Seeds of Change Gala hopes to ‘Raise this Roof’

Saturday evening’s 4th annual Seeds of Change Gala hopes to take even more steps to ‘Raise this Roof’ on the Against Abuse, Inc. women and children’s domestic violence shelter in Maricopa.

This year’s event, which is sold out, will be held at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Resort from 6-11 p.m.

The Gala committee is made up of fifteen women, headed by Torri Anderson. “The committee has been just wonderful,” said Anderson. “We’ve met multiple times, and so much has been accomplished.”

Anderson also speaks highly of the cooperation and generosity of Harrah’s, “Chef Jason (Ouano) has created a meal just for us that has never been served before anywhere.” Harrah’s event planner Socorro Garcia has worked closely with the committee, and Corinne Carr of Creative Occasions will add her special decorating touch to the affair. Casa Grande’s Fairy Tale Cakes will have a three dimensional replica of the shelter on display.

In addition to the 50 silent auction items and baskets, six items will be up for bid with auctioneer Keith Stump, and credit cards will be accepted for all items. The live auction items include a ‘New Beginnings’ handmade, queen-sized quilt in chocolate and pink crafted by Debbie Zirbes. Troy Anderson’s personally designed and handmade sofa table with leather accents will also be auctioned off, as well as an autographed Tom Lehman golf bag, which he used at the Ryder Cup.

Poco Loco Home Décor’s Sonja Templeton has again created a custom, one-of-a-kind, signed and dated eight-place setting dinnerware set, complete with matching wine bucket, glasses and table décor. With all the firings, glazing and painting, which were done in several steps, Templeton put 100 plus hours into the set. “Each year since we began Sonja has made a different design just for the Gala,” explained Anderson.

Celeste Interrante of Core Solutions donated a one-week stay in Cancun, Mexico, for four people as a live auction item, and Charles and Genevieve Loew donated a Taos ski package for two. It includes the use of a condo, Southwest Airlines airfare, and dinner certificates for some of the best dining spots in Taos.

One new feature this year will be a raffle for a 5.1-carat amethyst ring, which is surrounded by another carat of diamonds. Raffle tickets, available by calling 520-280-3156, are $20 each, and you do not need to be present to win. The ring, valued at $1,300 and donated by Amy’s Jewelry Boutique in Casa Grande, has matching earrings that will be part of the silent auction.

“This event is all about Maricopa; it’s for Maricopa and by Maricopa,” said Anderson, adding, “We are so grateful to the local businesses and individuals who have continued to support us, and we do recognize that it’s a tough economy right now.”

Those in attendance Saturday evening will be able to dine, dance and celebrate with friends. Although casino games won’t be provided, they will be available nearby on Harrah’s casino floor.

Most importantly, the proceeds, from the tickets, silent and live auction items, as well as the raffle, will all go toward the women and children’s shelter-to ‘Raise this Roof.’

Photos by Joyce Hollis; others courtesy of Gala committee