Though 2021 continued to bring challenges, it also presented an amazing fall event season raising 900K to help patients and families living with ALS!

We kicked off fall events with our gala, Bite Nite, on October 30th. Bite Nite was the leader of the pack of our back in person events following CDC guidelines. It was at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa’s Marshall Outpost, which raised more than $275,000. Hosted by Catherine Anaya and Larry Gaydos, 500 guests were treated to an exciting live auction led by iconic “auctiontainer” Letitia Frye, live music and delicious bites from Ling & Louie's Asian Bar and Grill, Maple & Ash, Heidi’s Events & Catering, Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers, Creations in Cuisine, Waltz & Weizer, Brat Haus, Fairytale Brownies, Crumbl Cookies, Black Rock Coffee, Queso Good Grilled Cheese Truck and O.H.S.O. Brewery, which brewed a special beer for the occasion called the ‘Kick ALS IPA’. You can watch the live stream of Bite Nite here. 

On November 13th, the major events continued with the Tucson Walk to Defeat ALS, which raised more than $65,000 at the Tucson Speedway hosted by vocalist Wendy Sweet. There was a car show, live entertainment, local Roadrunner sports mascot, Santa Claus, and food by Papa Johns, Eegees and Cupcakes by Amy. Members of University of Arizona’s Phi Delta Theta and Delta Tau Delta organizations volunteered at the event. Check out pictures from the Tucson Walk here.

The finale of fall events was the Scottsdale Walk to Defeat ALS on November 20th at the Salt River Fields hosted by Larry Gaydos. The walk, which raised more than $575,000, was led by the Arizona Coyotes mascot, Howler, with special appearances by Santa Claus, the Dune Sea Garrison – 501st Legion, Heroes United, Arizona Ghostbusters, two DJs, and the band Lazy Susan. Treats were provided by Kona Ice and Papa Johns. We surpassed our goal and had over 2000 in attendance. Check out pictures from the Scottsdale Walk here. 

Money raised from the events will go toward equipment, education, support groups, access to care, advocacy, and research here in Arizona. We can’t thank you all enough for helping us make this possible. Whether it be through donations, volunteering, or simply attending the events, you all helped make a difference and provided hope. We look forward to seeing you in 2022 and making strides in serving our ALS community.

-Angie Tigges, Director of Special Events