By Myra Richman

A private home was the setting for 225 guests attending the annual fundraiser for A Stepping Stone Foundation on Saturday, April 29th. Beginning with cocktails and a silent auction on the terrace, with a startling view, a sunset dinner followed by dancing under the stars. There could not have been a more beautiful setting anywhere.

After dinner and presentations, Dr. Carol Peck and Don Budinger, both of the Rodel Foundation, were honored for outstanding contributions for their public education initiatives in Arizona.

Founder Rev. Bill Smith was in attendance. He had the dream and the vision and took the steps to make this organization a reality.

Gary and Diane Tooker and Tommy Morrison were generous supporters of the event. Morrison, 1993 WBO/IBC Heavyweight Champion and Rocky V star, along with his wife Dawn, have founded the Knockout Aids Foundation, funding medications and treatments for children suffering with HIV and Aids.

For the third year, Eddie & Nadine Basha and the Adelante Foundation donated children's books for the Grand Prize Raffle. Many guests chose to donate their books to the Stepping Stone classrooms.

Some amazing live auction items included: Tommy Morrison autographed Boxing Gloves (value: $1,400); Luxury Suite at Chase Field for 12 guests at a Diamondback game (value: $1,500); Diamond Bracelet designed by Garo Demirjian (value: $12,000); Gourmet Dinner and limousine service for 8 in Paradise Valley (value: priceless); Original French Aquatint by Manuel Robbe (value: $8,900); Safari Cruise for Six on 100 foot luxury yacht, with staff of 3 (value: $43,000).

A Stepping Stone Foundation provides preschool and family literacy programs to children and their families of limited opportunity. For more information, visit www.asteppingstone.org or call 602-375-3959.