After Receiving the Historic Donation of $25,000 From Cardone Ventures, Scottsdale Fire Fighters Gather to Celebrate the Accomplishments of Four Arizonans
The 25th Annual Behind the Flames Scottsdale Firefighter Charities Dinner returns Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, at 5 p.m. to honor and celebrate the work of firefighters and others to improve and protect the community.
This year’s honorees and recipients of the C.A.R.E. award are Lorraine Tallman, Robert Anglen, Elena Santa Cruz and Kenny Dillingham. Recognizing these individuals for Contributing to Achievement and Redefining Excellence in the Valley, each recipient will tell their personal story, describing inspirational journeys.
Held at the STK Steakhouse in Scottsdale at 7134 E. Stetson Drive in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, this can’t miss event is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a night of great food for an amazing cause, all while listening to inspiring stories from firefighters and the honorees.
The first honoree, Lorraine Tallman, is the President and Founder of Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels and recently was named an Outstanding Woman in Business by the Phoenix Business Journal in 2023. After losing her daughter to childhood cancer, Tallman founded Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels to bring dignity and comfort into the harsh world of childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Their Comfycozy Care line of clothing for children undergoing chemotherapy and efforts to assist families navigate their battle with cancer have been celebrated by both patients and medical providers. Tallman is an inspiration for her compassion and empathy for Arizona families.
Since October of last year, Robert Anglen & Elena Santa Cruz have been at the forefront of uncovering the tragedy of Preston Lord and the violence of the ‘Gilbert Goons’. Anglen has worked as an Investigative Reporter at the Arizona Republic since 2003 and taught as an Adjunct Professor at ASU since 2009. Santa Cruz joined the Arizona Republic as a Criminal Justice Reporter shortly before the Preston Lord case broke last year. Together they have served the public by providing constant updates on the truth behind violence in the East Valley, holding the perpetrators and city officials accountable. Their hard work and commitment to transparency is lauded across the state.
ASU Alum and Scottsdale native Kenny Dillingham is passionate about ASU football and connecting the Valley’s cultural and business community to the team. As the youngest head coach in college football, and with a winning 3-and-0 start to the 2024 season, Dillingham has made it his goal to bring a new level of community collaboration to the Sun Devils. From coordinating games with Pat’s Run Charity to organizing a 5000% increase in name, image and likeness (NIL) deals between players and local businesses, Dillingham has brought a renewed energy to ASU football and the connections between the team and community. His passion for the enrichment of life and culture through the connecting power of sports inspires celebration.
Also being recognized is Brandon Dawson, CEO and Co-founder of Scottsdale-based company Cardone Ventures. Marking the historic milestone of 25 years of charitable dinners, Cardone Ventures has organized the largest singular donation in the event’s history, $25,000.
Single tickets are available to purchase for $150. There are several sponsorship levels and there is also the opportunity to sponsor the attendance of a Firefighter for $500.
To donate and reserve your spot please contact Brian Shedlock at (520) 275-4056 or BShedlock@Scottsdalefirefighters.org. It is recommended to secure your spot as soon as possible as seats always sell out every year.
Send checks payable to United Scottsdale Firefighters Charities, P.O. Box 14935, Scottsdale, AZ 85267.