(PHOENIX) – It’s a signature Valley tradition, trading tuxedos and glittering gowns for resort wear to raise funds for Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Along with a new beach “destination” to the French Riviera, Beach Ball presented by the local companies of Berkshire Hathaway Energy – BHE U.S. Transmission, Long Realty and BHE Renewables, was held at a new venue this year, the Arizona Biltmore.

Enjoying a tribute to the South of France vibe, guests, physicians and long-time supporters enjoyed a festive evening with a cocktail reception and dinner, exciting raffle items, inspiring storytelling and entertainment.

Generous sponsors and guests raised more than $2 million dollars to support the Hospital’s delivery of world- class care for generations to come. A portion of proceeds raised will fund discovery and innovation at Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children’s, a renowned Center of Excellence for comprehensive pediatric care. During the last 27 years, Beach Ball has raised more than $22 million dollars in total.

A long-time tradition at Beach Ball includes the recognition of an individual or group with the Dr. Herbert J. and Julie Louis “Spirit of Hope” Award. Local philanthropist Sheila Zuieback received the award this year in a dazzling tribute. She is a former Leadership Circle Director and longtime member and officer of the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation Board of Directors. Over the years she has advocated for programs in the Hospital about which she is passionate, including neurosciences, pastoral care and trauma-informed care.

In 2019, Zuieback launched Power Play. It’s a unique collaboration between ASU and Phoenix Children’s to create custom superhero costumes for 11 patients fighting for their lives. She was presented with a hand-crafted cape of her own to pay tribute to her status as “hero material” in advocating for children and families at Phoenix Children’s.

Steve Schnall, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer at Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation says, “Beach Ball is one of the most significant opportunities we have all year to connect with the community around a cause near to all of us – the future of our children. It’s an inspiring evening of fun and friendship while supporting the excellence that marks world-class, destination programs at Phoenix Children’s. We couldn’t do it without the friendship and support of our sponsors, donors and guests, and I’m always moved by their generosity.”

Beach Ball 2020 was chaired by Whitney Heglie and Brooke Kopp, passionate supporters of the Hospital. The two announced next year’s Beach Ball Chairs in their opening remarks: Julie Duncan and Katie Stoll.

Beach Ball would not be possible without generous presenting sponsors: The local companies of Berkshire Hathaway Energy – BHE U.S. Transmission, Long Realty and BHE Renewables. Additional sponsors include APS, Discount Tire Corporation, The Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation, The Czerwinski Family, Kasey Thompson, Greg Hoyt and Becca Clayton, University of Phoenix, Sodexo, MRA Associates, Fisher, HKS, Red Development, Donald & Kimberlee Slager Foundation, Julie & Taylor Burke and Katie & Slade Stewart.

Thank you for attending Beach Ball French Riviera!

ABOUT PHOENIX CHILDREN’S

Phoenix Children’s Hospital is Arizona’s only children’s hospital recognized by U.S. News & World Reports Best Children’s Hospitals. Phoenix Children’s provides world-class inpatient, outpatient, trauma, emergency and urgent care to children and families in Arizona and throughout the Southwest. As one of the largest children’s hospitals in the country, Phoenix Children’s provides care across more than 75 pediatric specialties. The Hospital is poised for continued growth in quality patient care, research and medical education. For more information about the hospital, visit  phoenixchildrens.org.