Fresh Start Hosts Stellar Million Dollar Event; Star Jones Supports Gala Once Again

Phoenix, AZ (Feb. 12, 2008) – Another year, another $1 million goal met and another great success for the women of Fresh Start - this year’s Fashion Gala was nothing short of brilliant.

“I am amazed at the commitment of our boards and volunteers that put forth such an impressive effort to ensure Fresh Start continues to have a positive impact for the women in our community,” said Pat Petznick, co-Founder of Fresh Start, “Each year at the Fashion Gala, the community involvement and generous support speaks volumes to us about the value and importance of the work that is being done at Fresh Start.”

Star Jones, television personality and former prosecutor, made a special trip to Phoenix for the second year in a row to support Fresh Start and the Fashion Gala. The night before the Gala, Jones conducted a workshop for nearly 100 Fresh Start clients entitled Transitions: Dealing with the Ups, Downs and Sideways of Life and encouraged women to stay empowered even through the difficult times and times of change. In addition, she presented the 2 nd Annual Fresh Start Founders’ Award at the Gala, given on behalf of co-founders Pat Petznick and Beverly Stewart.

This year’s Founders’ Award recipient was Cristina Carlino, creator of the locally based beauty brand, philosophy. Carlino, chosen because of her exceptional contributions to the empowerment of women, very humbly accepted her award. She expressed her desire to “leave this world empty,” referring to giving everything she possibly can of herself, whether it’s time, talent or resources to those who will truly benefit from the inspiration to become empowered.

Michelle Campuzano, Fresh Start client, courageously shared her story of struggles and subsequent successes, largely due to her involvement in Fresh Start’s programs, and drew a standing ovation from the over 700 guests in attendance who were touched by her experience. It was also announced that Barbara Anderson Stoiber, longtime friend and supporter of Fresh Start, would renew the E. Jean Goulet scholarship program through Fresh Start this year making $100,000 available to qualified women clients to help pay for their education expenses.

This year’s Gala co-chairs, Rebecca Ailes-Fine and Joelle Hadley were delighted that the Gala once again surpassed the one million dollar mark, netting $1.1 million. “We can’t express how much it means to have so much encouragement from our community for Fresh Start and the women we serve,” said Ailes-Fine, “I think our supporters really understand that in helping women we are helping to strengthen the family unit as well.”

“Our vision for Saturday evening was to raise a significant amount of money for Fresh Start and create an elegant experience that was full of energy and excitement for our Fresh Start friends, supporter and guests,” said Hadley, “I am grateful that we reached our goal and hope everyone who attended had a wonderful time and feels even more connected to the mission and work of Fresh Start.”

The event was held at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa on Saturday, February 9 th and concluded with the New York style fashion show featuring designs by Jennifer Croll, Carolina Herrera CH, Mahsa, St. John and Betsey Johnson. Saks Fifth Avenue presented the opening with Naeem Khan’s collection and finale with designs by Oscar de la Renta and Monique Lhuillier. For a night cap, Banner Health presented the Heart & Soul Jazz Club After-Party featuring the sounds of Jazz musician, Chris Compton.

All proceeds from the Gala benefit the Jewell McFarland Lewis Fresh Start Women’s Resource Center located in central Phoenix. This year’s major event sponsors once again were AZ Society, Greenberg Traurig and Westcor. Other significant sponsors included Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and Wells Fargo.

Fresh Start Women’s Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to women helping women help themselves. They accomplish this through seven specialized programs and services that focus on empowerment and are offered at the Jewell McFarland Lewis Fresh Start Women’s Resource Center. To access comprehensive information, visit the Center at 1130 E. McDowell Rd. in Phoenix, call (602) 252-8494 or go to www.WeHelpWomen.com.

Our Founders ­ Pat Petznick and Beverly Stewart

Even as young teens, Pat and Beverly wanted to help women, who like their grandmother, suddenly became the whole support of their families. Over the years, the Arizona natives became ardent community activists on behalf of women. In 1992, Pat Petznick and Beverly Stewart were in a position to personally and professionally reach out to women in need. The initial offering was a day of pampering at Rolf’s Salon, then co-owned by Pat, Beverly and Rolf Lohse. The women theorized that a new hair style and personalized make-up were immediate ways to boost one’s confidence and increase self-esteem. Each month 20 women from shelters and social service agencies were invited to “A Fresh Start Day of Beauty at Rolf’s.” This core Fresh Start service remains in place today through Rolf’s Salon as well as through the Self-Esteem Room at the Foundation’s Women’s Resource center.

Board of Directors Chairs

1995  Sandy Cowen Miller ( 2 terms)

1997  Barbara Ralston (3 terms)

2000  Marlene Klotz Collins (2 terms)

2002  Michelle Kerrick (1 term)

2003  Barbara Hoffnagle (2 terms)

2005  Mary Upchurch (2 terms)

2007 Becky Jackson (1 term)

2008 Kim McWaters