Support for the River of Time Museum at the Aug. 12 Italian Dinner was overwhelming, according to organizers, from the involvement of almost 100 businesses who donated merchandise and certificates, to individuals who donated their personal treasures, a solid group of volunteers who know what needs to be done and did it, as well as well as a community that came to the event, filling the four ballrooms at the Community Center and buying up just about everything on display.

“They all helped immensely to help us raise funds, which will be used to reimagine, redesign and rediscover the River of Time Museum as we work to fulfil our 2020 Vision,” said River of Time President Debbie Skehen. “We are extremely grateful.”

Skehen said event orgnizers appreciate State Senator John Kavanagh agreeing to be the auctioneer and eliciting much laughter as he encouraged higher bidding. Tommy Holloway was given special mention for donating his talents and entertaining everyone with his songs, as well as Director Luke Bate for guiding everyone through the planning and execution and Mike Fenzel and staff at the Community Center for their attention to detail.

“First and foremost, we want to recognize Phil Rodakis, who donated all the food for the dinner,” Skehen continued. “Phil’s Filling Station Grill has generously assisted the museum for many years and we are so appreciative of Phil’s continuing support.”

Other business supporters were 20/20 Image Eye Center, AFC Physical Medicine, Arizona Home Watch & Cleaning, Arizona Trails Travel, Arrivederci Cucina Italiana, Bashas’, Bonnie Schweihs Pet Portraits, CardSmart, Chocofin Chocolatier, Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers, CopperWynd Resort, Curves, Desert Belle Cruises, Desert Canyon Golf Club, Desert Dawg Auto Repair and Dolly Steamboat.

Also, the Eagle Mountain Golf Club and Grill, El Encanto Mexican Restaurant, Esthetique Medi Spa, Euro Pizza, FireRock Country Club, Fireside Grill, Fontana Hair Inc., Fountain Fashions, FH Intensive Training, FH Nails, FH Physical Therapy, FH Theater, Go Divas Salon, Green Zebra Adventures at Fort McDowell, Gridley’s of Fountain Hills, Grill at Eagle Mountain, Jazzercise, Kelley’s Automotive Repair, Lawrence Dunham Vineyards, Liberty Tire & Auto Center and Little Caesar’s.

Additionally, Mattel, Morning Star Assisted Living, Mr. Paws by Snow, Nature’s Finest Natural Foods, Parkview Tap House, Paul’s Ace Hardware, Pisa Pizza Restaurante, PRP Wine, R&S Mattresses, Rio Diablo Resort in Sedona, Rio Verde Golf Club, Russo’s, Saddle Bronc, Safeway, Sami Fine Jewelry & Unique Gifts, Sapori D’Italia, Scottsdale Spa, State Senator John Kavanagh, SeniorLife Insurance Solutions, Shear Indulgence Beauty Salon, Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Sheriff’s Office in Fountain Hills, Simply Marvelous, Skin Apeel, Sofritas, Sonoran Lifestyle Real Estate, Southwest Wildlife, Staples, Starbucks, Stonecreek Golf Club, Sun-Based Pastries, SunRidge Canyon Golf Club, and Super Cleaners & Tailoring.

Finally, The Barber Shoppe, The Hills Pizza & Desserts, TruFit Studios, UPS at Safeway Center, Verde River Golf & Social Club, Vidanta Resorts in Mexico, We Ko Pa Resort and Golf Club, Wendy’s, Wines for Humanity, Yates Jewelry, You Need Nails and Zusia’s Doggie Salon.

The following museums provided free passes for the event: AZ Museum of Natural History, Cave Creek Museum, Children’s Museum of Phoenix, Hall of Flame Museum, i.d.e.a. Museum, Rim Country Museum, Rosson House Museum and Superstition Mountain Museum.

“In addition we thank Harold and Arlie Denomme for their donation of a motor trip over Four Peaks and Ted Blank for his offer of a Family Star Party,” Skehen continued. “Both excellent contributions to the auction.

“To all the supporting businesses, the individuals who donated their treasures, the volunteers and everyone who came to enjoy the evening and helped us raise funds – We Thank All of You!”