Childhelp, a nonprofit dedicated to eliminating child abuse, will celebrate its 65-year anniversary and its 20th annual Childhelp Drive the Dream Gala 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, at the Phoenician Resort, 6000 E. Camelback Road.

The evening features fine-dining, dancing, a live auction and a fund-a-need — all to raise money for Childhelp’s mission of healing and hope, and lifesaving programs.

Longtime Childhelp Celebrity Ambassador John Stamos will be in attendance with his wife Caitlin and son Billy.

“I’ve always been an advocate for children’s safety. And now that I have a child of my own, I have an even deeper commitment to amplifying the work being done by Childhelp to support children, teenagers and adults in trouble,” Stamos said.

Other celebrity ambassadors attending include Kathie Lee Gifford, John O’Hurley, Jen Lilley and Melissa Peterman. Peterman will emcee the event and The Tenors mark their return to Childhelp to bring music and harmonies to this special anniversary celebration.

Proceeds from the event directly support the services provided to abused and neglected children in Arizona through the Childhelp Children’s Center of Arizona. Since 1998, the CCCAZ has served more than 140,000 abused and neglected children by providing treatment, intervention and investigation services. Recognized as a best-practice agency, it continues to serve as a model for advocacy centers nationwide.

The evening will also reflect on the journey of Childhelp’s founders Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson, who discovered their mission of helping abused, neglected and at-risk children while on a USO Tour during the Korean War.

“We are so blessed to celebrate 65 years of making a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable, our children,” Childhelp co-founder and CEO Sara O’Meara said. “And the power of love throughout the years is felt through our many heroes, ambassadors and supporters who together have served 11 million children, while focusing on how to end child abuse for the next generation.”

Childhelp will present the Man of the World Award to businessman Mike Ingram, founder of El Dorado Holdings, Inc. Ingram began working at the age of 11, progressed through college by his own efforts, and has long demonstrated his dedication to giving back to his community and country by serving on numerous boards and in civic organizations. Childhelp will bestow this honor for the fourth time.

“It was military leaders who helped Childhelp save our first 11 orphans in Japan, rescue children through Operation Baby Lift and spread the message of prevention through Childhelp Speak Up Be Safe,” said Childhelp co-founder and president Yvonne Fedderson. “We are honored to recognize these heroes and honor our history at this event.”

Headquartered in Scottsdale, Childhelp served more than 30,000 Arizona children and families just last year. Since its inception, Childhelp has helped more than 11 million children and families nationwide.

Sponsors of the event include The Hebets Company, Ira J. Gaines and Cheryl J. Hintzen-Gaines, Peachtree Partners AZ, Legacy Gallery, Hammered Heart Foundation, NFP and more.

Visit childhelpdrivethedream.org for more information.