Friday’s Celebrity Waiters Gala was the one we’ve been waiting for.

But when it was all done, it was worth the wait.

The Arizona Coyote Foundation held its biggest fundraising event of the year last Friday at the Gila River Resort & Casino – Wild Horse Pass, raising $450,000 in the event. Create access to health outcomes and economic advancement for diverse and underserved communities throughout Arizona.

Coyote owner Alex Meruelo and his family also contributed $100,000 to the fundraiser, highlighting their continued commitment to making a difference within the Arizona community.

Coyote President and CEO Xavier A. Gutierrez said, “It’s an incredible honor to support the foundation and major work in this community and to support organizations that are making a real difference in the lives of others.” “It was a very special and wonderful evening staying at the Gila River Resort & Casino – Wild Horse Pass.”

The entire Coyote team showed up to join forces in support of the cause, where they waited for tables and interacted with community leaders, donors, and fans. We enjoyed cocktails and dinner.

Friday marked the first time since January 2020 that the foundation was able to host a gala for a global pandemic, and Coyote stepped forward. Lawson Cruise He said it means just as much to players to be able to participate in one of their favorite events of the year.

The team members were excited and enthusiastic from the start.

“Everyone is thrilled to be back here and that the funds we have raised will be used for a legitimate cause by the Foundation,” said Close. “As professional athletes, we have a platform to not only express who we are, but to raise awareness of many things. It is the opportunity and the ability to be

Live auction prizes included a cooking class with Cruz and teammates Liam O’Brien, PHAT Rides Scooter, Helicopter Ride with Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone. Attendees will also bid on a silent auction of numerous baskets and sports memorabilia provided/donated by local organizations.

Coyote’s Chief Impact Officer and Executive Director of Foundation and Community Impact, Nadia Rivera, said the player’s participation, combined with the support of team leadership and community leaders, made for an immediately memorable evening. .

The celebration marked another important step toward the Foundation’s goal of becoming a $1 million grant-giving organization.

“It’s very exciting to be able to come together for a cause,” Rivera said. It’s been a job. It’s very important to who we are as a team and as an organization.”

The event is over, but the Foundation’s hard work within the community is gaining momentum as it continues to work towards its ambitious fundraising goals.

“The Foundation and Community Impact teams have worked tirelessly to make this a very special night without them,” said Gutierrez. “For our players, it was really special to spend the night with the leader of our amazing community.”