"The AZ Insider" with Kathy Shayna Shocket: Get the inside scoop on Arizona's social scene and celebrity news.
This week: Political celebs “Bright-en” benefits. From Madeleine Albright to Mary Matalin, see who they rubbed elbows with and more...
The first woman U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright 1997-2001 (did you see her on the late night talk shows- she was a hit!) has been travelling, promoting her new book “Read My Pins.” And the Arizona Foundation for Women was able to “pin” a date with the famous diplomat for its annual fundraising luncheon. Madeleine was awarded the Sandra Day O’Connor Lifetime Achievement Award, for which the event is named.
“Remember, former president George H. W. Bush saying, 'READ MY LIPS', well I began urging people to 'READ MY PINS,’'" said the charismatic Madeleine. Madeleine recalled that it all started when she was ambassador at the U.N. and Saddam Hussein called her a serpent. "I had this wonderful antique snake pin. So when we were dealing with Iraq, I wore the snake pin."
Her pins and brooches became not only part of her daily outfits, but part of her mood and decision-making process. The Honorable Ruth McGregor (who served on the Arizona Supreme Court from 1998-2009) and actress Victoria Rowell were also recognized.
And Terry Goddard, who just filed for an exploratory committee for Governor, was there with wife Monica. The couple also mingled at the Dinner in the Stacks fundraiser to benefit the Phoenix Public Library. I snapped the pic above of Mark and Chrissy Donnelly chatting with Terry. The Donnellys chaired the relaxing dinner among the books and computers with Paulina and Jason Norris.
Terry was also at the impressive and very meaningful dinner for the Anti-Defamation League. It was WONDERFUL to see Don Logan at the head table. Don, an African-American and former head of Scottsdale’s diversity office was a victim of a mail bombing.The ADL played a vital role in building a case against brothers Daniel and Dennis Mahon who are now in jail awaiting trial. Also at the head table of the ADL dinner was Derrick Hall, president of the Diamondbacks. Two nights later he was honored at the Night for Sight dinner. The event, chaired by Colleen Essingler benefits the Foundation for Blind Children. I snapped this picture when distinguished businessman and Foundation supporter Don Tapia was chatting with Derrick and his wife Amy.
Derrick’s boss, Ken Kendrick and wife Randy were among the 1,000 guests who turned out for the Goldwater Institute dinner. Among the speakers were Mark Steyn, the bestselling author “America Alone” and frequent fill in host for Rush Limbaugh; bestselling author Jonah Goldberg, National Review’s Jay Nordlinger and economist Dr. Art Laffer (the Laffer Curve). Republican advisor Mary Matalin who dressed Arizona style in her black cowboy boots, (wife of Democratic strategist James Carville) also spoke.
By the way.. when Mark Steyn’s book first came out, Randy Kendrick hadn’t met him yet, but bought 100 copies and sent it to friends. In turn many of them sent it to 20 of their friends. Who needs Twitter when you have the Randy Kendrick network?
There were so many Arizona politicians in the audience- it would have taken a lot of time for Goldwater Institute President Darcy Olsen to name them all. But she did acknowledge them in this clever way.
”Also joining us are many elected officials, all of whom are distinguished public servants, and most of whom….we’re not suing—would you please stand?” she asked. You see, the Goldwater Institute is suing the City of Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa.
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 .
