Action Alliance Network celebrates “New Beginnings” — Mardi Gras style

“We had no idea what we were doing; we just knew we had to go,” said Pastor Art Tidwell of Scottsdale 1st Assembly, about his journey to the hurricane ravaged Gulf Coast with Councilman Will Dunn in September of last year. “It’s all about hearts,” he said, “our hearts were touched.”

Yet from the darkest of places springs hope and inspiration. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina the Action Alliance Network was born. “Isn’t it amazing what hope can do?” asked Dunn at the start of the “New Beginnings” Mardi Gras style celebration in February.

Hope and inspiration led Dunn and wife Cindy to start the Action Alliance Network last September. The goal was to help families devastated by the hurricane make a fresh start and relocate to Maricopa. The result was much more than anticipated; 19 families successfully relocated and a community changed forever.

Cindy and Will Dunn were the evening’s hosts and organizers.

Councilman Dunn shares a laugh with Russell and Renetta Green.

The Mardi Gras style celebration, sponsored by Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, was a night to pay tribute to the “New Beginnings” each of these families has found here, as well as a night of thanks for those who made the entire effort possible. The dinner offered authentic New Orleans-style fare and, at the conclusion of the evening, attendees danced to the upbeat music of a five-piece New Orleans Jazz band.

Over the course of the evening, the Dunns introduced several of the families, as well as individuals, churches and businesses — “dignitaries” Dunn called them, who gave so generously.

“A big part of bringing these families to Maricopa was Harrah’s Casino,” recalled Dunn. Harrah’s Ak-Chin decided in the days after the hurricane that any employees wanting to transfer out of the New Orleans facilities would have jobs waiting for them here. General manager Geoff Andres spoke of his time in New Orleans. “The beauty of New Orleans is the people,” he said. “When my family left New Orleans, I cried. I’d only been there two years.”

Some of the other sponsors recognized that evening included: Scottsdale 1st Assembly Dream Center, El Dorado Holdings, the Ak-Chin Indian Community, Phoenix Firefighters Union, The Mark Spinks Team and Long Realty.

Guests enjoyed the authentic New Orleans-style cuisine.

A five-piece New Orleans Jazz Band entertained the group.

After dinner Will Dunn changed into his party clothes.

Also recognized were the groups that helped organize donated items or volunteered time, some of which included: Community of Hope Church, Mountain Park Church and the Maricopa Recycling Center.

“We are forever grateful to everyone who helped us out,” said Russell Green. The Greens were one of the first evacuee families to arrive in Maricopa.

Chip Reeves, who relocated with mom Tisa, brother Jonathan and sister Samantha, recalled the road here. “In times of need, people do extraordinary things,” he said. At one point the family found themselves sharing a two-bedroom home with 25 people.

Ms. Emelda Paul and other guests danced to the live music.

Families displayed before and after photos of the devastation of their homes and lives.

“My mother calls this God’s Country,” one evacuee said of Maricopa. “From the moment we arrived it has felt like a place we always should have been.”

Ms. Emelda Paul told the group assembled that evening that she “did not want to come here.” “But,” she quickly added, “we are blessed; the people here are awesome!” Paul thanked the audience, breaking into song, “I need you, you need me. You are important to me, I need you to survive.” Many of the other evacuee families joined her on stage; it was a fitting finale to an emotional night.

The success of the Action Alliance Network, and the significance of its role in the lives of these 19 families, was worthy of such celebration. To these families, their new lives and the opportunities they have found here in Maricopa truly are a “New Beginning.”