Last month’s fifth annual Suns and Stars gala, chaired by Kathy Colace, afforded several residents the chance to mix and mingle with the their favorite Phoenix Suns players. Held in Downtown Phoenix, special guests and musical legends Kool and the Gang took to the stage while benefactors enjoyed dinner and a live raffle that benefited the Phoenix Suns Charities. In the nonprofit’s 22-year history, the Phoenix Suns Charities has donated more than $9 million to several worthy Arizona organizations.
Chairwoman: Kathy Colace
In Attendance: 1,000 guests
Amount Raised: Estimated $1 million
How far in advance do you typically send out invitations?
Kathy Colace: We send our first save-the-date five months prior to the event.
How do you decide what kind of music should entertain the guests?
Kathy Colace: Our goal is to have the music give energy to our event. We want our guests to dance.
What do you like to serve?
Kathy Colace: We rely on the expertise of the chef and his/her creativity. We provide a beef/fish combination plate.
What do you never serve?
Kathy Colace: Chicken.
Heart Ball
Celebrating 50-plus years as one of the Valley’s oldest and most successful gala events, The Phoenix Heart Ball has fundraised more than $20 million to date for the American Heart Association. This year, Sarah Suggs Cheek will oversee a committee of 100 highly committed women as they set the ball in motion for planning November’s event aiding Halle Heart Children’s Museum and the American Heart Association.
Chairwoman: Sarah Suggs Cheek
In Attendance: Estimated 850 guests
Amount Raised: Estimated $1.75 million
How far in advance do you typically send out invitations?
Sarah Suggs Cheek: About six weeks before.
What is the difference between chairing a gala for 500 versus an event for eight?
Sarah Suggs Cheek: The logistics of a small, intimate dinner versus a large gala are tremendous. Among them are the locations which will accommodate the larger audience, catering capabilities, entertainment, décor and guest list composition, among other things. For a small gathering, a committee is not required to execute the event—another large difference. Additionally, dinner for eight can be spontaneous, whereas a ball requires much more lead time.
What is your favorite gift to receive as a hostess?
Sarah Suggs Cheek: My husband and I often give a bottle of our favorite wine to our hosts to enjoy at a future time. We often receive the same, and it is always appreciated.
What do you like to serve?
Sarah Suggs Cheek: My husband and I enjoy menu planning. We often serve grilled items as an entree with sides that vary with the season and nature of the evening - casual, holiday, winter or summer. We try and make it a savory, yet healthy, meal to enjoy with wine.
What’s your rule of thumb when it comes to calculating how much food and beverage to serve?
Sarah Suggs Cheek: We generally know how many portions for each course, but for more relaxed get-togethers we adjust according to the length of the party. Of course, a skilled caterer removes all of the guess work!
