The Arizona Women’s Education and Employment Luncheon Raised Funds and Awareness
Faces of Success Honor Three Successful Women Who have Persevered
Photos by Ben Arnold Photography
The Arizona Women’s Education and Employment (AWEE) Luncheon took place on a beautiful and breezy afternoon at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa on Wednesday, Nov. 16 that honored three very different women for their accomplishments, perseverance and ability to overcome a variety of obstacles with the assistance and resources of AWEE. Scottsdale.com was proud to be in attendance, lending its support to such a worthy cause.
AWEE 'Faces of Success' Luncheon Honorees (L-R) Keanna Curry, Amanda Howard and Tracey Latham
3TV news anchor Nicole Crites, KTAR news anchor Jim Sharpe and Black, Starr & Frost Chairman and CEO Alfredo J. Molina co-emceed the luncheon. Like the last several years, a fun component of the luncheon returned when a prize giveaway themed like the game show, “Let’s Make a Deal” had guests rummaging through their purses and pockets looking for requested items. Some of the random things that Crites, Sharpe and Molina were looking for included a wine bottle opener, a green tea bag and a dog biscuit. The first guest to come forward with the requested item won a prize. Each year, luncheon guests look forward to hearing what things the hosts might be looking for from people’s personal stash of belongings.
The three women honored during the luncheon included Tracey Latham, Amanda Howard and Keanna Curry. The three women could not have had different stories and they all came from various backgrounds. All three women, again, found themselves in very challenging positions, yet were able to draw on the support system, encouragement and resources offered to them through AWEE. Their stories were touching and inspirational.
Phillis Dumond, Winner of Some Fun Giveaway Items with Black, Starr & Frost Chairman and CEO, Alfredo J. Molina
The 90-minute luncheon also featured more than nearly two dozen giveaways and raffle prizes including a Molina Fine Jewelers-donated 18 carat white gold and diamond bracelet valued at more than $7,800. The lucky winner of the bracelet, Phyllis Dumond beamed with excitement as she came up to claim her exquisite bracelet. Raffle gift baskets included everything from a L’Auberge Sedona getaway and a night in an Arizona Diamondbacks suite, to a stay at the Passalacqua Winery in California, spa services, pampering items and much more.
Vases for the table centerpieces were created by Paul McCartney’s daughter, Heather, and donated by an anonymous donor. The beautiful potted floral centerpieces were available for a flat fee purchase during the luncheon.
2016 Faces of Success Honored Included:
About Arizona Women’s Education and Employment (AWEE)
AWEE has been transforming the lives of Arizonans into “faces of success” for more than 35 years. Since our inception, we have helped create successful beginnings and renewed hope for more than 200,000 women, men and young adults. Gone are the days of simply moving people off welfare. Today, the nonprofit AWEE is Arizona’s preeminent workforce development organization, offering a diverse range of evidence-based training and support services throughout Maricopa County. For more information, visit www.awee.org or call (602) 223-4333.