Anasazi 20th Anniversary Fundraising Weekend Coming

This year marks the 20th anniversary for the ANASAZI Foundation, a Mesa-based nonprofit organization that provides compassionate, outdoor behavioral healthcare for youth. The foundation is planning a weekend full of fund raising events hoping to boost awareness about the foundation and raise money for a scholarship program that benefits families needing ANASAZI services.

One family that has been impacted by ANASAZI is the Carolls from Gilbert, Ariz. When Carlos and Yvette Caroll's teenage son Jordan began running away from home, lacking motivation in school and treating his family with anger and hostility, they realized they needed help. The Carolls tried their own parenting techniques hoping Jordan would return to his loving, motivated and respectful self. By the time Carlos and Yvette reached out to ANASAZI they were at the end of their rope.

The day Carlos and Yvette dropped Jordan off at ANASAZI they agonized about whether he would forgive them. As Jordan walked the trail, his letters home slowly transformed from "I can never forgive you" to "I was hiking and I couldn't stop thinking about how much I miss my family." The experience and guidance ANASAZI provided Jordan allowed his family to rebuild and re-establish positive family relationships. Hundreds of families like the Carolls reach out to ANASAZI for help each year.

ANASAZI will host a series of events December 5 and 6 to celebrate its 20th anniversary and raise money to provide ANASAZI scholarships for families in need.

Friday, Dec. 5
Gala - 5:30 p.m.: The 20th Anniversary Scholarship Gala will raise money for a scholarship program that benefits families seeking ANASAZI help. The event will include a silent auction, dinner and live musical entertainment provided by American Idol finalist, Brooke White, renowned composer and PBS star, Tim Janis, and Yanni collaborator and tenor, Nathan Pacheco.

The gala will take place at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Ariz. To reserve a seat at the gala please contact ANASAZI at 480-892-7403 or via email at sponsorships@anasazi.org. Tickets are $250 per person and all proceeds benefit financially challenged families in need of ANASAZI services.

Saturday, Dec. 6
Seminar - 8:30 a.m.: Dr. C. Terry Warner, founder of the Arbinger Institute will host a seminar about family relationships at the Mesa Arts Center. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by calling ANASAZI at 480-892-7403 or visiting the Mesa Arts Center Box Office at www.mesaartscenter.com.

Primitive Skills Expo - 1:00 p.m.: ANASAZI alumni will join "Cast Away" and "Survivorman" consultant David Holladay to teach underprivileged children from Espiritu Schools survival techniques taught on the trail. Along with the demonstration a BBQ will provide great food and a fun atmosphere in the breezeway at the Mesa Arts Center.

Gin Blossoms Benefit Concert - 7:00 p.m.: The legendary Gin Blossoms will headline a benefit concert at the Mesa Arts Center. Other artists performing include: recording artist and former ANASAZI TrailWalker, Jesca Hoop, indie sensation Joshua James rising-star Benton Paul and Firefly. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by calling 480-644-6500 or visiting the Mesa Arts Center Box Office at www.mesaartscenter.com.

For more information regarding ANASAZI fund raising events and the foundation please visit their website at www.anasazi.org/dinner.html