Kids International Charity Poker Tournament, Pinata Nueva, 3655 Anthem Way, Ste. D-105

Dennis Uptain of Arizona Casino Elite ran the tables for over forty-five registered poker players, who helped raise nearly $5,000 for the charity. Nanette Miller of State Farm Insurance sponsored the event, while Marty Gonzales of Pinata Nueva provided a relaxing and fun atmosphere for the gracious gamblers. hope4kidsinternational.org

Photography by Eric Fairchild

April 5 >> Celebrity Fight Night, JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, 5350 E. Marriott Dr.

This star-studded, highly anticipated annual charity event hosted A-listers, music moguls, singing sensations, and amazing athletes for a night of high-class dining, entertainment, and live and silent auctions. 2008 Muhammad Ali Celebrity Fight Night awards went to actor Kevin Costner, music producer Clive Davis, and country music singer Reba McEntire, among others. The event has raised more than $45 million over thirteen years. celebrityfightnight.org

Photography by Caroline Gutierrez

March 15 >> An Evening to PAWS, Hilton Scottsdale Resort and Villas, 6333 North Scottsdale Road

The Arizona Animal Welfare League and the SPCA hosted the “Once Upon a Time”-themed fund-raiser, which began with a silent auction and continued with entertainment and an award presentation of the Animal Welfare award to Dr. Visser for his dental work on animals of all sizes. A House of Louis XV diamond necklace was also given away during the course of the evening. All proceeds benefit the AAWL and SPCA. aawl.org

Photos courtesy of SWEAT

January 25 >> SWEAT Client Appreciation Cocktail Party, SWEAT, 42015 N. 41st Dr. Ste D-120

After Josh and Laura Rogers had opened the new SWEAT location in Anthem, they decided to show their clients how much they appreciate their business. Off the Hook and Baci Restaurant catered the event. sweatchallenge.com

Photography courtesy of Scottsdale Healthcare Foundation

February 16 >> Scottsdale Health Foundation Honor Ball, The Phoenician Grand Ballroom, 6000 E. Camelback Rd.

The thirty-second annual Honor Ball was an elegant black-tie engagement that had people dancing to the Leonard Neil Orchestra. Proceeds benefited Scottsdale Healthcare’s Community Health Services, which is funded entirely by The Honor Ball and Scottsdale Health Care. shc.org