On Sunday, April 30, more than 350 attendees gathered at the 36th Annual Duet Cabaret, which took place at the Omni Resort at Montelucia in Scottsdale. The successful event raised more than $115,000 in net proceeds. The funds will go directly toward Duet’s mission to promote health and well-being through a broad range of services to homebound adults, family caregivers, faith communities and grandparents raising grandchildren.
The fundraising gala included entertainment from the Swingtips and the Mistress of Ceremonies was Blaise Lantana, music director and radio host at KJZZ radio. Former Duet Board Vice President, Rabbi Marty Scharf, served as the auctioneer for the live auction and Honorary Chairs Kathleen and John Graham of Sunbelt Holdings presented Jacques, Loretta, Brittany and Bryant Avent the Duet Partners of the Year Award. The honor was awarded to the Avent Grandfamily for their work and dedication to spreading awareness about grandparents raising grandkids and the support available for them. In addition, Rev. Dr. Dosia Carlson, Duet’s founding executive director, provided moving remarks about how Duet has made an impact in the local community and her own life as a caregiver.
“We’re so thrilled to honor the Avent Grandfamily this year as our Duet Partners of the Year. They have done so much to spread awareness about the unique challenges that face grandchildren raised by grandparents and the grandparents who are acting as parents a second time around,” said Elizabeth Banta, executive director. “Brittany and Bryant co-authored a book and established a scholarship fund at Arizona State University for these children. They were the perfect fit. We also thank all attendees and sponsors for providing funds that will lead to help for grandfamilies as well as older adults and their families as they cope with health and aging challenges.”
Sponsors for the 2017 Duet Cabaret included: Compassion Sponsors—Fry’s Food Stores and Nationwide; Hope Sponsors—BlueCross BlueShield of Arizona, Ellen Dean Financial Services, John and Kathleen Graham and SRP; and Dignity Sponsors—Arizona Lottery, Joyce Glazner, Nicole and David Lynch, North Phoenix Pediatric Dentistry, and Skyline Builders & Restoration, Inc.