25th Anniversary Gala Saturday, October 11, 2025
Love Lives Here
Welcome to Maggie’s Place
25th Anniversary Gala
Presented by
WELCOME
Kelee Lee Walton, MC and Auctioneer
MESSAGE FROM MAGGIE’S PLACE BOARD CHAIR
Lynn Gallett
MESSAGE FROM MAGGIE’S PLACE CEO
Laura Magruder
DINNER LIVE
From The CEO
October 11, 2025
Twelve years ago, I began my tenure as CEO of Maggie’s Place. Following a founder can be a daunting endeavor. Mary laid a solid foundation during her 13 years for me to build on. Over the years we have added homes, opened the Family Success Center and expanded program offerings. My hope, to encourage and lift up every woman who enters our doors. Most of you know I design a Christmas ornament every year. They signify the value or focus of that year. This year it is simply the word “love.” Love built Maggie’s Place and love will sustain us. I wish Maggie’s Place wasn’t needed, that every pregnant woman had safe shelter, until that happens Maggie’s Place will continue to welcome those who need us.
Thank you for supporting Maggie’s Place with your time, talent, treasure and prayers.
With a grateful heart, Laura
From The Board Of Directors Chair
October 11, 2025
Dear Friends of Maggie’s Place,
As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Maggie’s Place, I am filled with gratitude and pride in being a part of what this remarkable community has built. What began as a vision—to provide a place to call home, hope, and healing to moms in need—has grown into several family homes that have served over 1242 moms and 738 babies over the last 25 years. This milestone is not only a testament to the strength and courage of the mothers who walk through our doors, but also to the dedication of our staff, volunteers, donors, and partners. Each of you has played a vital role in creating a place where women are empowered, families are strengthened, and futures are rewritten with resilience and love.
As we look back on 25 years of service, we also look ahead with renewed commitment. The needs of moms and babies remain great, and so too does our resolve to meet them with compassion, dignity, and unwavering support. Together, we will continue building a legacy of hope for generations to come.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for believing in the mission of Maggie’s Place and for helping us carry it forward. Here’s to the next 25 years of transforming lives—one mother, one child, and one family at a time.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Lynn Gallett, Board Chair Maggie’s Place
Board Of Directors
Lynn Gallet Board Chair
Leslie Rocha
Treasurer
Erin Naugton Alaimo
Secretary
John Scola Past Chair
Megan Amdahl
Ingrid Evans
Karina Luna
Don Hughes
Carol Shilliday
John Smith
Anne Wuycheck
Founders
Mary Peterson
Jennifer Bradford • Christy DeMuro
Teresa Lueken • Lisa Zorita
THE FOUNDING
Inspiration: The idea for Maggie’s Place emerged from a period of discernment for Mary Peterson and others, who felt called to social justice and serving the poor, particularly pregnant women in need of a safe space.
The First Home: The founding group, a mix of young women with shared values but not necessarily close friends, found an abandoned bungalow in downtown Phoenix that they rebuilt into their first house of hospitality.
Opening Day: The first Maggie’s Place home opened on Mother’s Day, May 13, 2000, welcoming its first residents and marking the transition from an idea to a functioning community.
Core Values: The organization was built around the core values of love, hospitality, community, and excellence.
Acquired Magdalene House and Started Renovations
Mother’s Day 2000
Maggie’s Place Opens
The Magdalene House Phoenix, AZ
Maggie’s Place Timeline
Elizabeth
AZ
Leadership Transition + Updated Mission Statement Administrative Staff Hired + Family Success Center Opens Phoenix, AZ
The
House Opens Tempe,
The Zechariah House Opens Cleveland, OH
The Michael House Opens Glendale, AZ
Maggie’s Thrift Opens Phoenix, AZ
The Hannah House Opens Mesa, AZ
The Mary Apartments Open Phoenix, AZ
Maggie’s Place Timeline
The Gabriel House Opens Glendale, AZ
The Zechariah House Leaves Maggie’s Place – Becomes Zellie’s Home
The Bunkhouse Addition at The Hannah House Breaks Ground
Elsie’s Bunkhouse Opens at The Hannah House Mesa, AZ
Family Success Center Reopens Phoenix, AZ
Family Success Center Expansion + Updated Mission Statement Phoenix, AZ
Maggie’s Thrift Closes Phoenix, AZ
Presenting Sponsor
U-Haul has supported Maggie’s Place for many years and is honored to be this year’s Presenting Love Sponsor for the 25th Anniversary Gala.
U-Haul was founded 80 years ago by WWII Navy Veteran L.S. Shoen and his inspirational wife Anna Mary Carty Shoen. Together, they redefined the modern do-it-yourself moving industry.
Anna Mary demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout her life. A devout Catholic, she was student body president at Oregon’s Marylhurst College in a time when women seldom pursued degrees. Anna Mary understood that a rental-trailer service could empower people to move to a better life and affirm their human dignity. She worked tirelessly to see this idea come to fruition through intelligence, work ethic and humility. While L.S. maintained the trailer fleet, Anna Mary managed the books, reporting and expenses.
This would have been an impressive feat by itself. But she did it all while raising a family of six as a loving mother.
Thank you to Anna Mary and Maggie’s Place for embodying the strength of women everywhere.
Presenting
Your Moving and Storage Resource
Founded in 1945, U-Haul is the No. 1 choice of do-it-yourself movers, with more than 24,000 rental locations across all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. U-Haul International is proud to be a Phoenix-based company since 1967.
Women of Impact Committee
Leticia Carey
Jessica Clark
Rena Cruse
Maria Dong
Rachel Dumas
Lynn Gallett
Bethany Gilmore
Karen Guy
K Johnson
Doras Ladd
Lisa LaVoie
Vicki Randall
Kathleen Rogers
Anne Ruiz
Stephanie Spearman
Lisa Zorita
Sponsors
PRESENTING LOVE SPONSOR
HOSPITALITY SPONSOR
COMMUNITY SPONSOR
EXCELLENCE SPONSORS
Hospitality Sponsor
Hospitality Sponsor
Table Hosts
Erin and Al Alaimo
Rena Cruse
The Gomez Family
Lisa A. LaVoie
Kathryn & Clinton Leonard
Jennifer & Joseph Mikitish
The Nadolski’s
Notre Dame Federal Credit Union
Vickie and Terry Randall
Robin & Terrance Roche
Brittany & Jake Sajevic
Carol & Don Shilliday
John Smith
Starbase 61
Upside Insurance
Anne Wuycheck
The headlines 25 years ago were about Y2K…
“The Day the World Shuts Down?” – Forbes “Y2K: A Ticking Time Bomb” - InfoWorld Today, it’s about AI …
"90% of Companies Unprepared for AI Cybersecurity Threats“ -Accenture
“No AI Strategy? You’re Already Behind” – MIT Sloan Management Review Luckily, great advice never expires. Let us help future proof your business.
Karcsay Consulting Group From idea to impact, empowering innovation for growth. www.KarcsayGroup.com Support@KarcsayGroup.com 602.536.7116 Congratulations Maggie’s Place on 25 Years!
In-Kind Donors
Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant
AJ’s Fine Foods
Erin Alaimo
Megan Amdahl
Aquarius Resort & Casino
Arizona Stronghold Vineyards
Arizona Theatre Company
Arizona Biltmore, LXR Hotels & Resorts
Arizona Grand Resort
Arizona Museum of Natural History
Arizona Party Bike
Arizona Renaissance Festival
Aunt Chiladas
Ballet Arizona
James R. Barrons
Bear Creek Golf Complex
Bearizona
Bell Bank Box - Waste Management
Stacy Biehle
Bruce Usher Associates
Candle Chemistry
Center Court Pickleball
Chandler Center for the Arts
Chateau Tumbleweed Winery
Cheesecake Factory
Christoper Fine Diamonds
Coopers Hawk Winery & Restaurant
Crumbl Cookies Chandler
Rena Cruse
Daily Dose Grill
Define Beuaty Med Spa
Desert Botanical Garden
Desert Maven
Detox Desserts
Drybar
Ingrid Evans
Exceptional Vibe
Fairmont Princess Hotel
Fiesta Bowl
Fred’s Flowers
Greenwood Brewery
HiHi Donuts
Hobe Meats
Hot Air Expeditons
Don Hughes
Idea Museum
In-N-Out Burger
Javelina Leap Vineyard
K Johnson
Kendra Scott
Doras Ladd
La Quinta by Wyndham Hotel
Lisa LaVoie
Lookout Tavern
Lou Malnati’s
Lowelll Observatory Flagstaff
Karina Luna
Lure Fish House
Maple & Ash
Robert Meyer
Sandy Moore
Mary Jo Barsetti & Dave Nerland
New York Bagel & Bialy
Oak Creek Vineyards
OdySea Aquarium
Olga Brow Studio
Oliver Smith Jewelry
Ollie Vaughn’s
One Handsome Bastard
Out of Africa Wildlife Park
Mary Peterson
Phoenix Art Museum
Phoenix Mercury
Phoenix Symphony
Phoenix Zoo
Pure Barre
Raceway Carwash
Raconteuse Cigars
Raising Canes
Randy’s Donuts
Real Life Design
Richardson’s Restaurant
Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy
Kathy Rogers
Rumors Salon
Salon D & A
Scheels
John Scola
Scott’s Generation Deli
Scottsdale Museum of Contempory Art
Carol Shilliday
Skydive Arizona
Connie & John Smith
Sonique Saturday
South Point Hotel & Casino
Sprouts
Starbucks Gift Pack
Page Steel
Sunshine Sunflower
Super Star Car Wash
Texas Roadhouse
The Eclectic Cowgirl Resale & Gifts
The Greedy Hamster
The Heard Museum
The Herb Box
The Maids
Total Wine & More
Trader Joes
Verde Canyon Railroad
Village Clubs
Washington Jewelry
Whole Foods
Wildflower
Wildlife World Zoo
Anne Wuycheck
Special Acknowledgements
Clayton House - Wedgewood Meetings & Events
Phillips Law Group Foundation
Olga & Jeffrey Phillips
Chad Hawthorne • Mustafa Johnson • Olivia Lemorrocco
Jessica Estime
Pacific Air Reps
John Murray • Jake Bagwell • Phil Cuevas
Crumbl Cookies – Chandler
Mark Holmgren
Crystal Johnson
Karina Luna & Rob Rupprath
Notre Dame Federal Credit Union
Sol Rise Staffing
Audrey Starr
Jaime Tafoya
Christina Tax
United Parking Systems
Megan Walz
LaShay Whipple
MarshMcLennan Agency
Mom Testimonials
One day in September I arrived at Maggie’s Place, full of fears and doubts, because I found out that I was pregnant, and without a place to live, I felt a lot of fear and anger, for finding myself in that situation.
Thanks to MP I was able to continue my pregnancy at The Elizabeth House, my home where José Emilio spent his first year of life, there I learned to be patient, I knew kindness, among so many stories of many women, their virtues and qualities, I learned that women can do different things and start a new life through our children and for them. I knew my strength and increased my faith in God.
I empowered myself and fought for my life and that of José Emilio, there were moments of sadness and despair but the AmeriCorps helped me in those moments, I touched many hearts that are now part of my life, I was able to continue fighting to be able to recover my life, economic stability and my dreams with the tools that MP taught me.
I thank each person who is and is part of this wonderful MAGGIES PLACE Family! I was able to regain my confidence and learned that even in the darkest moment the sun shines again! My eternal gratitude to all of you!
With love
Karen and Jose
The Elizabeth House 2022-2024
I can’t begin to express the gratitude I feel when I contemplate how fortunate I am to be a part of the Maggie’s Place family. Of all the many things they have done for me over the years, it is the memories, experiences and unconditional love that mean the most to me. I have never found another place where I can walk in, and people know my name and never forget to ask how me and my son are doing. I have grown close to some of the staff, and these are friendships I will always cherish.
Audrey Starr
The Magdalene & The Elizabeth House 2007
I’m grateful to be able to have been and still be a part of Maggie’s place. From the amazing resources continuously offered to assist the moms and our families to the loving sense of community we have all been able to find. I wouldn’t have been able to get to where I am today without that help and am so grateful for the relationships I’ve built and the friends and family I have made within Maggie’s place.
Crystal Johnson
The Hannah House 2022-2024
Mom Testimonials
I want to express my deepest gratitude for the gift of time I was able to spend at Gabriel House. The experience was truly eye-opening—it reminded me in such a powerful way that there are people in this world who care so deeply about others. As the oldest mom in the house and already an experienced mother, it was such a blessing to welcome my daughter while also being surrounded by women who were going through this journey for the very first time. Before coming to the house, I was honestly apprehensive. Change has never been easy for me, and after so much change in my life already, I wasn’t sure what to expect. From the very first moment I walked through the front doors—becoming the very first mom of Gabriel House—I was welcomed with open arms and genuine love. What I found was not only a place to live, but another family outside of my own. The level of intimacy and support we shared made the house feel like home. When the time came for me to move on, I was supported in every possible way. That love and care carried me forward, and I will carry it with me always. I will forever be grateful to Maggie’s Place—especially to the women who supported us within the home—for the compassion, guidance, and strength you gave me and my daughter. You made a lasting impact on my life, and for that I thank you with all my heart.
Heather Ther Gabriel House 2023-2024
Mom Testimonials
Dear Maggie’s Place,
Thank you so much for all the love and support you have given me through the years. You have helped me grow in so many ways and I now have the confidence to be the best version of myself. Thanks to your help, I have become self-reliant and have re-built my life in a manner that is healthy for myself and my children. Of course, I still find bumps in the road, but with your help I am able to overcome the challenges and keep moving in a positive, forward direction. I appreciate your dedication with all the classes and groups, I appreciate the occasional financial assistance, food and household supplies, and most of all for always having a friendly person to talk to.
Sincerely, with lots of love
Valerie Santos
The Magdalene House 2011-2014
I am deeply grateful for Maggie’s Place and everything the community there has done for me. It has been a source of stability, comfort, and unwavering support during a time when I needed it most. The kindness, understanding, and compassion from the staff and community have truly made a lasting impact on my life. They’ve given me the space to grow, the encouragement to believe in myself, and the tools to build a better future. I’ll always carry that gratitude with me.
Bridget Ibarra
Ther Magdalene House 2010
My life has completely changed because of Maggie’s Place. It’s a privilege and an honor to have lived in the The Elizabeth House then to be working here to help women who are just like me. I can’t think of anywhere else I would want to be. Maggie’s Place is my home away from home. Thank you for letting me be a part of this organization.
LaShay Whipple
Ther Elizabeth House 2014
Mom Testimonials
Newly sober, homeless, and unexpectedly pregnant, that was life for me in 2019. What then felt like an impossible responsibility has turned into the most beautiful blessing, as those were the circumstances that led me to find Maggie’s Place. Maggie’s place quickly turned strangers into family and provided me with a vast support system that continues to help me navigate life’s challenges. During my time in the home, I met many other mothers, staff members, and volunteers, all with their own stories and journeys. Through lived and shared experiences, I was able to build true friendships and relationships, many of whom are a core part of my “village” today. Living in the home also provided me with a safe space to heal and work on myself while also trying to figure out how to become a mother. Through involvement in counseling, events, support groups, parenting classes and more I was able to learn how to become an independent productive member of society. Maggie’s Place provided me with the tools and guidance I needed in order to rebuild a solid foundation for my life.
Since moving out of the home I have been blessed with the opportunity to provide peer support services to other moms of the Maggie’s Place community. Working as a peer support has allowed me the privilege to give back to the community that has given so much to me and my family over the years. The continued support I have received from Maggie’s Place as an alumni mom has helped me maintain my sobriety even through some of life’s worst and best moments. Staying active and engaged with this community has kept me grounded and encouraged while raising my two boys.
When I moved into Maggie’s Place, six short years ago, I was broken, lost, and afraid. Through working on myself, engaging in the classes offered, and working with other Maggie’s Place individuals on setting and resetting goals, I have now had the chance and privilege to accomplish some of the dreams I never imagined could become reality. Today, I am grateful for Gods plan on my life, my family, sobriety, the privilege to own a home, vehicle, and work as a nurse. I am forever grateful and thankful for the mission and vision of Maggie’s Place and for never feeling judged by what got me here but always supported on the journey of what is ahead. On the good, the bad, and all the in-between days, I always know there is a safe and welcoming space for myself and my family in the Maggie’s Place community.
Megan Hancock
Ther Elizabeth House 2019-2021
Mom Testimonials
What Maggie’s Place means to me is “Love” and “Support”. At a time when I literally had no one, Maggie’s Place provided me with family. From the day I walked into the The Michael House 11 years ago, I have not been alone, in fact my contact person is still my contact person. The AmeriCorps I lived with helped me or should I say walked beside me as I “grew up” and learned how to be a mom, even though I had adult children at that time, I had never really raised any of them. And it didn’t stop there, without the job training program at Maggie’s Place Thrift, I would not be where I am today. I learned how to be an employee, accountable, responsible and manage many moving pieces to operate a store.
Jaime Tafoya
The Michael House 2014-2015
I stayed at Maggie’s Place from August 2023 until January 2025, and I can honestly say it changed the course of my life. For as long as I can remember, doctors told me I wouldn’t be able to get pregnant. So, when it happened, it was the biggest blessing, but it also completely threw me off guard. I was new to Arizona, I didn’t have a strong support system, and I had no idea what resources were out there. It was one of the scariest, most overwhelming times of my life. Maggie’s Place was the turning point. I wasn’t alone anymore. I was provided with so many essentials that I couldn’t afford on my own at that time, including diapers, clothes, personal care items, access to their donation closet, and food. But Maggie’s Place gave me so much more than just material things. They connected me to mental health services, job placement programs, and parenting courses that taught me how to care for my baby and gave me the confidence I needed to build a stable future considering the scars and trauma from my childhood. What stood out most to me was that Maggie’s Place didn’t just help me survive during pregnancy; they helped me grow. They gave me guidance, support, and encouragement every step of the way. They showed me resources I never would have known about otherwise. And they gave me something I will cherish forever: a community for life. Even after leaving, I can still rely on Maggie’s Place for help when I need it, whether it’s diapers, wipes, toiletries, or food. That continued support has been such a blessing as I’ve transitioned into living on my own with my baby. I truly don’t know where I would be today without Maggie’s Place. What could have been one of the darkest, most stressful times of my life became a season of hope, growth, and stability. Because of Maggie’s Place, I’m not just surviving; I’m building a brighter future for myself and my family. For that, I will always be grateful.
Megan Walz
Ther Gabriel House 2023-2025
Our Mission
Maggie’s Place provides safe housing and a nurturing community for homeless pregnant women, empowering them to thrive throughout their lifetime.
Our Vision
We aspire to be the premier service provider in Maricopa County to our moms, babies and families, breaking the cycle of generational trauma to transform our community.
