N OV E M B E R 2 02 0
Letitia Frye is Saving Fundraising
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LIFESTYLE LETTER
NOVEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER
Tammy Fellows | tammy.fellows@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR
Feeling Grateful THEY SAY THAT WITH CHILDREN, “THE DAYS ARE LONG, BUT THE YEARS ARE SHORT.” I feel like that can also be applied to 2020. I don’t know about you, but for me, this year seems to have lasted 10 years in one—
Michelle Glicksman | michelle.glicksman@lifestylepubs.com ACCO UNT MANAGERS
Elisa Lane | elisa.lane@lifestylepubs.com, Natalli Shaba | natalli.shaba@lifestylepubs.com PUBLISHER A SSISTANT
Lyssa Van Cleave | lyssa.vancleave@lifestylepubs.com
and yet, it has also gone by extremely quickly. Each day seems quite long with the
AD DESIGNER
juggle of work, kids, and life, mostly all from home. And yet, how is it near the end
Whitney Lockhart
of the year already? I feel like we went from March to November in the blink of an eye. As we enter this season of thankfulness, I've been taking time to reflect on the many things I’m grateful for… health, family, friends, my career—and you. Thank you for sharing your stories with us, for reading our magazine through these unique times, for being there for us, and for letting us be there for you. In this issue we share inspiring stories of people who are doing amazing things, such as Letitia Frye, who is featured on our cover. Read all about how she innovated ground-
L AYO UT DESIGNER
Dani Moore CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Alison Bailin Batz, Sue Baldini, Teresa Traverse, Georgann Yara CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Lindsay Jenks, Lyssa Van Cleave
breaking ways to handle fundraisers in this challenging year when groups couldn't gather for events, and in doing so, helped many nonprofits raise much-needed funds. We also share stories of local nonprofits, share how Erika Cowell is helping impact the lives of kids, and more. This month we offer you the opportunity to reflect with us and spend some time being grateful for the people we have in our amazing community. During this
CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
Thanksgiving season, don’t forget to tell the people around you how they have
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
made a difference in your life. You've made a difference in mine!
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
Yours,
REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams
AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
Michelle Glicksman, Editor 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO
ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA | SOUTH CAROLINA
ON THE COVER Letitia Frye
TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDSAY JENKS HAIR/MAKEUP BY SARAH DELLAROCCO MASK BY MISTY GUERREIRO OF VINTAGE BY MISTY 6
Paradise Valley Lifestyle | November 2020
CityLifestyle.com/ParadiseValley
Proverbs 3:5-6 Paradise Valley Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Paradise Valley area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Paradise Valley Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
INSIDE THE ISSUE NOVEMBER 2020
FEATURES 16 Selfless Spirit For These Nonprofit Organizations, the Power of Giving is a Year-Round Gift
22 Helping Kids Be Superheros Meet Super Mom Erika Cowell
28 Innovator When Nonprofit Fundraisers Were Cancelled, Auctiontainer Letitia Frye Sprung Into Action to Help
38 Grateful Globetrotter Janet Semenova on Traveling the
28 38
World, Saving Lives, and Staying Hopeful—No Matter Life’s Challenges
22
16
DEPARTMENTS 6
Lifestyle Letter
10
Around Town
16
Giving Back
22 Inspired By 34 Driver’s Notebook 38 Local Limelight 42 Lifestyle Calendar 46 Healthy Lifestyle
AROUND TOWN the field. Thanks in large part to PANDA, a Steele Center opened in Phoenix in 2014. “We've met families who have gone all over the country and spent thousands of dollars with no solution. And then they end up at Steele, and within one visit they're on their way to finding answers. It's truly incredible,” says Tammy Ryan, PANDA president.
AWARD-WINNING CHEF SCOTT CONANT EXPANDS LOCAL RESTAURANT PORTFOLIO WITH THE AMERICANO James Beard Award-winning chef Scott Conant is expanding his Arizona restaurant portfolio. Recently, he and his SC Culinary Inc. team partnered with Creation Hospitality for the ownership and operation of The Americano, an Italian-inspired steakhouse in North Scottsdale. Through this new relationship, Conant will exclusively lead the culinary vision and operation of the restaurant along with Paride Guerra, director of oper-
Chris Smith Investments, located in Payson, has
ations and operating partner. Similarly, SC Culinary
formally merged with Paradise Valley’s Wilde Wealth
and Creation Hospitality will now co-own Mora
Management Group, an award-winning independent
Italian in Phoenix, where Conant will continue
financial services firm that provides comprehensive
in his executive chef and active-ownership role.
retirement, investment, real estate, insurance, legal and
TheAmericanoRestuarant.com
tax-planning services all under one roof. Through the
PANDA'S $5 MILLION GIFT TO ENDOW THE DIRECTORSHIP OF STEELE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH CENTER
merger, Chris Smith Investments will formally change its name to Wilde Wealth Management Group. Trevor Wilde, who founded Wilde Wealth Management Group with his father, Bill, in 2003,
In honor of Dr. Fayez K. Ghishan’s 25th year as
says the mission for all of the offices is two-fold—to
director, members of the Phoenix Women's Board
offer boutique, customized investment planning
of the Steele Children's Research Center at the
advice, and to offer clients expanded in-house ser-
University of Arizona have contributed $5 million
vice offerings from fellow independent specialists.
to establish an endowed directorship of the center.
WildeWealth.com
The Phoenix Women's Board is known as PANDA, or People Acting Now Discover Answers. The Fayez K. Ghishan, MD, PANDA Endowed
10
CHRIS SMITH INVESTMENTS TRANSITIONS TO WILDE WEALTH MANAGEMENT GROUP
ORIGINAL BREAKFAST HOUSE OFFERS DEDICATED DEALS DAYS
Directorship will provide support to further pediat-
From Nov. 7-11, Original Breakfast House is roll-
ric research and leadership at the Steele Children's
ing out specials and events to show appreciation to
Research Center. PANDA works to raise aware-
its customers and the hospitality industry, as well
ness and private funding for the Steele Children’s
as to honor and recognize veterans.
Research Center; to discover cures for children’s
Daily events and deals include—Nov. 7: Designated
diseases through research and heal very sick
as Family Day, kids eat free (one free kids’ meal for
children; and to teach medical professionals in
each child under the age of 12 with the purchase of
Paradise Valley Lifestyle | November 2020
an adult meal) all day, plus outdoor face painting and
“I was blown away by the Solid Rock center itself
games; Nov. 8: A free concert in the parking lot featuring
and all of the effort that goes into supporting these
Bumpin’ Bud and In Flight Blues, as well as free coffee
kids,” says Los Sombreros Owner Colleen Riske.
and donuts; Nov. 9: Half-price all omelettes all day; Nov.
LosSombreros.com
10: Hospitality/restaurant industry staff can enjoy half off their total bill all day; Nov. 11: Free meals for veterans, plus live entertainment, fun, and games all day. Specials are available for dine-in only. OriginalBreakfastHouse.com
MICHAEL WALTRIP BREWING COMPANY'S TWO-TIME BEER BRAND SECURES DISTRIBUTION Arizona-based
EAT ENCHILADAS FOR A GOOD CAUSE Los Sombreros is now offering two special enchilada dishes, and donating a portion of the proceeds to
Michael
Waltrip
Brewing
Company, recently launched by the two-time Daytona champion, announced a distribution agreement with Hensley Beverage Company, Arizona’s largest beer and beverage distributor.
a good cause. Through Jan. 31, 2021, $2 of every order
Waltrip’s Two-Time beer brand initially features
of Solid Rock Enchiladas and $5 of every order of
a lineup of a Blonde ale; Checkered Past, a coco-
Welcome to My Enchilada Family Night Meal will be
nut India pale ale; and Vamanos, a Mexican-style
donated to Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers,
lager, with year-round and seasonal selections
thanks to a new partnership between Los Sombreros
planned, as well. Each of the beers has a special
and Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers.
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/ParadiseValley
11
AROUND TOWN story behind it and some clever and subtle references to racing, capitalizing on the personality of its founder. MichaelWaltripBrewing.com
RYAN HOUSE VIRTUAL COMMUNITY BREAKFAST RAISES MORE THAN $250,000 Nearly 1,100 guests attended the premiere of Ryan House’s Virtual Community Breakfast, which officially kicked off the year-long celebration of the organization’s 10th anniversary. The event, which was originally scheduled at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort on March 28, and was postponed and converted to a virtual event as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, has so far raised more than $250,000. The money will directly support the nonprofit organization, which currently relies 100% on community donations and cares for Arizona’s most medically fragile children and their families. RyanHouse.org
CAMERON COLVIN PLEDGES $200 MILLION TO GOODWILL Cameron Colvin, former NFL athlete, real estate investor, and philanthropist, has pledged $200 million to Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona Foundation to help individuals achieve lifelong prosperity. He recently presented the first installment of $10 million to Goodwill, and will continue donating $10 million a year, for the next 20 years. The funds will be used to create new adult education programs and future projects to help individuals living in poverty. GoodwillAZ.org
THE VALLEY'S CIDER CORPS HONORS GREAT SACRIFICE WITH VETERANTHEMED STYLES The
veteran-owned
craft
cidery
Cider
Corps has a cider available at Whole Foods, AJs, and Total Wine to honor great sacrifice this Veteran's Day. The Sangin Sangria is a red sangria-style drink that blends Cider Corps' hard apple cider base with prickly pear, strawberry, orange, passionfruit, elderberry, and lime. It is named for the town of Sangin in Afghanistan
480.628.4833 Lindsay Jenks Photography @LindsayJenksPhotography
www.LindsayJenksPhotography.com 12
Paradise Valley Lifestyle | November 2020
where Cider Corps' co-owner, Jason Duren, was injured in service. Several of the cidery's flagship ciders are available at those locations, with many others available at its Mesa cidery. Valleywide delivery is also available. CiderCorpsAZ.com
R E A L E S TAT E C O N C I ER GE S ER V I C E S HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?
Yo u r Re a l E s t a t e C o n c i e r g e
E R I C (4 8 0) 4 0 6 -5 8 8 3
T
F E L LOWS |
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7975 N . H a y d e n Rd . S u i t e A - 101 S c o t t s d a l e , A r i z o n a 8525 8
GIVING BACK
ARTICLE GEORGANN YARA | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Selfless spirit
FOR THESE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS, THE POWER OF GIVING IS A YEAR-ROUND GIFT
Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC)
16
Paradise Valley Lifestyle | November 2020
AS THE SEASON OF GRATITUDE COMMENCES, WE ARE REMINDED OF THE GIFTS BIG AND SMALL THAT SPARK THAT FIRE OF GRATEFULNESS AND, IN TURN, INSPIRE US TO GIVE BACK. However, this season is a year-round mission for the more than 21,000 registered nonprofit organizations that provide crucial, unwavering, life-changing, and often life-saving support to countless babies, children, adults, and families across the state. And even in a tough year that has Arizona nonprofits operat-
“THE ENERGY AND COMPASSION CHANGES THE ENTIRE SCHOOL CAMPUS. THIS IS NOT JUST MENTORING. IT’S A TRUE GENUINE FRIENDSHIP THAT LASTS A LIFETIME.”
ing a loss of nearly $53 million, according to the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits, they provide precious resources to help those in need face another day. For them, it’s not about giving back. It’s purely about giving. Here, we shed a spotlight on a few that don’t seek it, yet deserve it.
Best Buddies Arizona To everyone who’s ever been a part of the organization, Best Buddies is more than just its name. State Director Lisa Cleary can attest to this with the countless bonds created between typical youths and their peers with intellectual and development disabilities (IDD). “The energy and compassion changes the entire school campus. This is not just mentoring. It’s a true genuine friendship that lasts a lifetime,” Cleary says of the 2,000 students in elementary, middle, high school and college who’ve participated in the friendship program across Arizona. While this program is the most visible, Best Buddies in Arizona’s reach goes beyond with other services. Among them is a new integrated employment program that secures jobs for people with IDD, allowing them to earn an income, pay taxes, and continuously and independently support themselves. The national program holds a 92% employee retention rate, while bringing diversity into the workplace. “I love being able to see with my own eyes so many positive transformations within people, whether they have IDD or not,” she says. “It gives me a lot of hope for the future… that the world could be a better place.” BestBuddies.org/Arizona
CONTINUED >
Lisa Cleary CityLifestyle.com/ParadiseValley
17
GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)
Maggie’s place By the time a pregnant mom reaches out to this nonprofit, she and her unborn child are desperate. They are living in a car or couch-surfing with friends. Most haven’t had a prenatal exam or been to a dentist. Some are in recovery and newly sober. “It’s pretty urgent by the time they come to us. If they have an option, it’s not a safe one,” CEO Laura Magruder says of those her 20-yearold organization was created to save. This year, Maggie’s welcomed its 1,000th mom. The organization offers more than 30 programs, including transitional and family reunification housing, plus resources vital to getting mom and child back on a secure track, whether it’s a GED or mental health services. MaggiesPlace.org
Tom Eisiminger, Jr.
Laura Magruder
Veterans Medical Leadership
Council Charities Since 1999, this nonprofit has been giving men and women who served this country what Council President Tom Eisiminger, Jr. calls a hand up, not a handout. Last year alone, it did just that for nearly 500 veterans by providing services like housing assistance, medical support, and vehicle repair. The Annual Heroes Patriotic Luncheon, held virtually this year Nov. 5, is a hallmark honoring veterans. Eisiminger talks about the lives saved or changed. There’s a Tucson-area veteran whose bone marrow transplant recovery was made possible thanks to the nonprofit’s support. A Valley woman who was living with her young child in a car was given a place to live, and a result, she used her GI Bill to get a college degree, today holding a professional career. “Sometimes, people just need to know there’s someone there to help, and somebody to care.” ArizonaVMLC.org 18
Paradise Valley Lifestyle | November 2020
Daniel Openden
Southwest Autism Research
& Resource Center (SARRC) Other Nonprofits to KnoW Since 1997, SARRC’s unique expertise in working with individuals with autism across their lifespan has perfectly positioned it to accommodate the changing face of autism.
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SARRC’s multi-pronged approach also focuses on improving the behavior and skills of the communities in which they live. The annual Community Breakfast fundraiser is one way to educate and inform business leaders, legislators, and
and abused dogs under 20 pounds. AZSmallDog.org
educators. Connections with employers, schools, and recreational programs fur-
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empowering at-risk youth by using
Openden speaks enthusiastically about being fortunate to witness SARRC’s
photography to ignite their imagination
positive impact. Seeing a child who once was nonverbal and now speaks fluently
and build their sense of confidence.
and has made friends, and adults who lacked social or vocational skills who are
KidsInFocus.org
now gainfully employed and living independently are among them. “That’s seriously life-changing stuff that drives what we do every day.” AutismCenter.org CityLifestyle.com/ParadiseValley
19
INSPIRED BY
HELPING KIDS BE SUPERHEROS MEET SUPER MOM ERIKA COWELL
ARTICLE TERESA TRAVERSE PHOTOGRAPHY LYSSA VAN CLEAVE
TO ERIKA COWELL, BEING A MOM HAS ALWAYS BEEN HER MOST IMPORTANT ROLE.
Colten was diagnosed with leukemia in January of 2009. He spent every month of that year fighting cancer. In December,
“I’ve always worked, but being a mom was my career,”
Colten was sent to hospice. Before he passed away, Colten
says Cowell, a mother of six. “I always knew I wanted to be
was given a ride in a “Batmobile” owned by local businessman
a mom. When the kids were little, it was just so wonderful
and philanthropist Charles Keller. Colten passed away two
watching them grow and shaping them into who they are.
weeks after being a passenger in the Batmobile. Two years
And now, as they’re all entering adulthood, it’s so satisfying
later, Erika was sorting through pictures of that night.
and gratifying to look at them and go, ‘Oh my gosh, I turned
“I realized looking at those pictures of the night that
her into that. I’m the reason they’re such good people.’ Four
Charles brought the Batmobile was a night where every-
of them are daughters. I’m seriously surrounded by my best
body was happy. You couldn’t even tell he was sick anymore
friends all the time. It’s just the greatest thing that I’ve ever
because he was laughing and he was playing and all the
done in my life.”
other kids were having fun. It was just such an amazing
The birth of her youngest child, Colten, transformed her entire life. After he was born in May of 2006, Colten was diagnosed with Down syndrome.
night,” she says. Cowell wrote Keller a thank you note expressing her gratitude. Keller reached out to her and asked for her per-
“Anytime you receive that your child has Down syn-
mission to name the organization after her son. She agreed
drome, it’s a little bump. But honestly, he was such a cool
and started volunteering for the organization. In 2015, she
kid that it was a tiny bump,” shares Cowell, who says the
became the executive director.
transition for her was easier for her since mother taught
The Colten Cowell Foundation is a Phoenix-based non-
special education and she had grown up around individuals
profit that serves children with disabilities and terminal ill-
with intellectual disabilities.
nesses. The foundation’s signature program is the Superhero
Right from the beginning, she knew Colten was special.
Experience. Kids take a ride in the Batmobile and take a ride
“He was the sunshine of our house,” she says. “He changed
to the crime fighting “cave.” Inside the cave, kids and their
my entire career path twice… I had never considered provid-
families can see a replica of Bruce Wayne’s study and enjoy
ing speech therapy to children with special needs until I had
interactive activities. Every nominated child receives a check
him and saw what a difference a therapist can make in their
to go toward the charity of his or her choice. The organiza-
life. And here I am now running a foundation in his honor,
tion serves about 130 families a year. In total, the foundation
making a difference for kids.”
has served 535 families.
22
Paradise Valley Lifestyle | November 2020
CONTINUED >
THE FOUNDATION’S SIGNATURE PROGRAM IS THE SUPERHERO EXPERIENCE. KIDS TAKE A RIDE IN THE BATMOBILE AND TAKE A RIDE TO THE CRIME FIGHTING “CAVE.”
Erika Cowell
CityLifestyle.com/ParadiseValley
23
INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED)
When she took over in December of 2015, Cowell expanded the organization’s reach to include children who have disabilities in addition to those with terminal illnesses. The organization also partners with other nonprofits. She says working with nonprofits made her realize how many good people are in this world. And nonprofits have provided her, and so many others, with a sense of community “I bond with every family that comes through,” says Cowell. “When families started reaching out to me, it was a little hard because I didn’t know what to say, which is strange. And it’s mostly because there isn’t [anything]. They like that I understand that. I have cried a lot of tears with a lot of moms. And it is really hard, but I get to be that person for somebody. It’s a pretty small group of people who actually understand what it’s like to lose a child.” The busy mom, executive director, and student—she’s working on her bachelor’s in business administration and nonprofit management—has plenty on her to-do list, but to her, the rewards of all her hard work pay off big. “It’s hard to juggle everything, but I truly believe I have the best job in the world. It makes it worth it,” she says. ”It’s been the most healing thing I think any mom could ever receive. It’s just been such a gift to be able to see your child live on in an experience.” ColtenCowellFoundation.org
24
Paradise Valley Lifestyle | November 2020
Erika Cowell with her late son, Colten.
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Paradise Valley Lifestyle | November 2020
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WHEN NONPROFIT FUNDRAISERS WERE CANCELLED, AUCTIONTAINER LETITIA FRYE SPRUNG INTO ACTION TO HELP
+ Hair/Makeup Sarah Dellarocco + Mask Misty Guerreiro of Vintage by Misty IT WAS MARCH 13, 2020, WHEN LETITIA FRYE—KNOWN BY MANY FOR HER ROLE AS AN AUCTIONTAINER (A TERM ORIGINALLY BESTOWED UPON HER BY ALICE COOPER, AS SHE BLENDED BEING AN AUCTIONEER WITH ENTERTAINING THE CROWD)—LAST STEPPED ON A STAGE, FOR AN EVENT WITH ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF PHOENIX. 28
Paradise Valley Lifestyle | November 2020
ARTICLE MICHELLE GLICKSMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY LINDSAY JENKS
Innovator
Between that day in mid-March and early October, Frye had been scheduled to work with 65 other events, helping them raise money via live auctions. Instead, COVID-19 hit, and the events were all cancelled. Frye chokes up when speaking about it. “When [COVID] happened, I had just flown in from a huge celebrity event in Palm Springs, and just one more event snuck in, and that was the one on March 13,” she says. “And that was the last time I stepped on a stage.” While many in her fundraising industry looked at that early COVID time as early time off with just a shift in events season (with events to pick back up soon), Frye realized disaster was coming. Quickly, she dove in, brainstorming how to save her business, help her clients, and continue to make a difference in the world. She had a vision, and so she set up Zoom meetings with newly released giving platforms, talking to them about their technology and capabilities. She vetted them, proposed new ideas, and spent time with their tech people, working through if her ideas could be implemented. “I was like, ‘Think of it this way… if you meant to bring the gaming platform into a ballroom so you can have people from the outside world participate while we’re in a ballroom, what if we took the event out of the ballroom, and people participated from all over the world?’ “I’m not kidding, I didn’t sleep for six weeks, just brainstorming.” She encouraged nonprofits to innovate, and knew if the technology for her ideas could work, there could be a new way of holding events, and all virtually.
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/ParadiseValley
29
INNOVATOR (CONTINUED)
Photo provided
When Valleywise Health Foundation, a local hospital, heard what she was doing, they called her. Their smaller event was approaching, and they were open to what she was proposing. Frye brought in Fund Duel—a company based in the Valley, which is a gaming method of utilizing competition and social media to raise funds—which had never live streamed its technologies. To make the live stream concept possible, Frye immediately thought of her friend, Carey Peña, founder of Inspired Media 360, who had a new studio in Phoenix. Since the studio features two separate entrances and multiple small rooms, Frye knew it would be a perfect location to keep people safe and appropriately social distanced.
designed for that… we took it into the world, into the space, as the first people ever in the world to do it. “I knew full well I was rolling the dice and I could very well tank my entire career. We could have tanked and we all knew it. We were scared to death.” But they went live—and ended up with 1,600 viewers from 10 countries, and raising more than they even had projected to make in their regular setting. “We ended up with a bid from as far as London—and we’re talking about our county hospital and burn center here!” It was a moment in her life that she says that she’ll never forget.
On April 23, Valleywise held its event. It was the first of its kind, with an
Frye is also now working with Uncommon Giving, another
entirely new concept, and utilizing new technology that had never been
Arizona-based company. It works with nonprofits, creating a way for
tried before. As it went live, everyone making it happen held their breath—
people to choose how they give in their daily lives.
would everything work? Would the untried technology hold up?
“Ultimately, what all of this is teaching me as we move through,
The answer was overwhelmingly yes.
is that as the pandemic hit, we took the option to give, instead of it
Interviews happened with a young burn victim—without anyone
being for the person who could afford a $500 ticket, we took giving
ever being near her. An event was held where no one was near each
and the feeling that it gives you, to everyone. We were no longer
other. Money was raised. And, most importantly, people from all over
defined by a tax bracket, and we were no longer defined by demo-
the world participated.
graphics, area code, or country.”
“Bringing Fund Duel’s type of technology into a live streaming
Effectively, by pivoting and creating these new, innovative options,
market was something which had never been done in the history of
it removed many barriers people had to attending and giving to
the world—we did something that had never been done. Streaming
events. Additionally, by offering free streaming events (some had
events in a ballroom to other ballrooms? That had been done,” Frye
sponsorship levels, but also always a free live stream), people who
says. “But by taking a gaming platform, that was designed for people
were moved by the mission could attend and give whatever they
to compete, but had never, never had a live stream event and was not
could—whether that was $10 or $10,000.
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Paradise Valley Lifestyle | November 2020
“People have found in this pandemic that giving is not something that is meant for just the wealthy, but it’s a selfless act that brings value to you,” she says. Since that April day, Frye has been extremely busy partnering with other groups to create more of these innovative events, including the huge Race to Erase MS drive-in event, a 200-plus car drive-in held in September at The Rose Bowl in California, complete with a drive-thru red carpet. There, she got on stage, attendees heard her through their car radios, and the event was live streamed. It raised $1.4 million. “These free live streams meant that if you ever had someone who wondered what an event was like, now they get to see. And if they were moved, now they get to give—at any denomination. Giving should belong to everybody. And that’s the greatest gift that has come out of this pandemic. This has removed the barriers and the thought that giving is only for the wealthy. Giving is a human experience we all should have, in whatever capacity you can.” Frye is no longer chanting in the traditional way that an auctioneer would sell, but using her entertainment background in live events to create these new formats. “It’s about truly researching the human experience of your client, and to eloquently express that in a well-timed manner on TV, and guide people through what they can give or they can buy for the reason that they would do it,” she explains. In the midst of all of this, Frye also had her first book, No Reserve, debut. Written before the pandemic with an already-planned release date and traditionally published, the title is a nod to her profession. The book itself is about going “all-in” in life, and handling adversity. It has done phenomenally, with Frye receiving messages from all over the world from people who have been inspired by it. In a few weeks, the audio book of No Reserve will be released. Additionally, she’s also in talks to host a podcast on giving with Uncommon Giving. Since April 23, Frye has done approximately 40 virtual events. She’s grateful to have learned that
Photo provided
no matter where she is, she can help people all over the world. “Now, I can pretty much be in the desert, in a ballgown, and doing an event and helping people anywhere in the world,” she says.
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31
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Paradise Valley Lifestyle | November 2020
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33
DRIVER’S NOTEBOOK
Beautiful, Sleek, Exceptional
MEET THE 2020 MERCEDESBENZ AMG GT 53
ANYONE WHO HAS EXPERIENCED A MERCEDES-BENZ IS WELL AWARE THAT IT TYPICALLY RISES TO THE TOP OF ITS ARTICLE TAMMY FELLOWS
CLASS WHEN IT COMES TO COMFORT, DESIGN, AND LUXURY.
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 53 is no exception. The beautiful, sleek exterior design is striking and sure to turn heads. Beyond that, this four-door sedan’s driving performance is exceptional. As a mild-hybrid powertrain, this six-cylinder, 3.0-liter turbocharged engine has 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, allowing for a smooth 0-60 mph reach in only 4.4 seconds. When switching
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Paradise Valley Lifestyle | November 2020
to Sport+ mode, it unleashes yet another layer of perfor-
Mercedes covers the GT 53 with its four-
mance. Needless to say, with respect to power, this baby
year/50,000-mile basic warranty, inclusive of the
can get up and run with the best of them.
powertrain and roadside assistance. Total retail
Inside the luxurious Mercedes AMG GT 53 you will
price is $112,995.
find ample space and comfort. This sedan is perfectly adequate and will comfortably accommodate those of larger stature. The interior is very well appointed with clean lines and intuitive controls. Comfortable and con-
VEHICLE STATS:
venient features include dual zone climate control, sleek
+ AMG-Enhanced 3.0L Inline-6 Turbo Engine + 429 Horsepower + 384 lb-ft Torque + AMG Speedshift TCT 9-speed transmission + ECO Start/Stop + Fuel Economy: 21 MPG (average city/highway) + Body Style: 4-Door Sedan + Seating: Magma Grey/Black Nappa Leather + Exterior: Brilliant Blue Metallic + Base Price: $99,950
multicolor ambient lighting, Bluetooth connectivity, 12.3-inch widescreen display, Apple CarPlay, touchpad controls, and Inductive wireless charging. With all this car has to offer in security features, you can count on a safe and stress-free driving experience. Some features include: Advanced Airbag Protection System, Anti-lock brake and Brake Assist Systems, Blindspot Assist, Rearview Camera, Active Parking Assist, and an Anti-theft Alarm System.
AMG-Enhanced 3.0L Inline-6 Turbo Engine
AMG Speedshift TCT 9-speed transmission
Exterior: Brilliant Blue Metallic
Body Style: 4-Door Sedan
CityLifestyle.com/ParadiseValley
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Paradise Valley Lifestyle | November 2020
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37
LOCAL LIMELIGHT
ARTICLE ALISON BAILIN BATZ
AMONG THE MANY THINGS COVID-19
PHOTOGRAPHY LYSSA VAN CLEAVE
HAS TAKEN FROM US IS THE ABILITY TO TRAVEL EFFORTLESSLY. And while we all look forward to the day that this “new normal” becomes a distant memory,
JANET SEMENOVA ON TRAVELING THE WORLD, SAVING LIVES, AND STAYING HOPEFUL—NO MATTER LIFE’S CHALLENGES
no one may be as grateful when it comes as Janet Semenova—and that’s because she knows firsthand just how precious of a freedom it is.
G R AT E F U L O B E T R OT T E R G LO “I was born in 1983 in Uzbekistan,” she says. “At that time, it was a communist republic in the former Soviet Union.” As a result, her family’s freedoms—from what books they could read to when (and if) they could leave the country—were restricted. “For years, my parents quietly planned our emigration to the United States,” says Semenova, noting that families who fled were seen as traitors. “At 7, my parents unexpectedly took me out of school one day and drove to the airport.” They would board a plane to Chicago, officially becoming refugees. Upon arriving, her parents divorced. Two suitcases to their name, Semenova—who didn’t speak English at the time—and her mother began life anew. “Once more comfortable socially and financially, we traveled as often as possible,” says Semenova. “People don’t realize the freedom a U.S. passport grants to explore all of the beauty in the world.”
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Paradise Valley Lifestyle | November 2020
But, their trips together came to an abrupt halt when Semenova was a high school senior. “In 2000, my mom was diagnosed with liposarcoma, a rare cancer,” says Semenova, who would lose her mom in 2002. Her mother’s illness inspired Semenova to become a nurse practitioner, initially in Pennsylvania. The career path would also lead to her finding love with an emergency room physician named Jon Hornstein. After the two married, they moved to Phoenix in 2008, when Semenova was eight months pregnant with their first child, no less! By 2010, they were a family of four living in Paradise Valley, with Hornstein still working as a physician and Semenova as a pediatric nurse practitioner at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. When not busy saving lives, the couple made it a point to travel with their children, visiting 17 countries in less than 10 years. “I wanted my children to be as thankful for their passports as I,” she says. It was actually during a trip to Costa Rica in 2017 that Semenova was inspired to take her love of travel to a whole new level, after she met a travel agent who was vacationing at their same hotel. “I didn’t know they still existed,” says Semenova. “Something clicked. I wanted to do the same thing.” Once back in Arizona, and while still working as a nurse, Semenova co-founded Boutique Travel Advisors. The business curates hyper-customized travel for groups of 1 to 100 anywhere in the world. The business booming, Semenova left nursing to focus on the company full time in 2019, only to have COVID-19 hit just months later. While devastating on several levels, Semenova remains hopeful and ever-grateful. “I am thankful each day that Jon is remaining safe as a frontline worker and that our children are thriving despite the modified learning environment,” says Semenova. “This is not the end of our lives as we knew them, but a modification required to win the war on this disease.” CityLifestyle.com/ParadiseValley
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Paradise Valley Lifestyle | November 2020
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CityLifestyle.com/ParadiseValley
41
NOVEMBER
LIFESTYLE CALENDAR
1-8
artists,
WILD RISING BY CRACKING ART
the visual language of abstraction
Stories
of
Abstraction:
Contemporary Latin American Art in the Global Context explores how
CANAL CONVERGENCE | WATER + ART + LIGHT
Desert Botanical Garden
has generated profound insights
This art exhibition traveled from
into Latin American culture and
Milan to Desert Botanical Garden,
politics, and how Latin American
Scottsdale
and showcases more than 1,000
artists have drawn on abstraction’s
Canal Convergence is back, featuring
animal sculptures made from col-
parallel history in the United States
the enchanting, light-based artworks
orful and recyclable plastic. The
and Europe. PhxArt.org
from around the world that fans of
of Cracking Art, a collective of artists who specialize in plastic as an artistic medium with the intention of radically changing the history of art through a strong social and environmental commitment. DBG.org
Scottsdale Waterfront/Downtown
the event have come to expect. This
vibrant art forms are the creations
1 - APR 4
year, in addition to some artworks at
CLAY AND BAMBOO: JAPANESE CERAMICS AND FLOWER BASKETS
minimize crowding and allow for safer
the waterfront, others will be located throughout Old Town Scottsdale to social distancing. There will also be live
Phoenix Art Museum
entertainment, as well as augmented
The objects on view in this exhibi-
reality technology to enhance the expe-
1 - JAN 3
tion blend centuries of Japanese
rience with an app for your smartphone.
tradition
CanalConvergence.com
LARGER THAN MEMORY: CONTEMPORARY ART FROM INDIGENOUS NORTH AMERICA
tion. The simple, asymmetrical
with
contemporary
approaches to material and funcforms of featured clay vessels contain slight imperfections purpose-
Heard Museum
fully added to enhance the innate
The Heard Museum hosts Larger
qualities of the natural materials.
Than
Examples
Memory:
Contemporary
6 - DEC 21 SCOTTSDAZZLE
Old Town Scottsdale
baskets,
Numerous events are part of the
North
on the other hand, illuminate the
Scottsdazzle experience, designed to
America, the largest exhibition of
many techniques and symbolism of
celebrate the holiday season, including
contemporary art the museum
basket weaving, which has origins
the Holiday Tree lighting and Sing-
has ever organized. It includes 24
in China. PhxArt.org
Along, Holiday Movie Night, Seasonal
Art
from
Indigenous
of
bamboo
Charcuterie Teach & Taste, Gold Palette
artists and collaborators from the U.S. and Canada, as well as four commissions of new work. The exhibition will be accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue featuring essays, available at the Heard Museum's Books & More shop and online. Heard.org
5
ArtWalk, Santa Wine Around, Yuletide
VMLC 18TH ANNUAL VIRTUAL HEROES PATRIOTIC LUNCHEON
Historic Old Town, Letters to Santa,
Virtual
Yoga, Sparkle & Spin Scavenger Hunt, Merry Make & Take, The Dazzle of and more. Visit the website for a full list of events. Scottsdazzle.com
Join the VMLC for its annual Heroes Patriotic Luncheon, which
1 - JAN 31
will be held virtually this year.
STORIES OF ABSTRACTION: CONTEMPORARY LATIN AMERICAN ART IN THE GLOBAL CONTEXT
Vietnam veteran, six-year POW. The
This year's keynote speaker is J. Charles Plumb, Captain USN (Ret.),
7 - JAN 31 ZOOLIGHTS Phoenix Zoo
event provides the opportunity to
The Phoenix Zoo's ZooLights, pre-
honor and celebrate veterans and
sented by SRP, is back with millions of
Phoenix Art Museum
military service members who have,
twinkling lights, dazzling animal sculp-
Showcasing more than 40 recently
and continue to, "Stand in the Gap"
tures, and the Wildlife Lantern Safari,
acquired works of contemporary
to defend our liberty and freedom.
which features 66 creatures—polar
Latin American art alongside 30
ArizonaVMLC.org
bears, mammoths, peacocks and more,
works by American and European 42
6 - 15
Paradise Valley Lifestyle | November 2020
all aglow. This year, in addition to the
traditional walk-thru experience, there are also Cruise ZooLights nights, a drive-thru experience. PhoenixZoo.org
7 THE STELLA ARTOIS POLO CLASSIC: PRESENTED BY KETEL ONE WestWorld of Scottsdale
Under a new name for 2020, this popular polo event, a production of the Bentley Scottsdale
Polo
Championships,
returns with some new teams, as well as a new focus on social distancing and a key focus to help schools, nonprofits, and charities hit hard by COVID-19. The day includes polo matches; a canine couture dog show; the World’s Longest Catwalk Fashion Show, presented by Phoenix Fashion Week; and a postevent concert with Roger Clyne (ticketed separately). ThePoloParty.com
14 RECONNECT! THE PARKING LOT DANCE PROJECT
Upper level, Scottsdale Civic Center Parking Garage
Contemporary dancers from Movement Source Dance Company explore structure, connection, freedom, and celebration through expressive movement in this exhilarating performance. Thoughtprovoking, rousing movement is created as dancers explore an outdoor urban setting to live, passionately performed music by Drew Bollmann. Audiences can enjoy viewing this innovative 30-minute performance safely from their car. ScottsdalePerformingArts.org
Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/ ParadiseValley using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think. CityLifestyle.com/ParadiseValley
43
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
MANAGING THE NEW NORMAL ADVICE ON ADAPTING TO OUR EVERCHANGING LIFESTYLES
ARTICLE SUE BALDINI PHOTOGRAPHY LYSSA VAN CLEAVE
SELENA SONI, A LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER WITH
feeling, be it holding Zoom calls or phone conferencing with family
MUV COUNSELING IN SCOTTSDALE (MUVCOUNSELING.
and friends. And, don’t give up on weekends; instead, find something
COM), HAS BEEN IN PRACTICE FOR 15 YEARS. Her specialties
that works within your comfort zone.
are anxiety disorders, depression, and adjustment to new medical
+ Develop your “quaranteam,” have tolerance, and be very open
and psychiatric diagnoses.
about what you’re doing and when you’re doing it.
Here, she gives advice about dealing with the changes and
+ Get outside and soak up some vitamin D. It’s really important for
restrictions that COVID-19 has introduced into our lives. She also
our entire body to move, and walking or riding a bike and getting fresh
talks about getting through the holidays in this unprecedented time.
air is really a sensory experience. Our bodies need that engagement, and being outside gives us more variation than anything that we can
+ Create some space around expectations. Most of us expect a lot from
do inside four walls. It’s incredibly important for our mental health.
ourselves, but allow yourself to slow down and do things differently.
+ For the holidays, decide what particular traditions you love, and
+ Connect with yourself and with the people you love, and be open to
then figure out how to keep them. They may look different, but still
communicating about what’s going on and how you’re feeling. Right
give you the same feeling.
now, we’re all having to deal with things that make us uncomfortable.
+ Ask for help to get everything done. Recruit your loved ones to
+ Look at what’s important, and make adjustments to get that same
make holidays relaxing and memorable.
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Paradise Valley Lifestyle | November 2020