After a year-long pandemic hiatus, Phoenix-based childhood cancer foundation Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels breaks all previous fundraising records and exceeds its $500,000 goal at annual fundraiser gala on September 18th
(PHOENIX, ARIZ. -- September 28, 2021) Philanthropy season kicked off with a bang last weekend as Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels raised more than $600,000 at its annual 'Night of Hope' gala that took place Saturday, September 18th at the Hyatt Regency in Scottsdale. The foundation set a 2021 fundraising goal of $500,000 and raised more than $600,000 from donors at its hybrid in-person and virtual gala, breaking all previous fundraising records set by the Phoenix-based nonprofit organization.
"We are immensely grateful for the generosity of the community that came together to support Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels this year," said Lorraine Tallman, Founder and CEO of Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels. "Our donors truly opened their hearts to childhood cancer and the families we serve, helping us to fund critical services, important initiatives and gaps in care our families experience while dealing with the heartbreaking reality of a childhood cancer diagnosis," she said.
More than 350 guests attended the Old Hollywood-themed benefit this year. Taking place at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort at Gainey Ranch, the glamorous evening included dinner, dancing, live entertainment and a live and silent auction featuring over 150 items and experiences. Emcee Carey Pena and Auctioneer Kelee Lee dazzled the lively crowd, yielding several hundred thousand dollars in donations after the sumptuous dinner catered by the hotel. Wagner Family of Wines graciously provided the wine service, delighting guests with the famed Caymus Cabernet and Tito's Vodka kept the martinis shaking all night.
The live auction was filled with luxury travel experiences including a stay at a donor's private home in Nashville famed for hosting celebrity guests with its guitar shaped pool. The item first sold to the highest bidder in the room for $51,000, prompting owners Brent and Christina Yates of 'Be the Lead' to sell the item again for another $50,000, raising a total of $101,000 for Amanda Hope in a matter of minutes.
"This year's gala was a true celebration of community," Tallman said. "There was so much love in the room and people were so glad to be together in person again," she said. "It was a remarkable, record-breaking evening and one that we will remember forever," she said.
The 'Night of Hope' gala is Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels primary fundraising initiative that funds all of the non-profit's goals for the year. The foundation's multifaceted approach means that it is able to help families with whatever is needed while they are fighting cancer and also bring joy and comfort to children in the hospital fighting cancer. Most recently, Amanda Hope has expanded its mental health services by launching a Mobile Therapy program that brings a variety of therapy modalities to families fighting cancer across Arizona.
"Our mobile therapy program is the crown jewel of our 2021 and 2022 efforts as we continue to focus on the importance of mental health not just for the child facing cancer, but for moms, dads, brothers, sisters and relatives too," she said. Generous donations have made it possible for the organization to retrofit a Mercedes Sprinter van and a handicap-accessible bus to be therapy units on wheels offering talk and play therapy with specialized experts on an in-home basis.
"This program has been a saving grace during the COVID-19 pandemic for families with medically-fragile children," Tallman said. "Our therapists bring the van full of therapeutic toys and crafts and spend hours performing emotional triage for families in crisis," she said.
For nearly a decade Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels has honored the life and memory of Tallman's daughter Amanda Hope, a pint-sized powerhouse with a personality to match, who lost her battle to Leukemia at the tender age of 12. Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels strive to provide the highest level of comfort and care for children suffering from cancer and other life-threatening diseases. A nonprofit, support, and educational organization, AHRA empowers families to navigate an often confusing and overwhelming healthcare system and also raises money throughout the year to help cover utility bills, provide gas cards, and purchase groceries for Arizona families in need.
"We are so grateful for the incredible community support we have sustained this past year, which will allow us to help more than 1200 families dealing with childhood cancer over the next 12 months," she said. "From the bottom of my heart, I want to say thank you for our gracious long-term donors and welcome our new supporters and friends to our community of warriors for childhood cancer," she said.
For more information about the 'Night of Hope Gala', learn more about Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels or to request an interview with Founder Lorraine Tallman, contact Melissa Rein Lively with The Brand Consortium PR.
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About Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels
Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels is an Arizona-based nonprofit, support and educational organization designated by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible, tax-exempt organization, founded in 2012 in celebration of Amanda Hope’s life. During her three-year fight with leukemia and nine-month battle with a brain tumor, Amanda Hope dreamed that one day she would design a fun clothing line for kids just like her that would provide comfort and dignity during chemo treatments. Amanda's life ended all too soon but her dream lives on through our Comfycozy's for Chemo apparel and her legacy continues with our expansion of programs and services. For more information visit www.amandahope.org.
