"The AZ Insider" with Kathy Shayna Shocket: Get the inside scoop on Arizona's social scene and celebrity news.
This week: Behind the scenes of Fiesta Bowl Invitational...
Remember the song “Taking it to the Streets,” the 70’s hit which Michael McDonald recorded – as the then lead singer of the Doobie Brothers? Well, this weekend- the first weekend of the new year- he was “Taking it to the Fiesta Bowl Invitational.”
Yes, Michael McDonald, the very blue- eyed soul singer, formerly of the Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan- had many of the 1,100 partygoers on their feet – packing the dance floor of the Phoenician’s ballroom. Below, is a picture I took of Alan Young, chairman of the Fiesta Bowl Board of Directors, dancing with his adorable daughter Ellie.
Alan- a vice president and division manager of Parker Labs and his wife Terry named their daughter in honor of their close friend Ellie Ziegler.
In between enjoying the Grammy award winning Michael McDonald’s music (did you catch him on an episode of 30 Rock this season?) partygoers “danced” between the many food stations lining the ballroom and foyer. The culinary wonderland of sorts - showcased carving stations, sushi, several pastas, grilled vegetables, gourmet salads, macaroni and cheese, a variety of Panini sandwiches, sliders, and make your own sundaes.
This party (tickets are $400 per person) brings together the movers and shakers of the Fiesta Bowl. During the cocktail hour- which boasted hundreds of silent auction items, a group of VIP’s slipped into a green room area to schmooze with Michael McDonald. Philanthropists Sandy and Michael Hecomovich (President of Global Marketing Services) were there. I snapped some pics of Ellie Ziegler chatting with Sandy- admiring her fashionable outfit.
By the way, civic leaders Ellie and Michael Ziegler, a personal injury attorney, are responsible for the Ellie and Michael Ziegler Fiesta Bowl Center and Museum in the Scottsdale Waterfront. The free museum, which highlights the Fiesta Bowl's 37-year history, features local bowl exhibits, a history of college football and rare collegiate artifacts, including all 120 Football Bowl Subdivision 1A football helmets, a Heisman trophy and authentic game jerseys.
Proceeds from the silent auction of the Fiesta Bowl Invitational event benefit Fiesta Bowl charities such as the 100 Club, established to assist surviving families of fallen police officers and firefighters.
Six NASA astronauts and John Cena, the WWE superstar were also mingling at the Invitational. Cena, star of the USA Network’s “Raw”, was the Grand Marshal for the 39th Annual Fort McDowell Fiesta Bowl Parade.
Yes, the 6 foot -1, 248 pound celeb pictured above with Fiesta Bowl Chair Alan Young, made for a fitting Fiesta Bowl ambassador. Cena, by the way is one of Make-A-Wish Foundation's most requested and devoted celebrity wish granters The former college athlete and entertainer has also had starring roles on the big screen. Also an actor on the big screen, he recently starred in 20th Century Fox's high-octane feature film "12 Rounds".
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 .
