The excitement of the Pinewood Derby roared through the halls of the Church of the Latter-day Saints at 234 N. Greenfield Rd. in Gilbert. Eight packs of Gilbert Cub Scouts raced their homemade race cars that were shaped like everything from traditional race cars to a yellow school pencil and even a jalapeno pepper.
GSN photos by Tim Sealy
Waylon Anglin of Black Track Unlimited runs the Pinewood Derby event for the Cub Scouts.
Dane Kovac and Quinn Carrington watch their cars to see whose will cross the finish line first.
A lineup of cars awaits the start of a race.
Grayson Callahan can’t contain his excitement after winning his heat.
Grayson Callahan eagerly waits for the race to start.
Quinn Carrington keeps cool in the middle of intense racing action.
Braeden Gorzitze won the prize for “Most Realistic” car. He also won third place overall.
Kylee and Shayla Montgomery and Mili Padilla create an impromptu cheering squad.
Luke Evans quietly celebrates his victory.
Gilbert Optimist Club looks forward to garage sale
The Gilbert Optimist Club is hoping to raise more than $1,000 through its annual garage sale designed to help youth in the community.
Set for 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 14, the club will host its fundraiser at a member’s home at 1745 E. Brown Rd., Mesa. The Gilbert Optimist Club is accepting donations of items to sell.
“The purpose is to raise money for our youth community projects,” says the club’s newsletter editor Ernie Merritt. “This will be our third garage sale. We usually have a golf tournament, but we’re not going to have it this year.”
districts. It supports Sunshine Acres in East Mesa as well.
The Optimist Club celebrates the talents of youngsters by hosting the Optimist Oratorical and Optimist Essay scholarship contests. For more information, visit www.optimist.org/e/ member/scholarships4. cfm.
According to Merritt, the Gilbert Optimist Club is a bit of a misnomer because members live in Gilbert, Mesa and Chandler.
Merritt, who lives in Chandler, is an eightyear member of the group.
For more information, call Merritt at (480) 219-8753.
For its youth community projects, the Gilbert Optimist Club supports the Junior Optimist Club at Westwood High School in Mesa. Members of the senior club also knit caps for cancer patients at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
The good work doesn’t stop there. The Gilbert Optimist Club supplies holiday meals for less fortunate families who are referred to the organization by school
“It’s a great group of people,” he says. “We get together and meet twice a month and have speakers. We participate with the youth as much as we can.”
The Gilbert Optimist Club meets at 8:30 a.m. the second and fourth Saturdays of the month at Paradise Bakery and Café, 3426 E. Baseline Rd., Suite 113, Dana Park Village Square, Mesa.
“The object of the club is to give something back to the youth in the community through networking, fellowship and service,” he says.
Handmade items available at Spring Craft Boutique
BY MEGHAN MCCOY
Fourteen years ago, a group of women who could knit and sew yearned to come together and form an organization that supported their hobbies. But they wanted to do more than show off their handiwork.
The women wanted to help less fortunate East Valley families, so they melded their creative and philanthropic sides and founded Creative Designers for Charity. Initially, it aided Mesa’s House of Refuge.
“We started out there because 14 years ago there wasn’t a lot out in the Gilbert section,” says Barbara Jester, a Creative Designers member.
Creative Designers schedules boutiques in March and November to raise funds for Gilbert Public Schools and the Higley Unified School District. Submitted photo
Wanting to bring the funds closer to home, Creative Designers now hosts two craft sales per year—one in November and one in March—to benefit the Gilbert Public Schools and the Higley Unified School District.
“We had picked the Gilbert and Higley school districts for the past three or four years,” she says. “I don’t have grandkids and that’s how I got started.”
The Creative Designers’ Spring Craft Boutique is set for 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, March 20, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at the Trilogy Power Ranch Sierra Ballroom, 4369 E. Village Pkwy., Gilbert.
Items for sale include children’s aprons, baby blankets, headbands, jewelry, placemat sets, floral, decorated and embroidered towels and bibs. For more information about the Spring Craft Boutique, call (480) 279-2053.
“They are all made by the women,” Jester says. “We all have our different talents.”
In the last few years, the organization has donated about $15,000 to the
districts. Jester says some of the monies have provided library books, as well as such items as bras, underwear, socks, toothpaste and deodorant for the Students in Transition program.
“They have a liaison at the schools,” she says of the program. “We purchase this for them and they put them in a room and their liaison identifies who needs help.”
Creative Designers members have also purchased yarn to make knit hats, scarves and gloves for the youngsters. Jester says they took hundreds of the handmade items to the schools.
The group is in the process of purchasing $2,500 worth of calculators for the young students.
Jester says she hopes that their fundraisers go a long way.
“We kind of fill in the gap,” she says. “We may not have deep pockets, but we have talents that we can create, sew and knit. It gives us satisfaction knowing that we are helping someone. It warms your heart.”
Creative Designers for Charity is holding its annual Spring Craft Boutique Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21, at the Trilogy Power Ranch Sierra Ballroom, 4369 E. Village Pkwy., Gilbert. Submitted photo
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Fashion show features cancer survivors, their journeys
BY MEGHAN MCCOY
In April 2003, Bobbie Chinsky found a lump in her breast and thought, “Oh, well that’s nothing.”
When she checked it again a few weeks later, she felt the same lump and decided to have it checked out.
The Gilbert resident had a mammogram and was immediately sent to have a breast ultrasound. From there, Chinsky was referred to a breast surgeon, who did a biopsy.
“Then I heard the words no women wanted to hear,” she says about her cancer diagnosis. Chinsky says she was fortunate to have the support from the Cancer Support Community, her daughter, friends, colleagues and staff.
“It makes a tremendous difference,” she says.
Now in her 12th year of being cancer free, Chinsky is giving back to the community that played a key role in her recovery by serving as a model. Chinsky is one of 18 models/cancer survivors participating in the “Sharing Our Beauty and Strength—A Fashion Event to Celebrate the Power of Community” from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at the Cancer Support Community building, 360 E. Palm Lane, Phoenix.
“When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, one of the things I knew that I
needed was some support,” says Chinsky of her experience with Cancer Support Community.
“Participating in something like the fashion show is very important to me because it is a way of kind of giving back. Plus I am getting to wear an incredible outfit, I am told.”
“In order to honor the journey of cancer survivors, I felt that a fashion show was inadequate by itself,” says Paula Hardison, event chairwoman and former Cancer Support Community executive director.
“It needed to capture the significance of what these women have gone through and that pure beauty comes from within. All of these women, their cancer doesn’t define them. It’s their life, priorities and their inner beauty that defines them.”
Tickets start at $125 and include the fashion show, brunch, raffle and silent auction. To purchase tickets, visit http:// bit.ly/17YcL61.
Tisha Marie Pelletier with Gilbert’s Details Events Management says this year’s fashion show is pairing cancer survivors Valleywide with local boutiques and designers to dress them based on their journey and their unique story.
“I sat down with the chair(woman) last
week,” Chinsky says. “I was so moved to tears that she so understood and resonated with what I shared with her. It means a great deal to be able to share that with other people. To be able to share my journey that may help someone else understand the importance of the Cancer Support Community. A friend, relative or they themselves might one day be on this journey.”
Hardison says the survivors’ stories are very powerful because it is their story and it’s the truth.
The models are working with the local boutiques Kiss Me Kate, A Cool Breeze, Alixandra Collections, Babette, Femme, Nouvelle Armoire, Objects, Studio Joy Li and Saks 5th Avenue to select an
outfit that represents their struggles, disappointments, anger, sadness, courage, frustrations, joy and victories through their fight with cancer.
Salon Estique is providing the makeup and hairstyles for the fashion show.
The Cancer Support Community, Chinsky says, provided services such as yoga classes, educational sessions, classes on nutrition and cooking and exercise all free of charge.
“I personally was fortunate that I had a great job and incredible insurance,” she says. “There are many people that cancer is a financially draining time. To be able to go to Cancer Support Community any time ...and there is never a question of having to pay.”
The Cancer Support Community became another home for Chinsky as she faced the journey of battling cancer.
“I went to a newcomers group to hear about the organization and what they offer people with cancer,” she says. “I walked in and immediately felt like I found another home. I went to the support group and it was just what I needed.
“Cancer is a pretty tough experience and what I walked away from my support group was enough courage to get through the next week of what it would bring.”
Flancer’s events to benefit three organizations
Flancer’s Gourmet Grub is no stranger to giving back to the community.
For the 15th consecutive year, the restaurants in East Mesa and Gilbert are doing their part to spread goodwill to those in need. Since it was founded, Flancer’s has helped raise and donate more than $230,000 in cash to charities.
In April, the restaurant will contribute to Sunshine Acres, Jewish Family and Children’s Service (Max Flancer Fund) and WarFighter Sports. In 2014, owner Jeff Flancer lost his 15-year-old son, Max. Flancer will continue to build funds to help other teens and parents in need of support and resources. There are multiple ways to rally around these causes. Visit either Flancer’s Gourmet Grub in East Mesa or Gilbert to purchase raffle tickets for a chance at winning one of six prizes valued up to $1,000. Raffle sales start March 10.
Another way to help is by attending the light-hearted Cigar and Craft Beer Event at Fox Cigar Bar in Gilbert. A date in early April will soon be announced. Food will be provided by Flancer’s, while patrons enjoy Perdomo cigars and Four Peaks beer. Tickets are $30. To register for the event, call Flancer’s at (480) 926-9077.
Those with a hearty appetite who enjoy doing fun activities for the benefit of the community should sign up to compete in Flancer’s all-you-can-eat pizza contest on Sunday, April 12. Registration begins at 10:15 a.m. and the feasting ensues at 11 a.m. For $25, contestants will receive a limited edition T-shirt, pizza and a drink to help wash it down. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to local charities. The first prize winner will receive $250 cash, a large trophy and will be crowned by the reigning Miss Arizona. The winner is the first contestant to eat two 16-inch cheese pizzas.
“In this wonderful world where so many magically and beautiful things happen, there is also desperation and hopelessness,” Flancer says.
“If we can assist and make the lives of people improved through different ways of intervention, then this is where good triumphs over evil.”
To learn more about the beneficiaries of the donations, visit www. sunshineacres.org, www.jfcsaz.org or www.warfightersports.org.
Flancer’s is located at 1902 N. Higley Rd., East Mesa, (480) 396-0077; and 610 N. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert, (480) 926-9077.
‘Tis the season for tasty Thai food
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
Thai Season owner Sirichai Mahasirichoke knows how to run a restaurant. Not only does the eatery use the freshest of ingredients, it boasts chef Arthawut Arthakorn, who has experience in five-star restaurants in Bangkok.
The proof is in the dishes. During a recent visit, my husband and I tried several dishes at Thai Season, which opened in early January. We started our meal with chicken satay—grilled chicken breast marinated with yellow curry powder and coconut milk, served with cucumber and peanut sauces ($8.50/$3.95 during happy hour). The result is one of the best satays we’ve had in the Valley. The peanut sauce was rich, with just a hint of curry. It wasn’t a challenge getting the chicken off the skewers, either. It practically fell off.
We tried three generously sized maincourse dishes—sweet and sour chicken ($7.50 for lunch/$9.50 for dinner), pad see ew ($7.50 for lunch/$9.50 for dinner) and three-flavor fish ($9.50 for lunch/$14.50 for dinner).
the dish—which translates to “fried with soy sauce”—brought a medley of complimentary flavors.
Arthakorn brought us the three-flavor fish as a surprise. He beamed with pride as he placed it on the table. This dish offers multiple breaded slices of white fish, with generous helpings of the sweet sauce as well as carrots, broccoli and other veggies.
I’m pretty much a connoisseur of all things sweet and sour, and this dish was incredible. Served with thick homemade sweet and sour sauce and stir fried with tomatoes, cucumbers, carrot, onions, bell peppers and pineapple, the dish was prepared to the perfect spice. However, watch out: The medium spice level is a little hotter than other restaurant around town.
As for my husband, he isn’t a big Thai food fan, but he admittedly loved the pad see ew and the three-flavor fish. The pad see ew, which he ordered with chicken, features wide rice noodles stir fried with egg, sweet soy sauce, broccoli, Chinese broccoli and carrots. The combination of the ingredients in
The atmosphere of Thai Season, formerly known as Thai Basil, is quaint. Asian music softly filled the restaurant as diners slowly arrived at Thai Season for dinner. The quiet, sparse conversation between patrons was a clear sign of approval of Mahasirichoke and Arthakorn’s talents. Thai Season is well worth the drive.
The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for lunch Monday through Friday. Dinner hours are: 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday; 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; and 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Thai Season
1245 W. Baseline Rd. Mesa 85202 (480) 413-9956 www.thaiseasonaz.com
Nonprofit helps kids in need
celebrate birthdays
BY TRACY HOUSE
Happy birthday. These two words can elicit smiles of joy from a child. But when a parent is unable to provide a child with a birthday present due to financial hardship, it can be a lasting memory of sadness.
Birthdays Remembered, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization that partners with agencies serving Arizona children to provide birthday gifts when parents are unable, is hosting its annual
Spring Celebration Champagne Brunch at the San Tan Elegante Reception and Conference Center at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 1800 S. San Tan Village Pkwy., Gilbert, at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 7, to raise money to fund its mission of providing birthday gifts to children in need.
The event will include a silent auction, featuring four roundtrip Southwest Airline tickets for anywhere in the United
Thai Season’s chicken satay is among the best in the Valley. GSN photo by Dave Karasinski
Pad see ew. GSN photo by Dave Karasinski
Fundraiser to help group ‘move forward’
BY MEGHAN MCCOY
Jenny Carrasco’s recovery from a massive stroke has been nothing short of a miracle. After brain surgery and relearning to walk and talk, the 32-yearold woman is more active than her doctors could have imagined.
“The journey has been amazing,” says Karen Carrasco of her daughter. “She walks. She talks. She goes to the gym. Her recovery is nothing but a miracle. The neurologist can’t even explain why she is doing so well.”
The owner of Gilbert-based KC Photography Studio, Karen supports her daughter and the We’re Moving Forward foundation with her Yellow Cottage Boutiques. They are set for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays March 28 and April 25 at the studio, 323 S. Gilbert Rd. Karen is on the foundation’s fundraising committee. For more information about We’re Moving Forward, visit www. wmforward.org.
participate in raffles, watch musicians and purchase baked goods and coffee.
Cowden says she hopes each vendor will donate to the raffle, which benefits We’re Moving Forward.
“This is my first time putting together events here,” Cowden says. “I am really hoping to make this one a little bit bigger and blow it out of the water.”
Chandler resident Jenny
at the age of 28, she is walking and talking four years later. Submitted photo
Other shops in Farmhouse Meadows will participate, according to Casey Cowden, KC Photography Studio’s office administrator. Patrons can shop,
Some of the vendors participating include Jamberry Nail Wraps, Stunning By Design, Younique, Origami Owl, Thirty One, It Works, Pampered Chef, Fleur Terre Essential Oils, Lattice and Ivy, Jeunesse Global and South Hills Designs.
Longtime rehabilitation
Jenny suffered a massive stroke when she was age 28, according to her mom. She was on the floor for 60 hours before she was found.
Jenny survived thanks to her cat, who woke her owner every time she meowed.
“By the time we got to her, her brain was swelling almost midline,” Karen says. “She was still speaking when I got there. I thought maybe she had a seizure, but I
Professionalism.
Yellow Cottage Boutique, a community fundraising benefit, will be held at KC Photography Studio in Gilbert on Saturdays March 28 and April 25. Submitted photo
did see the droop on the side of her face.”
Soon after Jenny arrived at the hospital, doctors temporarily removed part of her skull, which forced her to wear a helmet. After being weaned from life support, Jenny relearned how to swallow, talk and walk.
Karen says her daughter’s stroke could have been prevented, as it was caused by birth control and a gene mutation.
“Jenny had a blood clot and cut off the brain flow,” Karen says.
Jenny suffers from seizures and needs constant supervision, putting on hold her ambition of helping children after earning her master’s degree in social work.
“I don’t want to stay in the grief mode,” she says. “I am so blessed that Jenny is here with me. We are just thankful.”
Concert benefits Animal Cancer Center
BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON
When three of Kim Gauchat’s dogs died from cancer in 2010, the owner of Born to Run Dog Activity Center knew she had to do something to help fellow canine lovers. She is proud to be hosting the fourth annual Concert for a Cure 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25, that benefits the Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University at Born to Run.
Concert for a Cure takes place at the Gilbert’s Born to Run facility, which sits on more than 2 acres of land at 13811 S. Val Vista Dr., Gilbert. Guests bring a picnic dinner and their favorite beverages and there is a no-host bar.
Tickets for Concert for a Cure are $30, or $210 for a table of eight. This event is reservation-only, with RSVPs due by Tuesday, April 21. For tickets, visit www. borntorundogs.com or call (480) 812-3647.
Local band Smooth Groove has been a part of Born to Run’s Concert for a Cure since the beginning. The musicians are excited to be entertaining at the 2015 fundraising event.
Although
Carrasco suffered a massive stroke
Library events scheduled throughout March
Maricopa County Library District’s Southeast Regional and Perry Branch libraries have scheduled a plethora of events throughout March. Select programs are listed below.
The Perry Branch Library is located at 1965 E. Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert, while the Southeast Regional Library is located at 775 N. Greenfield Rd. For more information, call (602) 652-3000 or visit www.mcldaz.org.
FOR ADULTS
J.A. Jance Author Talk and Booksigning
10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday, March 9, at Perry Branch
Join bestselling author J.A. Jance as she talks about her latest book, “Cold Betrayal.”
Creative Writing
1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, at Perry Branch
Local author Gerri Brooks will lead a monthly creative writing workshop for beginners to advanced level writers. Note: Bring a notebook to class each week.
The Common Threads Knit and Crochet Club
1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursdays March 12 and March 26 at Perry Branch
Enjoy fun, food and friendship while creating and sharing needlework.
Get to Know Your Device: Apple
1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, March 13, at Perry Branch
Learn the ins and outs about your Apple device, whether it’s an iPad, iPhone or iPod. Registration required.
Perry Adult Book Discussion Group
10:30 a.m. Monday, March 23, at Perry Branch
This month, the group will discuss “Stone Mattress” by Margaret Atwood
Perry Film Series
1 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, at Perry Branch
Join the group for a monthly viewing of great indie, foreign and documentary films.
Don’t Know Much About: Twitter
1 p.m. Friday, March 27, at Perry Branch
Join the group to learn what Twitter is all about.
ABCDs of Medicare
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 14, at Southeast Regional Come and listen to an AARP representative.
Monday Morning Musings
10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday, March 16, at Southeast Regional
The event, which has a new date for this month only, features “Euphoria” by Lily King.
Bookends: Adult Fiction Discussion Group 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, at Southeast Regional This month’s title is TBA.
Zentangle: Practice Meditative Drawing
1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at Southeast Regional Zentangle is about being thoughtful, deliberate and focused. All supplies provided. Registration required.
ALL AGES
One-on-One Digital Download Assistance
6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays March 10, March 17, March 24 and March 31, at Southeast Regional Assistance is limited to questions about digital books and services and will not address specific technical questions about each device. Registration required.
Computer class—Internet Searching
1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, March 13, at Southeast Regional Participants will be introduced to Web browsers and the tool bar, as well as compare search engines.
COMING ON THE MARKET SOON!
Board Game Day
3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, at Perry Branch
Come to Board Game Day for a little retro fun and some snacks.
Meet the Diva Droids All-Girl Robotics Team
1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, at Southeast Regional
These young engineers are a part of a teen Girl Scout robotics team that will be at the library to share their Vex Robotics robot.
Teen Cyber Scavenger Hunt
3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, at Southeast Regional
Develop your Internet search skills and learn interesting answers to challenging questions. Registration required.
Stop Motion Animation Basics Workshop for Teens
2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, March 12, at Southeast Regional
Find out about creating a storyboard, designing a set, and choosing characters for your masterpiece. Bring your own smartphone or tablet, or use one of the library’s to create a short stop motion film.
Teen Tech Open House
2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, March 13, at Southeast Regional
CHILDREN
Paws 2 Read
10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at Perry Branch
Join a registered therapy dog who loves stories. Children ages 5 and older are invited to read their favorite book to the special library dog.
Family Yoga
11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Tuesdays March 10 and March 31, at Southeast Regional Join us for family yoga. This program is a one-on-one parent and child experience. Learn simple stretching and breathing exercises for enhancing mindfulness, increasing connection between parents and children, and fun activities to promote focus and concentration.
Family Spot Resource Center Playground, 11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, at Southeast Regional
A free developmental playgroup for children ages 0-5 through Family Spot Resource Center Gilbert. Storytime and hands-on activities for parents and children.
TEENS
STEM: Marshmallow Engineering—Towers and Launchers
3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 26, at
Try out the library’s cool tech tools including tablets, LEGO Mindstorms, laptops for coding, the electronics playground, and the inventors’ kits.
Minecraft Monday
6 p.m. to 6:50 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 7:50 p.m. Monday, March 16, at Southeast Regional Join fellow crafters and exchange tips. Bring yourself. Everything else is provided.
Electronic Playground
3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, at Southeast Regional
Using simple wiring diagrams and the Electronic Playground 130 kit from Elenco, the group will learn about capacitors, resistors, transistors and integrated circuits by completing a number of fun projects.
T WEEN
Kids Craft Club
4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, at Southeast Regional Kids will make a different craft each month.
Code Club
3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, at Southeast Regional Fun, self-paced exercises will help students learn Javascript and other computer code. All skill levels are welcome and no previous coding experience is required.
States, Disneyland Park Hopper tickets, local services and artists’ items. Stand-up comedian Kristofer Royer will provide the entertainment.
Nan LaBrose, director of Birthdays Remembered, founded the nonprofit after she and her husband adopted a daughter with spina bifida. Their daughter had 187 surgeries.
“She was in the hospital for absolutely every holiday,” says LaBrose. Many of her birthdays went uncelebrated.
“We were financially, and physically and mentally exhausted.”
LaBrose’s daughter died just before her 22nd birthday in 2006. She realized that families who were in similar circumstances were not able to provide birthday presents for their children and, by 2011, the charitable organization began.
“I realized that not only did she suffer by not having a birthday remembered, but so did we. It was hard for us. In a lot of cases children are the best thing to happen to families,” LaBrose says.
“Kim came to see us perform at Warren’s Jazz Bistro in Gilbert and we were the house band there,” says Jennifer Browne, the lead singer of the fivemember band who formed in 2009.
“Since then she got in contact with our band manager and pretty much from there, it’s been history. We love Born to Run, they love us and it’s been a lot of fun.”
Smooth Groove has regular gigs at various casinos including Lone Butte, Wild Horse Pass and Harrah’s Ak-Chin. Smooth Groove counts the Concert for a Cure as one of its favorite events.
“I think it’s amazing to be able to see a lot of people come together just for their pets,” Browne says. “I honestly didn’t even know that there was such a camaraderie that would draw such a crowd.”
Every year, the Concert for a Cure event grows and last year’s event drew 70 guests.
Once Smooth Groove hits the stage during Concert for a Cure, the crowd is up dancing for most of the night.
“We’ll play Top 40s, Motown, R&B and smooth jazz,” says Browne. “Most of the music is songs that you recognize and that you want to move to. It’s old school and new school.”
Browne adds that it’s touching to see folks pull together in the name of canine love.
“I had no idea about some of the things that Born to Run offers,” she says. “We always enjoy doing this event.”
The Born to Run facility offers doggy day care and overnight boarding, grooming, training and agility classes and workshops.
“As an animal lover, I have lost six of
The organization relies on donations for a new book, wrapping paper for the gift, and blank card for the parent to sign. The March event is the largest fundraiser for the nonprofit.
“This is where we get the money to buy the gifts,” LaBrose says. “All of the money we get goes toward the gifts. Each gift is specifically purchased per that child’s request.”
Various agencies identify families in need. Birthdays Remembered meets the child’s request up to $25. The unwrapped present is provided through the agency, which allows the parents to give the present to the child. “That just kind of helps preserve that family dignity and makes it a whole celebration for the family,” LaBrose says.
Since the organization was founded in 2011, LaBrose estimates that between 800 and 900 children have received birthday gifts.
For further information contact Nan LaBrose at nan@birthdaysremembered. com or visit the website at www. birthdaysremembered.org.
my own dogs to cancer—three in 2010,” explains Gauchat who, along with her husband, shows and competes with their dogs.
She wants to ensure that science continues to advance so that pets have more effective cancer treatments available or so that perhaps cancer can be prevented and eventually eliminated.
When Gauchat took one of her dogs to the Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University, she was treated like family. The facility has advanced diagnostic and treatment methods.
Advancements in cancer treatments made at Animal Cancer Center are increasing pets’ survival rates and increasing their quality of life.
Gauchat founded Concert for a Cure to fundraise for the Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University to help them advance in efforts of animal cancer research and treatment. More than 90 percent of its funding comes through private donations.
“We fell in love with the doctors there and we’ve since taken other dogs there for nononcology appointments,” Gauchat explains.
She adds that it the benefit is a fun evening for all involved.
“We’ll supply the tables, chairs and gala atmosphere. There will also be a raffle and silent auction, too,” Gauchat says. “Smooth Groove is the same band that has been playing this event every year. We would never think of changing it. They fit the bill so perfectly and they are the energetic, uplifting people that are masters of their craft.”
Queen Creek 21772 South Ellsworth Loop Rd (480) 512-3700
