Gala raised money for domestic abuse shelter

Saturday’s 8th annual Against Abuse Inc. Seeds for Change Gala raised more than $40,000.

“One of the best since the economy tanked,” said event CEO Torri Anderson. “Hopefully we’ll slowly see the money raised go back up every year.”

The group raised $65,000 its first year and $150,000 the second year at the height of the housing boom, she said.

The group is building a shelter in Maricopa for abused women and their children.

The night was filled with food stations – food made by Straight to the Plate Catering and served by Maricopa High School culinary students – raffles, gaming tables, a silent auction and a live auction.

Anderson said guests appreciated the MHS students.

“They were amazing. Everyone said they were so impressed with how well spoken and poised they were,” she said.

Maricopa resident Corrine Carr won a 6.6-carat green topaz and diamond ring in a raffle donated by Amy’s Jewelry in Casa Grande, and city employee Brenda Campbell captured the Vespa donated by Glenn Jones Auto. Campbell and her husband Greg had the winning bid on a photo of wild horses during the live auction.

John Schurz, president and general manager of Orbitel Communications and Western Broadband, was the highest bidder for a custom made redwood chair, which he donated back to the shelter. Other live auction items included two Southwest Airlines round-trip tickets won by Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino general manager Robert Livingston and a NASCAR package.

Anderson said the gala at Province Community Center attracted 275 people.

“The money raised goes to operational expenses so we can hire staff and keep the doors open,” she said of the center, which is still in its permitting stages. Tickets were $75 per person, with $50 of the price going directly to the shelter.

Anderson said she was touched by the number of dignitaries at the event, including state Rep. Steve Smith, R-Maricopa, and Rep. Frank Pratt, R-Casa Grande, as well as Pinal county representatives including Sheriff Paul Babeu, County Attorney Lando Volyes, Supervisor Anthony Smith and former supervisor David Snider.