SEPTEMBER 16, 2025
PHOENIX, AZ (September 16, 2025) – Fresh Start’s Sip & Soirée, an uplifting fall luncheon that benefits the nonprofit’s mission to empower women, was held in its new home at JW Marriott Desert Ridge on September 13th. Hosted by Fresh Start’s Auxiliary Board, Sip & Soirée raised a record-breaking $650,000 to help provide comprehensive resources and workforce training programs to Arizona women on the path to self-sufficiency.
Led by event co-chairs Alexis Petznick and Stephanie Saccente, the afternoon kicked off with a sip and shop in the vibrant marketplace and other exciting activities for guests to enjoy, thanks to sponsors like Pat Petznick Wick, Varitec Solutions, Phoenix Lending Group, and many more. Attendees also had the chance to participate in raffles, including a designer handbag raffle, sponsored by D.A.Ranch, featuring FENDI, Prada, and Chanel, and a super raffle for thrilling vacation and sports experiences.
The ballroom program featured emcee Andrea Robinson, former Valley News anchor, host, and community advocate, who spoke about the impactful change Fresh Start is making in the lives of women across the Valley. Guests were treated to a captivating performance by Urban Electra, a local all-women electric violin group, followed by an energetic fundraising face-off between the Event Ambassadors, sponsored by Lerner & Rowe Gives Back, where Laura Hoxie claimed first place for raising the most funds for Fresh Start. The afternoon also celebrated Jean Pahlke as Volunteer of the Year and Valley Toyota Dealers, represented by Brett Henkel, as the Community Partner of the Year for their exceptional contributions to Fresh Start.
The program culminated with an inspiring speech from Fresh Start President & CEO Kim McWaters as well as a moving video about a Fresh Start woman. The event concluded with a generous paddle raise as auctioneer Anna Aja energized the community to donate in support of Fresh Start’s life-changing services and raffle winners were announced.
Fresh Start’s mission is to provide access and resources that help women achieve self-sufficiency and use their strength to thrive. For over three decades, Fresh Start has supported more than 65,000 Arizona women. Through our signature Impact Program, Fresh Start offers comprehensive resources, education and training opportunities as well as career services to help women reach their personal and professional goals. For more information, visit freshstartwomen.org or connect with us on Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.