Child Crisis Arizona Raises Over $1 Million at 47th Annual Fundraising Gala; Honors Roger Hill and Yvonne DeBeauville with Legacy of Love Award
(SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – April 1, 2025)— The local community came out in force – complete in sequins and bell bottoms – to support Child Crisis Arizona on Saturday, March 29 as the non-profit organization, which is dedicated to promoting the well-being and safety of children and families, raised over $1 million for its intervention, prevention, and early education programs during its 47th annual gala.
To give perspective on the impact of these funds:
- Every $50,000 fills the gap toward providing 140 nights of shelter and safe sleep for young adults in Halle House, an apartment-style complex that is part of our Independent Living Program.
- Every $25,000 gives 250 medically fragile children the chance to experience a night at Whispering Hope Ranch, a completely ADA-compliant outdoor oasis where children and adults of all abilities can navigate camp independently, including the sleeping cabins, bathrooms and even horseback riding.
- Every $10,000 provides 48 nights of safe sleep for teens in Child Crisis Arizona’s emergency and group homes, which serve as safe, secure and loving environments that children deserve, providing 24/7 support through medical care, counseling, serving warm, nutritious meals, and a comforting space to lay your head each night.
- Every $5,000 provides 111 nights of care for children in foster care.
- Every $1,000 gives four separate families a week’s worth of groceries because no child should have to wonder where their next meal is coming from.
- Every $500 provides clothing and shoes for a teen in foster care for one year.
In addition to raising funds, the “Disco in the Desert” themed event, which took place at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa and was attended by over 400 groovy guests, also provided a platform for the organization to honor long-time supporters Roger Hill and Yvonne DeBeauville with Legacy of Love Award.
“Child Crisis Arizona started the Legacy of Love award tradition six years ago to honor remarkable individuals whose generosity and unwavering commitment have left an indelible mark on Child Crisis Arizona,” said Torrie A. Taj, president and CEO of Child Crisis Arizona. “Yvonne’s journey with our organization began in 2016 as part of a volunteer group. Deeply moved by our mission, she shared her passion with Roger, and from there, something truly special began.”
The couple have made several transformational gifts to the organization in addition to their volunteerism, including a five-year investment that has strengthened Child Crisis Arizona’s ability to serve vulnerable children and families.
The gala also gave Child Crisis Arizona the chance to shine a light on its programs and participants, notably inviting extended foster care program participant Luis and his dedicated success coach Marrtell Washington to the stage to share their journey. Luis spoke eloquently about overcoming poverty, homelessness, his mom’s battle with thyroid cancer, his dad’s drug addiction, the loss of two brothers, and 20 years of abuse with resilience and determination, thanks in great part to the mentorship by Washington.
“From our first meeting, Martell made me feel like I mattered—I was not just another case file. He helped me create a plan for my future and showed up for me, consistently. For the first time in a long time, I felt like someone was listening to me,” said Luis. “With the support of Child Crisis Arizona and the extended foster care program, I was able to strengthen my relationship with my mom and rebuild my life. Since then, I’ve accomplished things I never thought possible – advocating for this program to Arizona senators, joining my college’s student government, speaking to the Juvenile Justice Steering Council, and even being part of a documentary about youth in the juvenile system.”
Of course, the evening was also filled with endless entertainment, notably a rousing paddle raiser; stilt walkers dressed to look like giant disco balls; professional dancers performing for the crowd; Alinx Permanent Jewelry outfitting guests with the local brand’s signature jewelry; an award-winning caricaturist drawing guests’ portraits on commemorative event coasters; casino gaming tables; a 70s-themed photobooth; live music courtesy of the JJ’s Band; and a silent auction boasting more than three dozen packages and VIP experiences from COURSE Restaurant, STK Steakhouse, Westin Kierland, Hotel Valley Ho, JW Marriott, Las Palomas Rocky Point, Arizona Snowbowl, Valley Youth Theatre, the Champagne Train, Real Results Medical Aesthetics, Farm at South Mountain, local and regional wineries and golf courses, and many more.
The Disco in the Desert was made possible by the generous sponsorship of General Dynamics, Olsson Family Foundation, BOK Financial; CHASSE Building Team, Enterprise Bank & Trust, The Mahoney Group, Nationwide, Nautilus Insurance, Wilde Wealth Management, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Dickinson Wright, Snell & Wilmer, the Brad & Ellen Soultz Foundation, and many more.
Individuals or business interested in learning more about how to support Child Crisis Arizona operations and all things Beyond the Building 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 (CCA) has served vulnerable children and families in Arizona and is committed to preventing child abuse and neglect through education and intervention. CCA 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 nearly 136,000 children and families since its inception. Visit childcrisisaz.org to learn more.
