Benefit for kids raises record amount
by Jim Crawford

The 5th annual "Happy Trails for Kids" dinner to benefit the Child Crisis Center of the East Valley raised nearly $62,000 this year thanks to an increase in the number of cash donations received, said Roberta Heine, chairperson for the event.

"That total is up from $48,000 raised last year" Heine said. "The money raised will go toward the care and feeding of children who have been temporarily removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. We call it temporary because they stay there until foster care can be arranged for them."

Funds are used to buy food, clothing, school supplies and the necessities needed for children to adjust to life outside their homes.

"This was the best event we've ever had," she said. "Everyone was saying how nice it was and they were glad to be a part of it. This must just be a good season for giving because our donations were up considerably from last year."

The Dec. 2 event at the Legend Trails Community Center in North Scottsdale featured a live and silent auction. The live auction was the highlight," Heine said. "We auctioned off a Lexus and a trip to Egypt. There was some pretty nice stuff. Also all of the food and beverages were donated by local restaurants. We're really thankful to all of those people for helping us out."

For a complete listing of "Happy Trails for Kids" donors, please see Marketplace.