NOVEMBER 2017 34 | FRONTDOORSMEDIA .COM {news, updates and events} HEAR HERE The best stories we saw this month about those who give generously and work for a better future. VALLEY VOLUNTEERISM – THE BLAIR FAMILY It’s been six years since Elizabeth Blair was diagnosed with Stage IV non- Hodgkin’s lymphoma and four since she was considered to be in remission. Shortly after her diagnosis, her sister, Kate began waging her own personal war against childhood cancer by working tirelessly to organize various volunteering efforts in order to raise money for Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s Camp Rainbow. With the support of the rest of her family, Kate’s philanthropic efforts have been nothing short of amazing. Why did you start fundraising? After my sister was diagnosed, I became aware of the number of children who are diagnosed with cancer every day. I wanted to do my part to create more awareness and funding in hopes of finding a cure. What types of fundraisers have you organized? I wrote my own cookbook and began selling those at a local farmer’s market, I give manicures and pedicures in my own front yard, I’ve secured a partnership with READ MORE ONLINE

NOVEMBER 2017 FRONTDOORSMEDIA .COM | 35 NEW QUIRKY COMEDY FEATURES VALLEY AS BACKDROP “Raising Buchanan,” a quirky comedy featuring notable Hollywood actors such as Emmy-nominated and Tony Award-winning actor René Auberjonois, is set to begin production this month at locations around the Valley. The film was written and directed by Rocky Mountain Emmy-award winner and Tempe local Bruce Dellis. Dellis has previously been recognized as Arizona Filmmaker of the Year by the Phoenix Film Foundation and has been nominated for 13 Rocky Mountain Emmys, winning four. He has written and directed several short films but this is his first time serving as both writer and director for a full-length feature film. The film’s plot centers around Ruth, a cellist with some serious money problems who steals the corpse of deceased president James Buchanan hoping to net a large ransom but finds that no one is too interested in getting him back. “The script is outrageously funny and courageously insightful in its way,” said Auberjonois, who is playing the lead role of President James Buchanan. “The role is one of the most challenging I have had in a long career, but I’m psyched to sink my teeth into it and look forward to HEAR HERE CONTINUED READ MORE ONLINE