Archie Bradley, the 6’ 4” bearded Diamondbacks pitcher, inspired a memorable scene at the gala for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the East Valley. Club members stepped into the spotlight with Archie and "pitched" up some fun.

LOOK CLOSELY - the kids are all sporting copy cat beards!

It was all part of the fundraising spirited 41st annual Night of Champions that raised about $500,000. 

About 500 guests turned out for the bash at the Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino. The event filled night with live and silent auction items, followed the organizations’s golf tournament held the prior day.The proceeds will support the nearly 35,000 youths that attend the Boys & Girls Clubs of the East Valley which has served the East Valley for about 50 years. 

Connie Perez, BGCEV’s CEO (pictured above, middle) and the organization are proud that the event's sponsors and donors of the East Valley and the support of those like Archie Bradley, help promote the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of chagning a child's life. This event is the club's main fundraiser. 

The BGCEV's educational, fun and healthy programs provide opportunities for youth to develop their talent and dreams at the 11 branches in Chandler, Tempe, Queen Creek, Mesa, Guadalupe, Gilbert, Laveen, and Sacaton.

      Kathy Shayna Shocket is a freelance Writer, and TV- Field Producer. The former TV-Reporter has 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