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This week: Get the behind the scenes of this "electrical" story!

There was a power surge at the dinner for the Arizona region of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). But this was an electrifying boost which had a positive impact. That’s because, not only was the room of 750 guests filled with political and business POWER PLAYERS, but Martin Shultz was the evening’s honoree. He’s the vice president of government affairs for the electric utility, Arizona Public Service (APS) and its holding company Pinnacle West Capital Corporation.

The well-known community power player, most commonly referred to as “Marty” was bestowed with the “Jerry J. Wisotsky Torch of Liberty Award.” This prestigious award is presented by the ADL, the highly respected organization which fights hate, anti-Semitism and bigotry.

Yes, Marty was surrounded by a congressman, a mayor, a chief of police, several high ranking police and law enforcement officials, many CEOs of major companies and the U.S. Attorney. Not to mention Arizona’s Secretary of State Ken Bennett.

Ken took to the stage, guitar in hand and sang a song he wrote about Marty. The secretary of state surprised many with his entertaining performance.

Mel Shultz and Jerry Colangelo

Marty was also flanked by the event’s two powerful dinner chairs; his brother and real estate developer Mel Shultz and Jerry Colangelo. Jerry is the national director of USA Basketball and a visionary who was instrumental in creating Phoenix’s vibrant sports scene.

Martin Shultz and Mayor of Scottsdale Jim Lane

The Mayor of Scottsdale Jim Lane was among the dignitaries in the crowd. As was the Scottsdale Chief of Police Alan Rodbell, the newly elected Congressman Dave Schweikert and U.S. Attorney David Burke. When the Al Brooks Community Leadership Award was presented to Rana Singh Sodhi, his story had an emotional impact on guests, bringing tears to the eyes of most everyone in the room.

Martin Shultz and Rana Singh Sodhi

Rana’s eldest brother Balbir Sing Sodhi, a practicing Sikh who wore a turban and beard, was America’s first post 9-11 hate crime murder victim. He was gunned down at his Mesa gas station by a man who claimed he was rooting out a terrorist. Below is Don Logan, of the three people injured in the Scottsdale mail package blast. 

Don Logan and wife with Dennis Burke

It was an honor for me to capture the picture above of some shared moments between Tristan and Don at the dinner, as well as the moments seen in the picture of Don with U.S. Attorney Dennis Burke.

The impressive turnout for the evening also included ADL supporters such as Ron and Gail Ober of the Policy Development Group and Richard and Harriett Gottlieb.

Richard and Harriett Gottlieb; Ron and Gail Ober and Bill Kastin of Snell & Wilmer

There was a strong support of ADL board members in addition to those pictured above;  Helen Wisotksy (wife of the late Jerry Wisotksy), her daughter Pearle Marr, Pearle’s husband Malcom Marr and architect Morris Stein.

 

Kathy Shayna Shocket is a Phoenix based writer. If you have a good item for The AZ Insider, you can email her at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .