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Chapter News & Updates


Flavors of Phoenix 2009 - an evening to remember!

The Ballroom of the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona presented itself in grand style when it was transformed by 30 of the Valley's most elite chefs with an array of table decor, glamour and sights to behold! Highly anticipated by both returning guests and those never having attended before, Flavors of Phoenix - a cock-tail attire signature event of the American Liver Foundation, greeted its guests with a vivid and inviting sense of style.

Sponsored by Mayo Clinic, Flavors of Phoenix joined some of the most elite chefs in the Valley into one location for an evening of fun & flair at its annual fundraiser on Thursday, May 21st.

During a Reception & Silent Auction and prior to the double doors of the Ballroom revealing the ambiance within, guests were treated to live music by Sydney Sprague and passed hors d'oeuvres specially prepared by the Flavors of Phoenix chefs. Once the Ballroom doors opened, the bright eyes and smiles on the guests faces said it all. Guests admired the dazzling decor of each table as the search for their assigned table & chef began. Each table uniquely tailored by the chef, created its own atmosphere. Menus awaited each guest as they arrived at their seats and the chefs created a five-course meal paired with wine while in the presence of their guests. As the evening concluded, guests bid on Live Auction items including a trip to Mexico, Denver, chef dinners and a cuddly tri-color Shih-Tzu puppy.

The event raised $155,000 thanks to the generosity of its guests and sponsors. To date, Flavors of Phoenix has raised $2.1 million locally and 14.8 million nationally.

The American Liver Foundation would like to extend our thanks to each of the following Flavors of Phoenix Chefs for their time, effort and support. Please take time to gather that special someone for a dinner date at one of the following restaurants!

Chef Brian Archibald, Ristorante Tuscany at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, www.desertridgeresort.com/dining/dining.asp

Chef Akira Back, Yellowtail Sushi Restaurant and Bar at Bellagio, www.bellagio.com/restaurants/yellowtail.aspx

Chef Todd Berry - Co-Chair, Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, www.kierlandresort.com

Chef Matt Carter, Zinc Bistro, www.zincbistroaz.com

Chef Paul Carter, The Phoenician, www.thephoenician.com

Chef Michael DeMaria - Co-Chair, Heirloom An American Restaurant, www.mculinary.com/heirloom

Chef Anthony DeMuro, Different Pointe of View at Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort, www.differentpointeofview.com

Chef Peter DeRuvo, Sassi Restaurant, www.sassi.biz

Chef Rick Dupere, Ritz Carlton, www.ritzcarlton.com/hotels/phoenix/dining/venues/bistro24/default.html

Chef Robert Graham, Arizona Grand Resort, http://www.arizonagrandresort.com/phoenix-fine-dining.php

Chef Sean Griffin, BOURBON STEAK at the Fairmont Scottsdale, www.fairmont.com/scottsdale/guestservices/restaurants/BOURBONSTEAK.html

Chef Christopher Gross - Co-Chair, Christopher's Restaurant and Crush Lounge, www.christophersaz.com

Chef Lee Hillson, T. Cook's, Royal Palms Resort and Spa, www.royalpalmsresortandspa.com/tcooks.htm

Chef Michael Hoobler, Desert Highlands Scottsdale, www.deserthighlandsscottsdale.com

Chef Eric Howson, Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch, www.scottsdale.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/entertainment/restaurants/index.jsp

Chef Troy Knapp, Compass Restaurant, www.phoenix.hyatt.com

Chef Craig Leeser, Wrigley Mansion, www.wrigleymansionclub.com

Chef Donald Lemperle, Asia de Cuba, www.mondrianscottsdale.com

Chef Beau MacMillan, elements at Sanctuary, www.elementsrestaurant.com

Chef Roberto Madrid, Deseo, www.kierlandresort.com/pages/deseo_main/index.html

Chef Aaron May, Sol y Sombra, www.solysombraaz.com

Chef Mel Mecinas, Talavera at the Four Seasons Scottsdale, www.fourseasons.com/scottsdale/vacations/dining.html

Chef Justin Pfeilsticker, Trader Vic's, www.hotelvalleyho.com

Chef James Porter,

Chef Michael Rusconi, Lon's at the Hermosa Inn, www.lons.com

Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza, Barrio Café, www.barriocafe.com

Chef James Siao, Taggia Restaurant at the FireSky Resort and Spa, www.taggiascottsdale.com

Chef Scott Tompkins, SKYE Fine Dining and Live Entertainment, www.skye-restaurant.com

Chef Marcellino Verzino, Marcellino Ristorante, www.5staritalian.com

Charles Wiley, Cafe ZuZu at the Hotel Valley Ho, www.hotelvalleyho.com

Springtime in Phoenix with Liver Life Walk 2009!

The American Liver Foundation’s 7th Annual dog-friendly Liver Life Walk 2009 was a huge success, both in terms of participants and funds raised!

The event – a 5k walk on the paths of Steele Indian School Park and continuing through the streets of Central Phoenix and a 1k leisure stroll within the Park – was sponsored by Mayo Clinic. This year, participants raised over $81,000, an increase over last year’s event!

The Liver Life Walk is a National American Liver Foundation event created to help raise community awareness of liver disease as well as funds for the American Liver Foundation’s mission to facilitate, promote and advocate education, support and research for the prevention, treatment and cure of liver disease.

Over 550 walkers consisting of those affected with liver disease, their families, friends and caregivers joined together in their efforts – many with their faithful & furry four legged canines at their side - to enjoy a beautiful springtime Saturday morning in the Arizona sunshine. Blue Funk, a talented group of young adult musicians, showcased their abilities to entertain the crowds throughout the event. Special appearances by the Phoenix Suns Gorilla & Big Red of the Arizona Cardinals

motivated the walkers with their animated and enthusiastic countdown prior to the commencement of the walk - a real treat for all ages! Walkers had opportunities to energize and hydrate themselves in the food court with light meals for breakfast and lunch while mingling through the Family Expo area as vendors shared their goods and services.

With Bird Lake as a backdrop, many walkers found themselves relaxing on the grass and enjoying the beauty of Steele Indian School Park, while others waited their turn for a free chair massage - a welcome bit of pampering for many of the participants.

Event participation or volunteerism; It’s all in the name of charity and strong supporters are there for the cause. With that said, the American Liver Foundation, Kristine Campbell, Event Chairman and the Liver Life Walk Committee thank each and every one of you who generously participated with, donated to and volunteered your time to a very successful Liver Life Walk 2009. Thank You!

Page updated: August 5th, 2009