Phoenix Indian Center brings Chef Nella for Indigenous-infused dinner at ball
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
With the them of ‘Celebrating our Voices,’ the Phoenix Indian Center is hosting the 40th annual Silver & Turquoise Ball at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel Friday, Oct. 20.
Chairman Robert Miguel of the Ak-Chin Indian Community and Dr. Christine Bracamonte Wiggs, staff vice president of community and health advancement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, will serve as event co-chairs.
“The Silver & Turquoise Ball is a long-standing Phoenix tradition and an important fundraiser for Phoenix Indian Center. It is the premiere gala in the Southwest celebrating Indigenous culture,” said Jolyana Begay-Kroupa, CEO of Phoenix Indian Center. “After last year’s record-breaking, sold-out event, we are looking forward to repeating our success.
Silver & Turquoise Ball will feature silent and live auctions with American Indian art, jewelry, gifts, and services from local businesses.
Art consultant Christy Vezolles and Native American artist Garrett Etsitty (Diné) will co-chair the auction. The event will also feature musical highlights choreographed by Afro-Indigenous performance artist Zoey Reyes (Dineh/Chicana) and a special Indigenous-inspired dinner created by Chef Nella (Diné).
“I am honored to co-chair this year’s Silver & Turquoise Ball — celebrating 40 years — and to support Phoenix Indian Center in the important work they do for our community,” Mr. Miguel said in a prepared statement. “The Center is the largest of its kind in the country, having served more than 150,000 people in the Phoenix metro area. We are grateful for the generosity of our supporters.”
Dr. Wiggs offered echoed a similar sentiment.
“It’s always exciting to see this special event come together, and I am thrilled to be part of it. It takes the collaboration of so many different individuals and organizations to make this a cultural celebration and a fundraiser that supports many of the Center’s vital programs and services,” she said.
Individual tickets for the event are $275. Sponsorships are available and start at $3,500 for a table of 10. For more information and to purchase tickets, click HERE.