Charity 8th Annual Runway to Success Fundraiser to Support GateWay Community College Students

GateWay Community College is gearing up for its annual gala, the 8th Annual Runway to Success, on Friday, Sept. 29, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. This critical fundraiser will be held at The Clayton House, 3719 N. 75th St., in Scottsdale.

An initiative that has seen tremendous support over the years, the event plays a crucial role in generating funds that bolster the college’s programs, provide scholarships, and ensure student success and retention. The evening, hosted by Event Chair Lisa Andrus and emceed by Carey Pena, will offer guests an immersive experience with a silent auction, dinner, and a unique segment where GateWay students take center stage. Through their stories, attendees will hear firsthand how GateWay transformed their educational dreams into tangible realities.

For over half a century, GateWay Community College, a celebrated Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), has been a beacon for education and workforce training. The institution, where over 50% of the students identify as Hispanic/Latinx, offers a vast selection of over 160 degrees and certificates tailored to diverse interests, passions, and schedules.

Ann Blatté, the development director at GateWay, expresses her hopes for a strong turnout this year, emphasizing the event’s significance. “Our students’ stories underscore their incredible journeys and the heights they’ve reached with their education at GateWay. We’re eager to showcase these successes and raise funds to help develop tomorrow’s workforce.”

With a commendable economic impact of $85 million, GateWay propels over 1,500 graduates into the workforce annually. The college is especially recognized for its programs in nursing, healthcare, apprenticeships, and trades, which often lead to lucrative careers without the need for a four-year degree.

The impact of GateWay’s programs on its students is profound, as exemplified by alumna Robbie Mathews-Pierce. Having navigated her academic journey at GateWay, Mathews-Pierce achieved her associate in applied science in radiologic technology and subsequently completed her bachelor’s at Grand Canyon University. Today, she is employed as a radiologic technologist at HonorHealth Deer Valley Medical Center, attributing her success to GateWay’s comprehensive approach to education and abundant scholarship opportunities.

The upcoming Runway to Success is anticipated to be a highlight of the season, with its vibrant ambiance, touching student accounts, and the imperative mission to augment educational backing for future professionals.

For those interested in attending, tickets for the event start at $125, with sponsorship opportunities commencing at $1,500.

More details, ticket purchases, and sponsorship information are available at runwaytosuccessgwcc.com.

North Scottsdale’s Zamora Acupuncture Offers Hope for Back Pain and Nerve Pain Sufferers, Even After Failed Surgeries Charity

For those who have been struggling with chronic back pain or nerve pain, even after undergoing unsuccessful back surgery, there’s a beacon of hope in North Scottsdale: Zamora Acupuncture.

Dr. Kourtney Zamora, a Doctor of Acupuncture, is compassionate and loves what she does. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. Dr. Zamora later earned her master’s and doctorate degrees in Acupuncture and is board certified through the NCCAOM. She combines evidence-based traditional Chinese acupuncture with FDA-approved modern technology to help decrease pain levels. Many of her patients have undergone surgery, tried multiple medications, physical therapy, and injections, but still suffer from conditions such as back pain, peripheral neuropathy, and sciatic pain.

We sat down with Dr. Zamora to learn more about Zamora Acupuncture.

SNN: What services do you offer that are unique?

KZ: I provide services for people who have been in pain for a long time. People come in with back pain, peripheral neuropathy, sciatic pain, and more. I provide evidence-based traditional Chinese acupuncture with modern technology that has been FDA approved to decrease pain. I use my experience in healthcare to provide exceptional care. Often, the patients that I see have already tried everything else. They have done surgery, tried various medications, physical therapy, injections, and more. Many people think they are too far gone in terms of their pain. In many cases, this can lead to depression because they are unable to get out and enjoy life.

I am here to tell you that there is hope for a more pain-free life.

SNN: Is there hope for someone that’s had back surgery and still in pain?

KZ: Yes. I have treated many patients with pain after surgery successfully. We call this Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS). The reality is that not every surgery is successful. Many times, patients have had multiple surgeries without success or with partial success.

SNN: If someone is not eligible for surgery due to weight or age, can you help them?

KZ: Absolutely. Acupuncture is a pain management option for these types of patients. I treat patients of all sizes and ages. Once pain levels decrease with acupuncture, many patients become more active and are able to lose weight easier. So that’s a very positive outcome! Additionally, with natural aging, there is no reason to suffer in pain. The treatments I provide can help decrease pain, even in cases of severe arthritis.

If you are suffering in pain, schedule a complimentary consultation at Zamora Acupuncture to discuss your condition. It’s never too late to start your journey to better health.

Zamora Acupuncture is located at 17787 N. Perimeter Dr., Suite A101, in Scottsdale. Learn more at www. AZacu.com. Call for a complimentary consultation 480-300-5767.