2016 TRENDSETTERS
Melinda Gulick How long have you lived in the Valley and from where did you move? I moved here in 1979 from Iowa when my dad’s job brought us here. I went away to SMU for college, but I came back to the Valley – it is my home. What events have you chaired or worked on in the last 5 years? I have chaired the PANDA Fashion Show and Arizona Humane Society’s Compassion with Fashion. I’ve also been honored to chair both the boards of the Arizona Humane Society and PANDA. What person or people do you admire in the social community? I’m so lucky to have many mentors in service – in particular my husband, John, and my parents, David and Judee Morrison. I’m inspired by Cindy Watts, Daryl Weil and Patty Withycombe for setting such high standards and to Robyn DeBell and Penny Gunning – along with the original PANDAs – and members of the Junior League. What would be your dream event to work on or maybe chair? Recently, I have become acquainted with the excellent work of the Barrow Neurological Institute and someday, I would be honored to serve on the Barrow Women’s Board. Someday! What are your favorite Valley restaurants? Richardson’s and Rokerij are our favorites. What do you consider your greatest asset? My brain! I’m fairly good at figuring things out – and resourceful when needed. Do you have a favorite fashion designer and signature perfume? My favorite designer is St. John since it is always appropriate and it always fits. I don’t wear perfume. What’s your guilty pleasure? Playing hooky with my boys. Manicures. Ice Cream. Naps. Hiking. What’s your favorite song, book, movie and television program of all time? “At Last” by Etta James, followed closely by “Into the Mystic” by Van Morrison. My favorite book, movie and show are usually what I’ve just read or seen.
Julie Kroot How long have you lived in the Valley and from where did you move? I’ve lived in the valley for 40 years. We moved here from Long Island, New York. What events have you chaired or worked on in the last 5 years? Not My Kid, Arizona Women’s Board, Goodwill of Arizona and recently the Heart Ball. What person or people do you admire in the social community? My mother, Harriet Friedland is a true role model. I admire her dedication, tenacity and positive outlook on everything. Laura Grafman is an amazing woman. I love her drive, motivation and most of all, she always looks like a perfect lady. What would be your dream event to work on or maybe chair? I have always loved fashion. My dream would be to coordinate a successful, high end fashion show in New York during fashion week. I think Tom Ford needs me on his team. What are your favorite Valley restaurants? Tarbells, the Tavern at Tarbells, AZ 88, Houstons or Hillstone, Steak 44, Chelsea’s Kitchen and LGO. What do you consider your greatest asset? I’m a very positive person and love to have a good time. I’m a glass is half full kind of girl! Do you have a favorite fashion designer and signature perfume? I would be hard pressed to pick one designer. I love Ralph Lauren, Jonathan Simkhai, Helmut Lang, ALC, L’Agence and Cushnie et Ochs. My favorite perfumes are Success by Bond no 9, Ysatis by Givenchy. What’s your guilty pleasure? My two guilty pleasures are potatoes (any kind) chips, french fries, mashed, scalloped .... etc:) and Shoes!! What’s your favorite song, book, movie and television program of all time? Song – Single Ladies by Beyonce, Book – The Four Agreements(might not be my favorite, but I think about it a lot)by Don Miguel Ruiz, Movie – Grease,TV – Seinfeld. I still laugh out loud at the repeats. I also love reality TV!!!
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Photos by Scott Foust, Image-Industry