Western themed party will help clothe 10,000 children

 

Sun Lakes residents are invited to saddle up and join the fun at “’Ranglers & Rhinestones,” a western-themed party on November 17 that will raise funds to provide clothing for almost 10,000 school children. Party goers can dance to the music of The Bayou Bandits, enjoy a delicious dinner at Rustler’s Rooste, 8383 S. 48th in Phoenix, and sign up for a silent auction, barbecue sauce tasting contest and 50/50 raffle.

Sponsors are the members of Assistance League of East Valley, a 138-member volunteer group that has been helping children and families in need for 30 years. Tickets for the event, which takes place 5:30 to 10:00 p.m., are $60 per person, or $110 for a twosome.

Silent auction goodies at the party will include a gorgeous Navajo squash blossom necklace, tickets to the theater and sporting events including Gammage and The Arizona Cardinals, a wine tasting event for 20 people at Total Wine, two nights with golf at the Arizona Grande Resort and a backpack full of tickets for children’s museums and events throughout the Valley.

The Bayou Bandits have been bringing a mix of country, blues, modern and classic rock music to Arizona for six years. They were featured at Scottsdale Block Party and Parada del Sol, and they won second place in the World of Beer battle of the bands.

“We’ll have a good time,” says Beverly Connors of Sun Lakes, auction chairperson for the event. “And at the same time, people will be helping us transform people’s lives and strengthen our community.

“Last year we provided new clothes for 9,831 school children in the east valley, which is a record for us, and we know what a difference this makes in families that are struggling to provide for their children. Along with our thrift shop, it is fundraising events like this that help us accomplish our work.”

Over the years, the organization has expanded to provide college scholarships, school supplies and thousands of assault survivor kits for valley agencies. The group’s upscale thrift shop is at 2326 N. Alma School Road in Chandler.

For more information or to buy tickets online, go to assistanceleagueeastvalley.org.