Kathy Shayna Shocket has the inside scoop on the people that make a difference. 

 Kathy takes us inside the Phoenix Suns Charities’ VIP pre-gala party

 There was a major rain storm the night of the Phoenix Suns Charities gala at the Talking Stick Resort (not to mention, an official funnel cloud just miles away) but it didn’t even dampen the spirits of those mingling at the VIP pre-party. That’s reflected in for example, the photo I took above of Head Coach Jeff Hornacek and wife Stacy with the team’s Mark West and wife Elaina. 

  The only thing “Raining” over the guests, were the six- foot and over Phoenix Suns players and their coaches.  Yes, they were “reigning” supreme over partygoers who turned out to  support the Phoenix Suns Charities. It’s the major philanthropic arm of the Phoenix Suns.  

(Marcus Morris, Alex Len, Dionte Christmas (guard) and Corey Gaines )

Yes, I caught some of the great Kodak moments of the VIP party - including the Phoenix Suns players taking pics of each other on their cell phones. (That says a lot about the unique ambiance of this annual gala.)

 Tickets for the dinner started at $600 per person and fetched up to $2,500 per person for a table of ten people. Monies raised for the Phoenix Suns Charities will help fund grants to several non-profits that serve children and youth in the areas of education, health and human resources, the arts, sports, recreation and rehabilitation.

At the helm of the Phoenix Suns Charities and organizing this annual gala called “The Jump Ball“, is Robin Milne. The Executive Director of the Suns Charities (pictured above with the team) is well known for her many years of community involvement.  

( Ric Hartman,Milena Arceo, Peter Arceo, Dennis Leong, Debbie Leong, Danielle Leong and Christina Leong)

The decor of the ballroom at Talking Stick was elegantly electrifying. “The goal is to exceed everyone’s expectations,” notes Peter Arceo of Talking Stick.” Every year our events staff collaborates with their event team to design and build a unique experience for the guests of the gala.“

Kathy Shayna Shocket is a freelance Writer, TV- Field Producer based in Phoenix, AZ. She's a former TV-Reporter who's written for publications such as TIME Magazine, Money Magazine, PEOPLE Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter  and The NEW YORK TIMES. You can reach her at   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it