Events: Arizona - Phoenix - Scottsdale

Fourth Annual ‘Dreams of Summer’ Gala to Raise Funds for Arizona Children’s Oncology Camp Southwest Kids’ Cancer Foundation Helps Preserve the First Camp in Arizona for Children with Cancer and their Siblings

PHOENIX – Southwest Kids’ Cancer Foundation is continuing their tradition of raising funds for Arizona Camp Sunrise and Sidekicks with its fourth annual Dreams of Summer Gala. This year, the Dreams of Summer Gala is themed “Under the Stars” and will take place at The Camby Hotel in Phoenix on March 11th, 2017 starting at 6 p.m. 

Southwest Kids’ Cancer Foundation invites community and business leaders, influencers, and anyone that has been impacted by cancer to purchase tickets for the gala. Each ticket purchased helps support programs throughout the year including Arizona Camp Sunrise, a camp for children who have or have had cancer, and Sidekicks, a camp for siblings of children who have or have had cancer.

 “Arizona Camp Sunrise and Sidekicks gives kids with cancer a chance to just be a kid, not the kid with cancer,” says Executive Director and Chief Development Officer of Arizona Camp Sunrise and Sidekicks, Barbara Nicholas.  “When they come to camp, they are with others who understand what they are going through. It is a safe place - a place where they are normal.” 

Children from all over Arizona and the Southwestern United States who are fighting or surviving cancer are provided a week of summer camp at Arizona Camp Sunrise and Sidekicks at no cost to their families. With activities such as horseback riding, fishing, and gathering around a campfire, kids are able to enjoy their summer as any other kid would while also receiving the medical attention they need on-site. Their siblings also receive their own designated week of camp where they get to have the same fun and receive the support and comradery they need.

Last year, the Dreams of Summer Gala raised a generous $120,000 that went towards funding Arizona Camp Sunrise and Sidekicks. This year, Southwest Kids’ Cancer Foundation’s goal is to raise $150,000 in order to bring in the highest amount ever raised through the gala. 

Gala tickets are $175 for a single attendee, $300 for a couple and $900 for a table of eight people. Guests will enjoy a cocktail hour and silent auction, an elegant dinner with fine cocktails, stories from camp families as well as the opportunity to participate in a thrilling live auction, hosted by renowned charity auctioneer Jennie Heal.  

Silent auction items include experience packages from Arizona sports teams, items from local boutiques, and photography sessions.

The goal of the evening is to provide children affected by cancer the opportunity to dream this summer and for many more to come. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.dreamsofsummergala.org.

About Arizona Camp Sunrise and Sidekicks 

Arizona Camp Sunrise and Sidekicks, the first camp in Arizona for children with cancer was founded in 1983. There were 23 cancer patients and 8 staff members in the White Mountains for the inaugural camp. Staff and children slept in tents and everyone assisted with cooking duties. In 1985, the camp moved to the R-C Scout Ranch, south of Payson. Thanks to the generous support of many, facilities now include seven cabins, a dining hall with a kitchen and a health center. For more information, visit www.azcampsunrise.org. 

About Southwest Kids Cancer Foundation

Southwest Kids’ Cancer Foundation’s passion and commitment to serve kids who have or have had cancer, their siblings, and families is our sole incentive. Therefore, our goals include maintaining, enhancing, and expanding Arizona Camp Sunrise and Sidekicks camps and programs. We will continually strive to accomplish these goals through volunteerism, fundraising, and building community awareness and involvement. We recognize that securing monetary support for Arizona Camp Sunrise and Sidekicks is crucial to their success, and will work to provide a secure future for these programs financially. For more information, visit www.swkidscancerfoundation.org. The Camby Hotel - Autograph Collection 2401 East Camelback Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85016