Connections of Hope

The Alfredo J. Molina Community Lifeline Award is presented to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the service of others in their lifetime, particularly to youth. The recipient serves as a community role model; provides inspiration to others with their personal and professional integrity, leading through creativity, initiative and excellence. 

 In 2005, the award was named in honor of the inaugural recipient, Alfredo J. Molina, for his service to Arizona youth and our community. Presented each year at the annual Connections of Hope event, the award highlights someone whose compassionate spirit and willingness to give back has benefited the youth. Previous recipients include:
Jordin Sparks (2014), Larry Fitzgerald Jr.(2013), Jerry Colangelo (2012), Bridget Pettis (2011), John R. Norton III (2009), Linda and Bill Pope (2008), Derrick Hall (2007), Carole and Bob Machiz (2006), Peter Thomas (2005), and Alfredo J. Molina (2004).

Date:
October 9, 2015 6pm

Location:
Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia
4949 E Lincoln Dr.
      Scottsdale, AZ 85253      

Honoree:
Don Tapia

This year we could not think of a more deserving individual to recognize than Don Tapia. Don has worked hard to realize the American Dream. Growing up in Detroit, he joined the Air Force after high school. In 1976, after working with several other companies, Don started Essco Wholesale Electric, supplying both Arizona and California. His company grew to the largest Hispanic Business in Arizona and was rated 56th nationally.

In all his success, Don felt he had a "responsibility to do more." So he invested in many worthwhile causes that include those serving children & youth, the disadvantaged, animal welfare, first responders, and veterans. He even served on the Board of Directors for the TKE Education Foundation where he donated over a million dollars to their scholarship fund. The organization honored Don by naming their International headquarters after him!

Please join us as we recognize the extraordinary contributions Don has made in service of our community!

Musical Guests:
Nate Nathan and the MacDaddy O's
   Lelea and the 3Nations

Attire:
Cocktail Chic

Tickets:
Individual Tickets - $250 each

Sponsorship:
Sponsorship packages from $3,000 to $25,000

Event Chair:
Mandy Purcell

Event Co-Chair:
TBA

2014 Advisors:
Shannon Barthelemy, Stacey Caron, Jennifer Collins, Renee Dee, Amanda Eisenfeld & Alfredo J. Molina

THE CAUSE:
Imagine a world where 60% of our teenagers have thought about suicide, 1 in 6 has made a suicide plan and nearly 1 in 10 has attempted suicide. Imagine a world where our teens are struggling with peer pressure, bullying, substance abuse, physical abuse, gang violence, and then… imagine limiting access to the resources teens need to deal with those stressors. Sadly…that world is a reality for most of our teens today. In 2014, one (1) child died by suicide every 8 days in Arizona.

But there is hope! Teen Lifeline is a safe, confidential, and crucial crisis service where teens help teens make healthy decisions together. The biggest thing that separates us from other crisis hotlines is the people who answer the phone. We understand that when a teen wants to talk about their problems, they would prefer to turn to another teen. That is what makes Teen Lifeline both unique and incredibly successful, teens helping teens. Established in 1986 in Arizona, our goal is to answer teens’ calls for help. Over the past 29 years, Teen Lifeline has served over half a million teens and families.

YES, I'll attend!

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I can't attend, but I want to help...How Do I Save a Life?