"The AZ Insider" with Kathy Shayna Shocket: Get the inside scoop on Arizona's social scene and celebrity news.
This week: Hugh Downs as your voicemail greeting? One of highlights at Children’s Museum of Phoenix Gala...
What a great idea. The chance to have Hugh Downs, former 20/20 anchor and broadcaster record a personal message on your outgoing voicemail... “Hi, this is Hugh Downs. John Doe can’t come to the phone right now. Leave a message...” - it could sound something like that. And guests at the Feb. 20 Children’s Museum of Phoenix Gala will have the chance to make their voice mail message a memorable one! The first guest at the party to sign up for the recording can purchase it for $600. And subsequent purchases will be in increments of $100 ($700, $800 and so on).
Hugh and his wife Ruth and their family are honorary chairs of the event (Hugh and Ruth are pictured above on the red carpet). The voicemail recording is one of many, many creative twists to raise extra money at this gala. Among the 300 auction items is the chance to be a “Security Kid” at a Diamondbacks game. The raffle tickets starting at $50 per ticket have five tempting prizes with Phoenix Suns memorabilia and trips including a Baltimore and Boston waterfront getaway – with airfare and tickets to the Children’s Museums in those cities.
The Saturday night gala is also a chance to experience the museum. The adults party will engage your child within. There’s a Dr. Seuss scavenger hunt for all party-goers and they’ll be searching for clues at various exhibits throughout the museum. The prizes include a trip to Las Vegas with tickets to shows and stays at big name hotels.
Food stations - 20 of them - boasting culinary delights and tantalizing spirits (grilled cheese and tomato soup anyone?) are being set up throughout the museum. Several resorts and eateries are showcasing their signature dishes and Baskin Robbins is hosting an ice cream bar!
Board Chair Lisa Handley and CEO Debbie Gilpin are excited about this “milestone”. It’s the first time they’ve been able to celebrate in our own new Children’s Museum. You can join this party of about 400 guests. Tickets start at $250 per person. Attire is cocktail or playful - your choice. For details call 602.648.2747.
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 .
