By Richard Smith
Brenda and Kurt Warner answer questions at the first West Valley Gives, a fundraiser for Treasure House. Mr.Warneris a former quarterback played with three teams, New York Giants, St. Louis Rams, and the Arizona Cardinals. He also is a two-time National Football League Most Valuable Player, Super Bowl Champion, Hall of Fame inductee; and wife, Brenda , is a speaker, philanthropist, New York Times best-selling author, United States Marine and mother of seven children.
By Bette Sharpe
Glendale Daily Planet
A recent fundraising event was held for Treasure House, a supportive living community in Glendale for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
West Valley Gives, a nonprofit fundraising organization partnered with University of Phoenix Stadium, Visit Glendale, and Westmarc to create the community outreach event on June 24.
“West Valley Gives was a beautiful and blessed day,” said Lorraine Zomok, administrator for Visit Glendale. “We were honored to be a part of this special day, which was born from a Visit Glendale partner meeting held last summer.”
Ms. Zomok said the effort was led by Shawnda Krohn, sales director with the University of Phoenix Stadium.
“She had a vision for a day of celebration and giving back,” Ms. Zomok said. “The stadium along with Visit Glendale, Westmarc and numerous dedicated partners from across the valley worked together for nearly a year to bring the event to fruition.”
She said more than 50 nonprofit agencies along with the Treasure House benefited from the fundraiser.
“The event truly made a difference for our community and its impact will continue to make a difference for years to come.,” Ms. Zomok said.
The event attracted 2, 974 attendees. Featured celebrities and honorary closing ceremony hosts were Mr. Warner, two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl Champ, Hall of Fame inductee, and his wife, Brenda, speaker, philanthropist, New York Times best-selling author, United States Marine, and mother of seven children.
The event included a family fun treasure walk inside the cool, air-conditioned stadium, vendor fair, live music, activities for all ages, and a raffle for a chance to win a Kurt Warner autographed football or helmet.
Arizona Cardinal cheerleaders and the team mascot,
Feat, also made appearances.
Treasure House, located at the northwest corner of 75th Avenue and Loop 101, is scheduled to open in spring 2018. Treasure House is the vision of Kurt and Brenda Warner, who believe all people, regardless of ability, have a call for their lives, and the ability to take part in meaningful and challenging activities.
Donations from individuals, corporations and foundations built the 30-united residence.
Treasure House will be home to 24 young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as six Community Assistants as they share life together.
Each individual will have his/her own studio apartment and the community will gather together in the family-style kitchen, family room, game room, and patio.
Each resident with IDD will select his/her own support for daytime employment and volunteer opportunities.
The evenings and weekends will be filled with opportunities provided by Treasure House for the community to gather together for recreation, learning, and volunteering.
