32 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | MAY 2019 CHEERS TO THE CHAIR { Society of Chairs } Frontdoors is proud to recognize those who volunteer their time, treasure and talents to support local organizations in a leadership role. To Nominate Your Event Chair, Co-Chairs, Honorary Chair or Board Chair, Contact jill@frontdoorsmedia.com. Thank you to all of our April Cheers to the Chairs! Nominees: M. Preston Clarke & Wes Gullett: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Arizona Chapter (LLS Man and Woman of the Year Campaign) How long have you been involved with the organization? Mike: When I moved to Arizona in 1989, one of the first organizations I became familiar with was Aunt Rita’s Foundation. At that time, Aunt Rita’s was a humble, grassroots organization founded by three individuals that would hold bake sales to provide relief for those living with, and dying from, AIDS. I’d go to happy hour at a local watering hole called Wink’s and that’s where I had the pleasure of meeting Skip O’Neill, one of Aunt Rita’s founders. Through conversations with Skip and attending fundraising events at Wink’s and other LGBTQ venues in Phoenix, I was able to witness firsthand the positive impact Aunt Rita’s was having in our community. Since then, I’ve watched Aunt Rita’s grow into the impactful presence it is today in helping provide more that $2.7 million to local HIV/AIDS service agencies and promoting awareness and prevention of HIV. Why do you support the organization? Janae: When I was 13, I lost someone dear to me to HIV/AIDS. It was 1982 and no one really understood the disease yet. I grew up in and around the LGBTQ community and in the 80’s, I had a front row seat for the fear, suffering, alienation, discrimination and poverty those suffering from HIV/AIDS had to endure. I was lucky to have a mother that didn’t buy into the fear, and when our family friend, Daniel, became severely ill, my mother brought him to our house for care. I was deeply affected by the discrimination of individuals, organizations and family members toward Daniel. If it weren’t for my mother and others, Daniel would have been lost to homelessness and poverty long before he passed from AIDS. I was too young to fully understand the breadth of the devastation this disease would inflict on our communities, but today I can envision a world without HIV/AIDS. I love Aunt Rita’s because they are dedicated to ensuring that those living with, or dying from, HIV/AIDS have access to the resources they need to live full and productive lives. Describe this year’s event. Mike: Red Is the Night will take guests back to the 1920s and the “Age of Wonderful Nonsense.” In a true speakeasy atmosphere, guests will be treated to two nationally acclaimed entertainers: Nicole Pesce, an award-winning pianist, and Francine Reed, the American blues singer. The event will be emceed by Andy Feds, an HIV-positive comedian who uses his comedy to educate and eliminate the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS. Attendees will also enjoy incredible food and libations, hear spotlight presentations, and partake in live and silent auctions that may take them anywhere from an Arizona Diamondbacks game to Puerto Vallarta to an evening with Jennifer Lopez. The sky is the limit while donning your fedora or pearls and supporting an amazing organization. Favorite movie: Janae: Bringing Up Baby with Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant, or Topper with Cary Grant and Constance Bennett. Mike: Bound . It’s one of those movies that works you up, wrings you out and leaves you gasping. It’s a caper movie, a gangster movie, a love story and a dark comedy all in one. Violet and Corky are pretty kick-ass. Favorite restaurant: Janae: House of Tricks because they have a solid menu and the outdoor seating is beautiful, inviting and comfortable. Mike: Pubblico, because I am a good ol’ Italian boy. It’s my favorite Italian food in town … almost as good as mom’s. Fun fact about you: Janae: In the past seven years, I’ve studied Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, metaphysics, stoicism and more. My studies started as an attempt to better understand my place in the world and evolved into understanding the human ego, my own included. Mike: I’ve been squirted by a skunk at point-blank range. Twice. Mike Fornelli and Janae Lethcho Ben-Shabat Chairs of Red is the Night Benefiting Aunt Rita’s Foundation, auntritas.org

Society of Chairs 2019 Being honored at the Society of Chairs gala is a truly well-deserved honor. For decades, you’ve been a quiet hero in our community — generously giving to organizations doing vitally important work that enhances the quality of life for people facing daunting challenges. Thank you for your unparalleled generosity and commitment to helping so many over so many years! R O G E R A N D J E A N N E M A G O W I T Z CONGR AT UL AT IONS T O Y O U , N A N C Y ! In Honor of Nancy Hanley