Gala brings out the best of Maricopa to fight domestic violence

The Global Water Facility sparkled inside and out Saturday with women in stylish dresses and accessories and men in sharp suits with black ties at the Third Annual Seeds of Change Gala.

The annual event is designed to raise money to help those who are victims of domestic violence. Against Abuse Inc., a private non-profit organization, received a land donation in 2007 to open a shelter in Maricopa, a goal which is yet to be realized.

While fighting domestic violence is a serious matter, the mood on Saturday was anything but somber. From valet attendents who greeted guests as they arrived to city officials and community notables from local businesses, churches and organizations, the event clearly rivaled all others as social event of the year. Many of the girls from the Suite 16 “making the band” genre reality television show, along with the show’s creative director and producer, Krystal Laman, were on hand.

Outside, a sea of tables dressed in purple and black with grouped ballon accents waving about created a warm atmosphere in what otherwise would be the facitily’s front parking lot. Tables filled with vegetables and dip, sandwiches and fancier creations such as strawberries dipped in chocolate lined the front sidewalk closest to the building entrance. Each touted a local sponsor who had donated to the cause.

Platinum sponsors donated $5,000 each including:

• Global Water Resources
• Dibble Engineering
• Harrah’s Akchin Casino
• PCSO/Chris Vasquez
• Rose Law Goup
• inmaricopa.com

Other ways to contribute included providing the night’s dinner fare which was catered by Harrah’s Casino and Resort, Raceway Bar and Grill and Maricopa’s own Entrees Made Easy. Harrah’s provided the side dishes consisting of three versions of pasta and rice. Raceway tossed up a green salad, a roasted vegetable medeley and garlic bread. The latter provided at least 300 servings of the main dish in the form of thin strips of brandywine chicken breast or sirloin with a rosemary and garlic rub.

Gala organizers paid for the food, Entrees Made Easy Owner Susan Carlisle said adding that she offered them a price break by donating the time for the labor it took to prepare and serve the meals.

Inside, gaming tables and dealers greeted guests who played Black Jack, Craps and roulette. A host of donated items went home with those who bid and won items either in a silent or live auction.

“It’s for charity,” the auctioneer repeatedly reminded bidders as he raised his gavel and called for higher donations.

Mayor Kelly Anderson snagged four tickets to a Phoenix Suns game.

Others went home with a La-Z-Boy recliner or a decorator dining set by Poco Loco complete with centerpiece, dishes, napkins and more.

For more information on how to become involved visit www.maricopaseedsofchange.org.

Photos by RuthAnn Hogue

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