MAY 4, 2026
PHOENIX, AZ (May 4, 2026) – For nearly 30 years, Leidan Mitchell Salon & Spa has helped bring the magic of the Fresh Start Annual Gala to life. Since 1996, their generous creativity and unwavering support have helped elevate this signature event into an inspiring and unforgettable celebration of impact, philanthropy, and empowerment.
Through their artistry and in collaboration with other valued partners, Leidan Mitchell has helped transform the Gala runway into a stunning showcase of fashion, beauty, and confidence, creating an extraordinary evening that fuels life-changing programs for women and their families across our community.
This year, as Fresh Start celebrated the 30th anniversary of our Annual Gala, the event reached a new record for funding raised: $3.5 million, an incredible milestone was made possible in part through the enduring partnership and artistry of supporters like Leidan Mitchell!
From the very beginning of Fresh Start’s creation in 1992, Leidan Mitchell co-founders Jacki Tatman and Erin Essert have been devoted champions of our mission, lending their extraordinary talent and heart to support women on their journeys to self-sufficiency. Alongside Artistic Directors Heather Gray and Julia Hernandez, whose talent and leadership have helped shape our beloved runway show for many years, their teams—as well as the broader Leidan Mitchell ownership group—have provided the technical expertise and support behind each designer showcase.
Together with other creative collaborators, they have helped feature iconic collections, including the timeless elegance of Carolina Herrera most recently, along with other renowned designers in years past, elevating Fresh Start’s most impactful fundraiser year after year to record-breaking heights.
Beyond the glamour of the runway, Leidan Mitchell’s generosity continues to shine. Their team has provided countless hours of pro bono styling support not only for runway models, but also for courageous Fresh Start women sharing their stories on stage and at key moments throughout their journeys. From makeovers that help women prepare for milestone events, interviews, and personal transformations, Leidan Mitchell has helped rebuild self-esteem and instill confidence when it matters most.
“To Jacki and Erin, for your devotion since our start, as well as Heather, Julia, the Leidan Mitchell ownership group, and the entire team, we thank you for standing beside Fresh Start for nearly three decades, for helping us create experiences that inspire generosity, celebrate transformation, and advance our mission,” said Kim McWaters, President & CEO of Fresh Start. “Your partnership has created a lasting, multi-generational impact for the women and families we serve, helping empower women to achieve self-sufficiency and use their strength to thrive.”
Fresh Start’s mission is to provide access and resources that help women achieve self-sufficiency and use their strength to thrive. Our ultimate vision is to create unlimited opportunities for women. For over three decades, Fresh Start has supported more than 65,000 Arizona women, serving approximately 5,000 women each year who are 18 years and older. 60% are single mothers, 67% make an annual income less than $25k, and 72% are domestic violence survivors. These women face a variety of barriers hindering their ability to be personally or financially self-sufficient, including generational poverty and unemployment. Fresh Start offers focused programs, services, access to training and education, as well as employment and career services to help women reach their personal and professional goals through our signature Impact Program. For more information, visit freshstartwomen.org or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.