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

Kathy’s scoop on why the snow didn’t dampen the fancy fundraiser.

 As 2015 approached, SNOW blanketed the cactus in north Scottsdale, AZ. It was an unusual phenomena in the desert. But the frigid temps, and the winter storm rain didn’t dampen the spirits of these New Year’s Eve party planners pictured above. 

Laurie Ames-Husband, her sister Ellen Ames and cousin Lara Ames, planned the event hosted by John Ames, Sharon Ames, Dick Ames and Lollie Ames.  

By the time the 210 guests arrived, they had no idea that the party planners had been scrambling to fix holes in the tent and other last minute problems caused by the unexpected winter storm conditions.

The revelers ushered in the new year, in the elegantly decorated tent (which included chandeliers hanging from the ceiling) for dinner and dancing to the Tin Weasel band.

 The Ames family, prominent in the Arabian Horse community planned for quite the successful live auction. In fact, the Arabian horse embryo  “galloped” away with a high bid of $30,000.  The 2015 Chevy Tahoe on the auction block fetched $65,000. The New Year's Eve party benefits Phoenix Children’s Hospital for children with cancer and blood disorders. 

Congratulations on toasting in the new year for charity!

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