event
SLAM DUNK!
Suns Charities 88 hosts posh, progressive street party ALISON BAILIN BATZ
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amed after Phoenix Suns Charities’ inaugural year in 1988, Suns Charities 88, presented by BillingTree, was formed in 2012 to offer a platform for energized business professionals within the community to network amongst their peers while providing an opportunity to collectively give back through the philanthropic power of the Phoenix Suns. “We focus on three main principles: professional development, collaborative partnerships and philanthropy,” says Jennie Patel, manager of Suns Charities 88. “From our onset, we knew we that if we wanted to give back in a big way, we would need to create our own large-scale fundraising event on a whole other level than anything the Suns have done before.” As a result, Suns Charities 88 Slam Dunk was born. In its first year, more than
If You Go…
WHAT: Suns Charities 88 Slam Dunk WHEN: Nov. 5, 6 -11 p.m. WHERE: Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix TICKETS: $188; sponsorships start at $3,500 INFORMATION: www.suns.com/ slamdunk
400 guests joined in the fun – and word spread quickly about the unique take on a fundraising event. “So much so, in fact, last year the event topped out at 1,000 guests. This year, thanks to an enhanced private dining area, we hope to host nearly 1,200 UPTOWN |
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party goers,” Patel explains. Billed as part-Phoenix Suns behindthe-scenes VIP experience, part progressive dinner and part-street party, Slam Dunk begins on the floor of the arena with a lively cocktail party. From there, guests – who are encouraged to dress in their best “Suns chic,” attire – which includes everything from bright orange dresses to purple “Dumber and Dumber” suits – caravan by foot to the heart of downtown Phoenix. “We actually shut down the street right around the arena and transform one of our massive parking pavilions into a full-on sit-down dinner for more than a thousand people with themed cocktails and entertainment courtesy of a DJ, the iconic Phoenix Suns Gorilla and our Suns dancers,” says Patel, noting members of the Suns leadership team are not only in attendance, but often honorary hosts of the evening. And the party doesn’t stop after dinner. “The final stop during our progressive party takes guests to the Fry’s Plaza just outside of our arena, where we go beyond simply serving dessert and hosting an auction,” explains Patel, noting there is also a raffle where one lucky winner will win the opportunity to travel with the team to a game, and a Kendra Scott-sponsored jewelry pull. “It’s a true VIP party, but one that lets everyone in on the fun.” All proceeds from the event benefit Phoenix Suns Charities, who have raised more than $18 million to support family and child-focused charities across Arizona.