Ryan House’s White Christmas Gala Grosses Over $130,000

Funds raised to provide respite & end-of-life care to children with life-limiting conditions.

PHOENIX (Dec. 14, 2018) – Nearly 200 guests attended Ryan House’s Signature White Christmas Gala in the Gold Room at the Arizona Biltmore Resort on Saturday, Dec. 8 where they enjoyed an intimate, joyous evening celebrating The Board of Visitors Ryan House and the song “White Christmas,” which was written by Irving Berlin poolside at the Arizona Biltmore.

The event, which is held annually as a thank you to those who support Ryan House’s mission, raised more than $130,000 in direct support for the nonprofit organization that cares for Arizona’s children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

Guests of the event, which was led by 2018 Committee Chairs Mr. Pat Harlan and Mr. Tim O’Neil, enjoyed an elegant evening to begin the holiday season featuring fine dining, festive dancing to the tunes of The Hamptons band and a magical snow fall on the Arizona Biltmore Gold Room patio.

The Ryan House Board of Directors and the 2018 White Christmas Committee honored James and Karrie Pierson that evening. Their daughter, Caroline, was born with a rare, undiagnosed genetic disorder causing her brain to stop growing at 20 weeks gestation. Caroline has been benefiting from respite care at Ryan House since it opened in 2010. The Piersons know, firsthand, the struggles families who have children with complex medical conditions face and have experienced the incredible specialized care Ryan House provides.

“We are so grateful for the support of the community, which has opened its heart to Ryan House and embraced our mission,” said Ryan House Executive Director Tracy Leonard-Warner. “For the children and families we serve, Ryan House is a lifeline.”

About Ryan House

With our world-class care and programs, we embrace all children and their families as they navigate life-limiting or end-of-life journeys through palliative and respite care that addresses the emotional, spiritual, and social needs of the family, continuity of care from diagnosis to end-of-life, expert care provided by our prestigious care partners and highly-trained staff and a loving community that offers ongoing support and compassion. Ryan House is the only facility of its kind in the state and only one of two in the country.