Childhelp, the nation’s oldest and largest nonprofit dedicated to eliminating child abuse, raised more than $5 million at the sold-out 18th Annual Childhelp Drive the Dream Gala on Feb. 12, at the renowned Phoenician Resort.

Celebrities, world class entertainers and generous supporters came together to raise funds for Childhelp’s lifesaving programs, which have served more than 11 million children over its 63-year history, according to a press release.

The event welcomed special celebrity guests and political figures, including celebrated TV personality and four-time Emmy winner Kathie Lee Gifford, who served as the event’s emcee and has been involved with Childhelp for more than 30 years.

Other celebrity and notable attendees included Jen Lilley, Chery Ladd, John O’Hurley, Mickie James, Ben Carson and Ken and Alice Starr. Several current and former Arizona elected officials showed support, including Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone, former U.S. Senator Jon Kyl, former Arizona Governor Jan Brewer and U.S. House Reps. David Schweikert and former Mayor and Representative Greg Stanton.

Country music singer and 14-time Grammy nominee Martina McBride headlined the event with a special set that included her chart-topping hit “Concrete Angel,” which tells the story of a young girl abused by her mother and features the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline in its accompanying music video.

The Victory Belles, Steve Amerson, Rosevelt Rawls and Nate Nathan & the MacDaddy-O’s performed throughout the evening. The Luke Air Force Base Honor Guard conducted the Presentation of Colors, which included flags representing all five branches of the military.

Sheila and Mike Ingram chaired the event alongside co-chairs Laurie and Budd Florkiewicz and vice chairs Carol and Jim Hebets. The chairs chose this year’s theme, “Heroes – Then, Now and Forever,” to honor Childhelp’s history as well as the military and civilian heroes who have helped shape the organization’s mission and impact on the world.

The evening reflected 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.

Childhelp honored two Valley philanthropists who have made a lasting impact on the Childhelp mission. The Childhelp Man of the World Award was presented to businessman and sports executive Jerry Colangelo. This was the organization’s second time giving the award after honoring Foster Friess in 2021 shortly before his passing.

The Childhelp Nellie Jackson Award, named after the late co-founder and matriarch of the Barrett-Jackson collector car auction, was presented to real estate developer Ed Robson by Barrett-Jackson CEO Craig Jackson.

“We will never forget the heroes who have served our mission from the very early days of treating children overseas through today, helping children in all 50 states through lifesaving prevention, intervention and treatment,” Childhelp Co-Founder and CEO Sara O’Meara said. “The light of those who give with so much heart touches the lives of now close to 12 million children.”

It is estimated that five children die every day from child abuse and neglect, the press release stated. The Childhelp Drive the Dream Gala is one way the community can help support the intervention, treatment and prevention of child abuse in Arizona. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Childhelp served more than 30,000 Arizona children and families last year.

“When we first set out on this mission, Sara and I were heartbroken to see so many children affected by abuse and neglect,” Childhelp Co-Founder and President Yvonne Fedderson said. “We never stopped believing in a child’s resiliency to heal, our staff’s determination, and God’s limitless grace. At the Childhelp Drive the Dream Gala, we come together collectively to protect our future — the children.”