Thirteenth Annual Sandra Day O’Connor Awards Luncheon, Arizona Foundation for Women, Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, 2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix

Photography by Dave Eskridge

The Arizona Foundation for Women (AFW) brought back its annual fund-raiser to directly benefit its programs, which fulfill unmet needs of Arizona women and children. The event honored former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright with the Sandra Day O’Connor Lifetime Achievement Award; actress Victoria Rowell, who received the Voice of Women Award; and the Honorable Ruth V. McGregor, whom they presented with the Marilyn R. Seymann Award. The luncheon included a pre-luncheon raffle and Albright’s one-on-one interview with the luncheon MC, Channel 12 News anchor Lin Sue Cooney. azfoundationforwomen.org

Beauty of a Bonzer, sponsored by Outback Steakhouse and Bud Light, at US Airways Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix

Photography by Phil Güdenschwager

The ninth annual event featured both an Aussie-style dinner party at Outback Steakhouse and a Night of 100 Hits with Kool & The Gang and the Commodores at US Airways Center. All proceeds benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, Arizona Republic Charities, For Those Without a Voice, The Real Gift Foundation, Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center, and Special Olympics Arizona. beautyofabonzer.com

Great Escape Family Event, Starlight Children’s Foundation Arizona, Westgate City Center, 6770 N. Sunrise Blvd., Glendale

Photos by Donna Lloyd

Seriously ill children and their families enjoyed a family event of building Ridemakerz cars, lunching at Johnny Rockets, and savoring some Cold Stone Creamery creations. It’s a chance to escape the hospital life and lift the spirits. The foundation was founded in 1983 to help seriously ill children and their families cope with their pain, fear, and isolation through entertainment, education, and family activities. starlight.org/arizona

Red, White & Beautiful, Stone Rose Lounge & Beach Bunny Swimwear, Stone Rose Lounge, 7575 E. Princess Dr., Scottsdale

Photos by Kristen Gabardy

Stone Rose Lounge kicked off Independence Day weekend with a stylish white party modeled after the iconic New York beach-town bashes. Guests enjoyed champagne cocktails, party favors, and a dramatic Independence-Day-themed Beach Bunny Swimwear fashion display.

Dream Solstice Fashion Show, The Art Institute of Phoenix, 2233 W. Dunlap Ave., Phoenix

Photos by Mark Susan and Daniel Ceccorulli

The In-House Promotions class at The Art Institute of Phoenix hosted their first annual live fashion show, showcasing the work of local designers and boutiques and giving back to the charity Hope & A Future, which helps foster children in need. azhope.com

Fashion Hounds “Paws for Fashion” >> Lost Our Home Pet Foundation, The Barkery Etc., DC Ranch, 20789 N. Pima Rd., Ste. 150, Scottsdale

Photography by Michelle Brodsky

In a New York-style runway show for and about dogs, canines and their human companions enjoyed an evening of food, fashion, and fun as they tripped the light fantastic to show off the latest doggie fashions. The show benefited the Scottsdale-based Lost Our Home Pet Foundation. According to Jodi Polanski, president of the foundation, Lost Our Home provides foster care for pets who would otherwise be left behind because of foreclosures or financial instability. The organization also helps with food and vet bills. The Barkery Etc. hosted the sixth annual show, and the funds raised went directly toward helping the animals. Many of the outfits shown on the runway were provided by Little Miss Everything, a clothing line created by 13-year-old Halle Hubbard. lostourhome.org

Joy Christian School and High School “Vision Dinner” >> A Night of Fellowship at Arrowhead Country Club, 19888 N. 73^rd Ave., Glendale

Photography by Caroline Goddard/Bloom Creations

Joy Christian School and High School recently hosted its big fund-raiser, part of a mission to “invest, expand, and make dreams come true.”

Photo captions:

Maracay Homes VP and Controller Andrea Goudge, North Valley Magazine Publisher Adam Toren and wife Crystal, and Maracay Home VP of Land Acquisition Tom Lemon

Joy Christian School and High School athletic director Jim James with Joy parent Mike Ebert and Community of Joy OCEO John Luke and wife Sandy

Joy Christian School’s touring performance group Harmony in Motion

Rachel Glandorf and Dr. Walt Kallestad, senior pastor of Community Church of Joy

Celebrity Fight Night >> J.W. Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, 5350 E. Marriott Dr., Phoenix

Photography by Eric Fairchild

Celebrity guests showed up in style for Muhammad Ali’s Celebrity Fight Night XV, where Oscar winner Forest Whitaker was presented with the Muhammad Ali Celebrity Fight Night Entertainer Award, fourteen-time Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer Michael Phelps received the Sports Achievement Award, and two-time NFL MVP and current Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner was presented with the Muhammad Ali Celebrity Fight Night Sports Leadership Award. Businessman and philanthropist Stewart Rahr, recipient of the Muhammad Ali Celebrity Fight Night Entrepreneur Award, stunned the crowd when he donated $2 million to the organization during his acceptance speech. Rock legend Jon Bon Jovi was the headline performer, and Grammy Award winner Reba McEntire returned for her fourth year as MC. Other highlights included a surprise duet performance by Josh Groban and Jordin Sparks, a performance of “Summertime” by Forest Whitaker after a bidder offered $100,000 to hear him sing, and an after party. The event raised more than $6.6 million for the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix as well as for other charities.

NBA JAM Session >> NBA All-Star 2009, Phoenix Convention Center

Photography by Eric Fairchild

As the 2009 NBA All-Star Game approached, the Phoenix Convention Center became home to a bundle of fun activities that afforded the public an opportunity to mix with their favorite NBA superstars and shoot a few hoops themselves. Kids’ activities, a hall of fame, and center court activities were just a few of the prominent events.

Dwight Howard Doublemint Gum and NBA Cares Team to Help Prevent Child Abuse America >> NBA All-Star 2009, Phoenix Convention Center

Photography by Eric Fairchild

Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard, the leading All-Star vote-getter, hosted the media-only 2009 Doublemint Double-Double Challenge. Howard shot hoops with local youth and gathered dunk tips from them, and gave exclusive interviews to media personnel.