Child Crisis Arizona Raises More Than $1 Million at 49th Annual Fundraising Gala; Honors Vala and David Lueth with Legacy of Love Award

(SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – March 23, 2026) – The community not only showed up in full force but in full neon flair and nostalgic spirit on Saturday, March 21, as Child Crisis Arizona hosted its 49th annual fundraising gala, raising more than $1 million to support the organization’s comprehensive continuum of care for children and families across Arizona.

Held in the Paradise Ballroom at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa, this year’s “Mixtape Magic” theme transported more than 500 guests back to the bold, bodacious era of the 1980s. The totally tubular experience blended high-energy entertainment with powerful storytelling, all in support of the nonprofit’s prevention, intervention, and wellness programs.

To put the impact of the evening into perspective:

• Every $50,000 helps provide critical housing and support services for young adults transitioning out of foster care.
• Every $25,000 supports transformative experiences for medically fragile children at Whispering Hope Ranch.
• Every $10,000 provides safe shelter, meals, counseling, and care for youth in emergency and group homes.
• Every $5,000 delivers essential support services for children in foster care.
• Every $1,000 helps provide groceries and basic necessities for families in need.
• Every $500 ensures a foster youth has clothing and essentials for the year.

“Child Crisis Arizona was built on a simple but powerful belief that children are safest, strongest, and most likely to thrive when families are supported,” said Torrie A. Taj, CEO of Child Crisis Arizona. “What we have created over nearly five decades is not a single program, but a connected, intentional continuum of care that meets families where they are, whether they are facing crisis, working toward stability, or building long-term wellness.”

She continued, “Because of the generosity in this room, we are able to step in at every stage of that journey. We can provide immediate safety when it is needed most, but we can also walk alongside families as they heal, grow, and create a future filled with possibility. That is the true impact of tonight.”

In addition to raising critical funds, the evening served as a platform to honor Vala and David Lueth with the organization’s prestigious Legacy of Love Award, recognizing their extraordinary commitment to Arizona’s most vulnerable children and families.

“Vala and David represent the very best of what it means to invest in community,” said Taj. “Their generosity is not just about giving, it is about engagement, curiosity, and a genuine desire to understand how they can create lasting impact.”

A highlight of the evening was a deeply moving story shared on stage that illustrated the real-life impact of Child Crisis Arizona’s work, reinforcing the organization’s holistic approach to care and long-term support for children and families.

Beyond the program, the evening leaned fully into its Mixtape Magic theme with immersive activations at nearly every turn. Guests were greeted by a sprawling vintage arcade, where classics like Ms. Pac-Man and Whack-A-Mole brought out a competitive, playful spirit early in the night. Nearby, a DJ spun iconic 80s hits as look-alike performers channeling legends like David Bowie and Cyndi Lauper mingled through the crowd, creating a living, breathing throwback experience. Replacing the traditional photo booth, Glamour Shots-style stations gave guests the chance to lean into the decade’s signature excess, complete with soft lighting, bold poses, and plenty of big hair energy. Across the terrace, a Rancher Hat Bar invited attendees to customize their own vintage trucker hats, while a dirty soda bar and themed cocktails added another layer of nostalgic indulgence.

Following the cocktail reception, guests enjoyed a gourmet dinner and program, emceed by renowned auctioneer Bobby D., where storytelling, raffles, and a spirited paddle raise drove the evening’s fundraising momentum. After the formal program, the energy continued as the arcade reopened, a scratcher-style prize booth offered the chance to win premium wines and spirits, and the dance floor came alive with a high-energy performance by fan-favorite band Rock Lobster, whose retro hits kept guests on their feet well into the night.

“Every element of the evening was designed to create connection, joy, and a shared sense of purpose,” said Taj. “When people come together in this way, not only do we raise critical funds, but we build a community that is deeply invested in ensuring children and families have the support they need to thrive.”

The event was made possible through the generous support of sponsors including General Dynamics, Lennar Homes, America First Credit Union, Nautilus Insurance, Enterprise Bank, Nationwide, Wilde Wealth Management Group, APS, CHASSE Building Team, Sunflower Bank, JARS, BOK Financial, Crescent Crown, and many more.

As Child Crisis Arizona approaches its 50th anniversary, the organization continues to expand its reach and deepen its impact, ensuring that children are safe, families are supported, and communities are strengthened.

“The work we do does not end when the music fades,” said Taj. “It continues in homes, classrooms, shelters, and communities across Arizona. And because of this community’s belief in our mission, we are able to ensure that stability, wellness, and opportunity are not just moments, but lasting outcomes for the families we serve.”

Individuals or businesses interested in supporting Child Crisis Arizona may contact Justin Duran at justin.duran@childcrisisaz.org.

For more information, visit www.childcrisisaz.org.

About Child Crisis Arizona

Since 1977, Child Crisis Arizona has served vulnerable children and families in Arizona and is committed to preventing child abuse and neglect through education and intervention. Child Crisis Arizona offers emergency shelter and residential care for children and youth from birth to 21 and offers foster care and adoption services, early education as well communitywide parenting classes, workshops, support groups and much more. Child Crisis Arizona has positively impacted over 180,000 children and families since its inception. Visit www.childcrisisaz.org to learn more.