Celebrated Artist Partners with Respected Interior Designer to Benefit DFLT

 

First edition bronze sculpture available for auction to Sonoran Stars attendees

 

Through the generosity of bronze sculptor Bryce Pettit and Sue Bickerdyke, owner of Sue Bickerdyke Interiors & Home Furnishings, Desert Foothills Land Trust is proud to offer a monumental piece of sculpture during the Sonoran Stars live auction on April 26.

The life-size bronze called Noble Heart depicts a great horned owl. The piece is part of a limited edition of just 30. It was created specifically for this event and is the number one, signed edition. Noble Heart was created over the course of a year beginning with photo shoots to capture the great bird’s composition.  

 

Bickerdyke was inspired by the release of a rehabilitated owl she witnessed at last year’s Sonoran Stars event.  Wild At Heart is a local nonprofit that rescues, rehabilitates and releases birds of prey, including one at every Sonoran Stars. “I immediately thought of Bryce because his work is so expressive,” says Bickerdyke. “He captured the majesty, power and grace of the owl.” 

 

Pettit specializes in sculpting North America animals seen in the wild. In her gallery, Bickerdyke offers furniture that Pettit has crafted, including bed frames, tables and fire screens with inset sculpture depicting rabbits, Gambel’s quail and other smaller animals. Pettit’s coterie of coffee table-sized animals includes snakes, roadrunners, bobcats, lizards, foxes and fish.  His life-size, freestanding sculptures have included javelina, bighorn sheep, bear, buffalo and elk.

 

Pettit’s sculptures are part of private collections, public collections and museums. Noble Heart will be offered to patrons during the live auction at Sonoran Stars and is valued at more than $6,500.  Proceeds will benefit the Desert Foothills Land Trust.

 

A longtime supporter of the Desert Foothills Land Trust, Bickerdyke notes that Noble Heart will work equally well in a Southwest, traditional or contemporary home or even outdoors.

 

Bickerdyke, who is the exclusive gallery representative for Pettit’s work in Arizona, met the artist through a mutual collector five years ago. She is animated when discussing his work, praising the remarkable detail and integrity of each piece. She says his pieces “fly” out of her Carefree showroom because once collectors acquire one of Pettit’s creatures, they want more.

 

“People fall in love with their personalities,” says Bickerdyke. “They are very, very realistic; each one tells a story. They beg to be touched. It’s a joy to live with his sculptures.”

 

The talented and humble 39-year old Pettit has had a love of animals since he was a boy.  Thanks to his study of biology and ecology during his college and graduate years, he is able to imbue realistic detail into every sculpture he creates. Pettit resides in the Four Corners region.

“I hope my pieces evoke emotion and convey layers of understanding,” says Pettit.

 

As a special thank you, Pettit and Bickerdyke will treat the winning bidder to a five-star dinner at Binkley’s in Cave Creek. In addition to enjoying an extraordinary meal, the lucky winner will also learn more about the evolution of Noble Heart.  In addition, Pettit will also install the sculpture. 

The 19th Annual Sonoran Stars will be held on Saturday, April 26 at the elegant and majestic Los Cedros USA equestrian facility in north Scottsdale.  Other auction items include trips to Great Britain, Aspen, Colorado and New York City Fashion Week.  There are also incredible unique experiences, such as a private tour of the Sweet Candy Company in Salt Lake City, Utah, and a dinner for 12 at The Boulder House, catered by the talented chefs at The Boulders.  From artwork and jewelry to golf and home décor, the Sonoran Stars auction is going to be incredible! For details, please visit http://www.dflt.org.

 

 Desert Foothills Land Trust’s 19th Annual “Sonoran Stars” Fundraiser Set for

Saturday, April 26 at Los Cedros USA

 

Event hosted at majestic Scottsdale equestrian facility and features dinner under Western skies, captivating horse show, music by Bill Ganz Western Band

 Sonia Perillo, Executive Director, Desert Foothills Land Trust,

(480) 488-6131, sperillo@dflt.org

                              

 

CAVE CREEK/CAREFREE/SCOTTSDALE) – Guests to this year’s 19th Annual “Sonoran Stars” event to benefit Desert Foothills Land Trust will be treated to a fabulous evening on Saturday, April 26. The non-profit organization, which works to protect the beautiful landscape of our fragile Sonoran Desert, will once again hold the annual event at the elegant and majestic Los Cedros USA equestrian facility at 8700 E. Black Mountain Road in north Scottsdale.

 

“We’re very excited to again host our event at Los Cedros. It is a stunning venue with immaculate stables, a large courtyard and lush gardens,” said Sonia Perillo, Desert Foothills Land Trust’s executive director. “Our guests will be treated to an entertaining horse show, classic Western music by the Bill Ganz Western Band, and a gourmet dinner by Creations in Cuisine chef Tony Rea.  We will have an exciting live and silent auction, and will, of course, continue with our tradition of the release of a rehabilitated owl by our partners at Wild At Heart.”

 

The Land Trust’s conservation efforts play a vital role in protecting the Sonoran Desert landscape that supports our community and businesses. “We simply cannot accomplish our important mission without the generous support of Sonoran Stars sponsors, guests and other donors,” said Perillo. 

 

“Sonoran Stars” will begin at 5 p.m. with a cocktail hour and silent auction, and will feature an open bar and appetizers. Guests will then enjoy the horse show and a lovely dinner.  As dinner winds down, auctioneer Letitia Fry will conduct a high-energy live auction that will include a number of unique items and experiences. Throughout the evening, guests can stroll among Los Cedros’ tranquil landscaping and explore the horse stables, home to magnificent horses from a number of breeds.

 

Tickets to “Sonoran Stars” are $250 per person. Sponsor tables for 10 guests and premium sponsor packages are available. Guests are encouraged to dress in casual or Western attire and to anticipate cool evening temperatures. Valet parking will be available onsite. To reserve tickets, visit www.dflt.org/sonoran_stars.php or call (480) 488-6131.

 

 

EVENT:                     19th Annual “Sonoran Stars” to benefit Desert Foothills Land Trust

Date:                          Saturday, April 26, 2014

Time:                          5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Location:                   Los Cedros USA, 8700 E. Black Mountain Road, in north Scottsdale.

Highlights:                Dinner will be served under Western skies in the courtyard. Guests will view a captivating horse show and then dance to the music of the Bill Ganz Western Band. The event will also include a silent and live auction and a dramatic release of a rehabilitated owl by the non-profit Wild At Heart.

Attire:                        Casual or Western attire. Anticipate cool evening temperatures.

Tickets:                      $250 per person. Sponsor tables of 10 are available.

Parking:                     Valet parking on-site.

Reservations:                        www.dflt.org/sonoran_stars.php or call (480) 488-6131

 

 

 About Desert Foothills Land Trust

Desert Foothills Land Trust works with landowners, communities and partners to protect the most special and important natural areas in the Arizona communities of Carefree, Cave Creek, north Scottsdale, north Phoenix, Anthem, Desert Hills and New River.  The Land Trust has permanently protected 680 acres on 22 preserves, many of which are open to the public for exploration and passive recreation.  In 2010, the Land Trust was awarded accredited status by the national Land Trust Accreditation Commission – a mark of distinction in the land trust community. More information is available at www.dflt.org or 480-488-6131.

 

Photo credits:

Photo 1 – Guests at Sonoran Stars will be treated to a captivating horse show in the courtyard arena.  Photo by Jon Klas.

Photo 2 – A gourmet dinner by Creations in Cuisine chef Tony Rea is a highlight of Sonoran Stars.  Photo by Gene Devine. 

Additional photos available upon request. 

ARIZONA MUSICFEST

PUTTING TOURNAMENT FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

and

BIG APPLE RAFFLE

APRIL 26, 2014

 

Have fun, support Arizona Musicfest, and raise money to help send talented young musicians to college-level Schools of Music! The Arizona Musicfest Putting Tournament for Scholarships, which raises funds for Arizona Musicfest Scholarships, will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2014, on the

18-hole Putting Course at the beautiful Tonto Verde Golf Club in Rio Verde. Registration is at 2:30pm, with a shotgun start at 3:30pm. There will be a Clubhouse Party immediately following the tournament with complimentary wine, appetizers and - new this year - a light dinner buffet.  

 

“The Clubhouse Party will feature exceptional musical entertainment by our first Arizona Musicfest Scholarship recipient, pianist Karen Nguyen,” said Mary Goldthwaite, Putting Tournament Co-Chairman with Susan Warren. “There will be prizes for the low gross, individual and foursome; a limited voice auction of wonderful items; and the famous "Wine Tower" for party guests to take a chance on winning special wines. And don’t miss the drawing for the fabulous Arizona Musicfest ‘Big Apple Raffle’!”

 

The "Big Apple Raffle" Grand Prize is a New York Entertainment Package valued at $4,000: four nights of luxury hotel accommodations, airport limousine service, plus generous airfare and entertainment stipends. The Second Prize is Two Premium Season Passes to Arizona Musicfest 2015, a total value of $1,300. The Third Prize is an Enchantment Resort Package (Sedona, AZ) with a total value of $1,200. Tickets for the "Big Apple Raffle" are available at the Putting Tournament and at the Arizona Musicfest office. “You don’t have to be present to win,” explained Goldthwaite, “but it’s much more exciting that way!”

 

The Arizona Musicfest Putting Tournament is a great way to enjoy yourself while supporting Arizona Musicfest and the Arizona Musicfest Scholarship Program. Register through the Arizona Musicfest office at 480.488.0806 by April 20, 2014.

 

Registration is $100 per person for golf and the party or $50 for the party only. The registration fee includes two mulligans plus entry into the "Hole in One Challenge," with the winner splitting a $1000 pot with Arizona Musicfest ($500 goes to the winner, $500 goes to Arizona Musicfest). Bring your putter and have a blast!

 

Tonto Verde Golf Club is located 10 minutes East of Troon North, at 18402 El Circulo Drive, Rio Verde 85263. For additional information about Arizona Musicfest, the Arizona Musicfest Putting Tournament for Scholarships or the Arizona Musicfest “Big Apple Raffle” visit www.azmusicfest.org or call 480.488.0806.

At Home in the Desert

April 30 & May 1, 2014 – 6:30pm

The Arizona Centennial may be over, but the Legacy continues. Activities associated with the Centennial didn’t end with the celebration in 2012. Arizona Centennial Legacy Projects were conceived for continuing impact and range from restoration of historic properties to public art and musical compositions.

 

Legacy Projects are created and supported by members of the community, after being approved by the Arizona Historical Advisory Committee.

 

One of the Legacy Projects, "At Home in the Desert" written by Phyllis Strupp, is a one-act play, seeking to help tweens be resilient amidst social difficulties by connecting with the natural world around them, the desert. The play promotes diversity and communication and will be made available to schools statewide, as a tool to reduce bullying.

 

The story features the adventures of twelve-year-old Chloe, who learns valuable life lessons from the Sonoran Desert with the help of some mysterious friends (historical figures, desert plants and animals). Alex, a teen with autism, is a hero who defends Chloe against Jimmy the playground bully

 

"At Home in the Desert" is directed by Aubrey Grace Watkins and choreographed by Kenda Newbury, with original music by Kevin Glenn. Hohokam-inspired animal masks are designed by Robin Ray.

 

The play and associated teaching tools will be finalized into a package made available to all K through 12 schools in Arizona, for their use. Phase one of the Legacy Project was writing, fundraising and workshopping the play; phase two is this live production; and phase three will be finalization and distribution of the teaching package that includes lesson plans, script, music, and instructions on the creation of masks, costumes and sets.

 

"At Home in the Desert" partners are Cave Creek Unified School District, Cave Creek Museum, Foothills Community Foundation, Desert Foothills Library, the Desert Awareness Committee, Desert Foothills Theater, Kiwanis Club of Carefree, and Partners in Education.

 

The play will be performed on April 30, and May 1, 2014, 6:30pm at the Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for ages 12 and under. Contact the Foothills Community Foundation for additional information at info@azfcf.org or 480-488-1090. Tickets are available as of April 1 at the Desert Foothills Library or the Foothills Community Foundation.

The Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center is located at 33606 N. 60th Street, Scottsdale AZ 85266. 

 

Desert Foothills Youth Theater presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream:

A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of William Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies. There is a love triangle, mischievous fairies, royals, workmen that dream of being actors and all of their stories come to meet one night in the woods outside of Athens. This not your musty, dusty Shakespeare. It is re-imagined, re-thought and re-envisioned for today’s audience. It’s a fresh new take, brought to life by an exciting and energetic young cast and crew who challenge you to put aside your notions of what it means to be a “classic.”

May 2-11, FCF-Holland Cabaret Theater, 34250 N. 60th St., Building B, Scottsdale

Tickets: http://www.dftheater.org OR 480-488-1981

DFYT is a program of the Foothills Community Foundation.

 

CAVE CREEK UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

NAMES NOAH KENDRICK

BUSINESS PARTNER OF THE MONTH

 

Noah Kendrick, financial advisor at Edward Jones in Carefree, has been an avid supporter of the students, teachers and staff of the Cave Creek Unified School District (CCUSD) for the past eight years. In April, he was named CCUSD Business Partner of the Month for his inspiring service.

 

A recognized business leader, Kendrick has contributed to the district’s Employee of the Month program, supplying plaques for hundreds of deserving honorees, as well as hand written notes of congratulations. Kendrick has also donated safety supplies for CCUSD classrooms, and generated annual school supply drives.

 

“Within our local school districts, educators and support staff are often not recognized enough for all of the extra effort required to prepare our future generations for success. We are proud to play a part in that much deserved recognition,” said Kendrick.

 

Kendrick currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Foothills Community Foundation and serves on their planned giving committee. Along with his active participation in youth and community programs, Kendrick has served as Chair of the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, where he was the founder of a scholarship program for Cactus Shadows High School student interns working at local businesses.

 

Kendrick was recognized for his extraordinary support that has encouraged excellence within the community school district.

 

 For information, contact Noah Kendrick, Edward Jones, 37555 Hum Road, Suite 205, PO Box 3285, Carefree AZ 85377, or call 480-595-2041.

 

 

 

 

 

TOBIAS’ AUTO TEAMS UP WITH THE

        FOOTHILLS FOOD BANK

              ENCOURAGING SNOWBIRDS TO DONATE

Tobias’ Automotive Specialists of Anthem and Cave Creek is teaming up with the Foothills Food Bank this spring, making it easier than ever for snowbirds to donate before they head north for the summer.

Instead of letting valuable food go to waste, Tobias’ Auto is asking winter snowbirds to clean out their cupboards before taking flight. Help support the Foothills Food Bank by dropping off food and pantry items at Tobias’ Anthem or Cave Creek locations.

“We encourage you to donate those items remaining in your pantry or cupboards, before you leave for the summer. Your donation will help hungry families in our community, who need a helping hand,” said Andy Tobias.

For those that are unable to drop off their contributions, scheduled pick-ups can be arranged. Tobias’ Auto is here to help you give back to your community.

For more information, visit www.tobiasauto.com or call Tobias’ in Anthem at 623-551-7474, or in Cave Creek at 480-488-2914.

Store Information:

Tobias’ Auto in Anthem is located at 4205 W. Summit Walk Court. Shop hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., closed Sunday.

Tobias’ Auto in Cave Creek is located at 6022 E. Cave Creek Road. Store hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., closed Saturday and Sunday.

 

 

Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center seeks van drivers

The Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center is in need of volunteer drivers to pick-up and drop off food and related items for the food bank. Because requests for food assistance have intensified, van drivers are needed to help ensure the families that are served by Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center receive the food and personal items they so desperately need.

According to executive director Pam DiPietro, Foothills Food Bank seeks individuals with an SUV or small truck who can work one day a week for two hours to pick up and transport donated food. Food pick-ups, which range in size/weight, typically are conducted during early morning hours between 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

“The need is critical. as we cannot feed those in need without volunteers,” says DiPietro.

Interested and available volunteers can contact John Murphy at 480.600.6978 or by email atjcmamurphy@yahoo.com, can answer questions regarding specific duties.

CONTACT: John Murphy  480.600.6978

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