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Melissa McCracken
Executive Director

Ashley Drew
Events Manager - Phoenix

Rachel Hancock
Administrative Assistant - Houston

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Shari Ordog
Administrative Assistant

American Liver Foundation
4545 East Shea Boulevard
Suite 164
Phoenix, AZ 85028
602-953-1800 Tel
866-953-1800 Toll Free
602-953-1806 Fax

American Liver Foundation
39 Broadway, Suite 2700
New York, New York 10006
212-668-1000 Tel
212-483-8179 Fax

Home > Divisions > Desert Southwest > Chapter News & Updates

Division News & Updates

Liver Life Walk Phoenix

While the weather was blustery and chilly the support of the 1,000 participating walkers was warmly received as they raised more than $120,000 for the American Liver Foundation!

Promoting liver awareness was the agenda for the day at the 10th annual dog-friendly Liver Life Walk held on Saturday, April 14 at Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix. The event was an overwhelming success as fundraising efforts surpassed a goal of $104,000 thanks to the many walkers, corporate sponsors and their perseverance, hard work, tenacity and dedication!

Thank You For a Successful Event!

Monies raised will help fund and support key efforts of the American Liver Foundation’s mission work to facilitate, advocate and promote education, support and research for the prevention, treatment and cure of liver disease.

The Liver Life Walk was presented by Mayo Clinic and Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center. The Platinum sponsors were Good Neighbor Pharmacy and The Apothecary Shops.

“We’re pleased and thankful of our supporters who’ve provided a tremendous response to our cause” said Division Vice President Melissa McCracken. “Can you think of a better way to spend a spring morning in Arizona than a brisk walk and the chance to show off your dog to raise money for people with liver disease?”

TOP 5 TEAMS

  • ALF-DSW
  • Jay's Team
  • Team Mayo
  • Dr. Pam Fuller
  • Good Neighbor Pharmacy/ The Apothecary Shop

TOP 5 WALKERS

  • Pam Fuller
  • Sally Lashway
  • Melissa McCracken
  • Hamilton Baiden
  • Ashley Drew


Flavors of Phoenix Celebrate in Style!


The American Liver Foundation celebrated its 21st annual Flavors event of Phoenix Presented by Mayo Clinic on June 7th at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa. With the support of the guests, the event successfully raised over $241,000 to support key efforts in carrying out the American Liver Foundation’s mission. Additional Sponsors are: National Sponsor, Kadmon and Premier Cru Sponsor, Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center.

The highly anticipated event was memorable for more than 400 guests in attendance. Aside from the elegant table décor, each of the thirty one chefs created an intimate venue for the guests to enjoy the remarkable flavors of the night. We would like to thank our sponsors, guests, volunteers and chefs for their involvement and continued support of the American Liver Foundation in creating this unforgettable evening!

Some of the menus guests enjoyed include:

Talavera, Chef Mel Mecinas
Amuse
Gina’s Homemade Burrata Cheese, Sunizona Tomatoes, Sylvetta Arugula
First
Asparagus Salad, Poached Egg, Lobster Bearnaise
Second
Diver Scallop, Squash Blossom, Sweet Corn
Third
Duck Breast, Black Mission Figs, Gastrique
Entrée
Flat Iron Wagyu, Heirloom Carrots, Kale Puree
Dessert
Yogurt, Granola, Mango

BOURBON STEAK, Chef Daniel Patino
“Chirashi Zuchi”
East & West Coast Sashimi, Egg Castella, Santa Monica Sea Urchin
“Summer Minestrone”
Vegetable Ratatouille, Heirloom Tomato Consommé, Smoked Beach Salt
“Loin of Rabbit”
Wild Carrots, Morel Mushrooms, Oregon Truffles
“Duet of Beef”
Snake River Farms Wagyu Beef, Delta Asparagus & Caviar
“Baltimore Bar”
Peanut, Pretzel, Chocolate

elements, Chef Russell LaCasce
I
Ahi Tuna Poke
Nori Crisp, Avocado & Dugeness Crab
II
Seared Scallop & Forbidden Rice
Mango Red Pepper Slaw, Chile Lime Coconut Broth
III
Citrus Braised Pork Belly
Hot Chinese Mustard, Crispy Kale & Toasted Cashews
IV
Korean BBQ Short Ribs
Cucumber Lotus Root Salad & Aged White Cheddar Grits
V
Strawberry Rhubarb Shortcake
Warm Biscuit, Lemon Cream and Strawberry Port Reduction

Co-Chairmen:

Chef Christopher Gross, Christopher’s Restaurant and Crush Lounge, www.christophersaz.com/
Chef Michael DeMaria, M Catering by Michael’s, www.mculinary.com/m_home.htm
Chef Todd Berry, The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa, www.kierlandresort.com/

Participating Chefs:

Flavors of Houston

The 7th Annual Flavors of Houston presented by Kadmon was held on Thursday, September 6th at the Hilton Houston Post Oak Hotel. It was a huge success, raising over $103,000 - our most raised ever! Fourteen of Houston’s premiere chefs assembled for a night of elaborate table décor, exquisite food, fine wine and a great cause.

Each chef prepared the food right in front of the gala’s 180 guests who, while enjoying the culinary interaction, enjoyed five courses with accompanying wines. This intimate setting allowed all guests to interact with the chef and with one another while learning some tips from the experts.

Please visit these wonderful Flavors of Houston establishments and mention Flavors of Houston while you are there:

Chef AJ Junnarkar, Co-Chairman
Red Dot Cuisine
281-303-5686 œ www.reddotcuisine.com

Chef Scott Kanasugi, Co-Chairman
Hilton Houston Post Oak
713-961-9300 œ www.houstonpostoak.hilton.com

Chef Sam Beier
A Fare Extraordinaire
713.527.8288 œ www.afehouston.com

Chef Kyle Dennis
Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops at Hilton Americas
(713) 577-8325 œ www.spencersforsteaksandchops.com

Chef Jacques Lolliot
Noé Restaurant & Bar, Omni Houston Hotel
(713) 871-8181 œ www.noerestaurant.com

Chef Dagan Lynn
024 Grille and The Westin Houston Memorial City
(281) 501-4300 œ www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3108


Chef Jose Napoleon Palacios
Damian’s Cucina Italiana
713.522.0439 œ www. damians.com

Chef Ed Roberts
The Capitol at St. Germain
713.492.2454 œ www.thecapitolhouston.com

Chef Brian Robertson
The San Luis Resort Spa & Conference Center
713-539-8908 œ www.sanluisresort.com/dining-entertainment/the-steakhouse

Chef Jason Robinson
Eddie V's Prime Seafood Citycentre
(832) 200-2380 œ www.eddiev.com

Chef John Sheely
Mockingbird Bistro
713-533-0200 œ www.mockingbirdbistro.com

Chef Rolando Soza
Bistro Alex
713.827.3545 œ www.bistroalex.com

Chef Chad Weise
Farrago World Cuisine
713.523.6404 œ www.farragohouston.com

Chef Jamie Zelko
Zelko Bistro
713-880-8691 œ www.zelkobistro.com

Flavors of Tucson Exceeds Expectations!

Flavors of Tucson 2012 successfully raised over $112,000 for its 9th annual liver disease fundraiser presented by UAMC and sponsored by Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, Casino Del Sol Resort & Conference Center, Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment, Genentech and Vertex on September 27th at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort. The sold out event successfully surpassed its fundraising goal to support key efforts of the American Liver Foundation’s mission work.

Over 200 guests were wined, dined and dazzled by 16 of Tucson’s most distinguished chefs, who created not only an amazing meal, but a truly unique and memorable experience. We want to thank our sponsors, guests, volunteers and chefs for their support of the American Liver Foundation and help in making this year’s Flavors of Tucson the most successful yet!

Co-Chairman:

Chef Jason Jonilonis, Casino Del Sol Resort and Conference Center,www.casinodelsol.com
Chef Ken Harvey, Loews Ventana Canyon Resort,www.loewshotels.com/en/Hotels/Ventana-Canyon-Resort

Participating Chefs:

Chef Addam Buzzalini, Maynards Kitchen, www.maynardsmarkettucson.com
Chef Aris Cabrera, Quail Creek Country Club, http://qccountryclub.com/
Chef Ryan Clark, Lodge on the Desert, www.lodgeonthedesert.com
Chef Serge Delage, The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, www.westinlapalomaresort.com
Chef Albert Hall, Acacia Real Food & Cocktails, www.acaciatucson.com
Chef Danny Perez, JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa, www.jwmarriottstarrpass.com
Chef Jonny Ricketts, Sullivan's Steakhouse, www.sullivansteakhouse.com
Chef Ramiro Scavo, Pasco Kitchen & Lounge, www.pascokitchen.com
Chef Ethan Schulz, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, http://www.flemingssteakhouse.com/locations/az/tucson
Chef David Serus, The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, www.ritzcarlton.com/en/properties/dovemountain
Chef Brian Steiner, The Gallery Golf Club, www.gallerygolf.com
Chef Steven Shimmin, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tucson - Reid Park, http://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/hotels/arizona/doubletree-by-hilton-hotel-tucson-reid-park-TUSBTDT/index.html
Chef Jack Tate, Union Public House, www.uniontucson.com
Chef Bruce Yim, The Grill at Hacienda del Sol, www.haciendadelsol.com


Liver Life Walk Houston

The Houston Liver Life Walk 2012 raised more than $95,000 on Saturday, March 31st at Terry Hershey Park! Everyone enjoyed the great weather, snacks and fun! This Walk is one of the most important events that the American Liver Foundation hosts for patients, families and supporters.

Liver Life Walk’s success is credited to all the walkers and Team Captains who worked so hard, from building teams to fundraising each one of them helped contribute to this effort. Remember, the Liver Life Walk is only the beginning. Stepping across the finish line does not mean that the work toward ending liver disease is finished.

Kristen and Josh Hanks led the top team, Team Cooper, raising more than $15,000. The second team, Texas Children’s Hospital, raised $8,250 and was also the top Medical Team.

Coming in at third at $6,290 was the team Walking For Brant.

“We’re very excited about the response we’ve had this year, said Division Vice President Melissa McCracken. “Thanks to everyone who participated in Liver Life Walk Houston 2012! We look forward to the 4th Annual Liver Life Walk Houston 2013!”

Sponsors included: The Methodist Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, Genentech, Baker Hughes, Gilead Sciences, Merck, Onyx Pharmaceuticals, St Luke’s Episcopal Hospital, Cooley Transplant Center and Texas Children’s Hospital.

The mission of American Liver Foundation (ALF) is to facilitate, advocate and promote education, support and research for the prevention, treatment and cure of liver disease.

Page updated: April 2nd, 2013