Connections of Hope Gala
Celebrating Teen Lifeline’s 40th Anniversary
A cocktail chic evening featuring a memorable program, entertainment, dinner, auctions, and the opportunity to provide hope to Arizona youth.
Counting Down to Connections of Hope
An Evening of Hope Is Almost Here
Arizona’s Youth Need Connection
Tomorrow’s Legacy Starts Today
Connections of Hope is Teen Lifeline’s largest annual fundraiser, supporting the connections of hope found every day by teens who reach out to our peer-to-peer hotline.
At $440 per ticket, guests will enjoy a delectable dinner, exceptional youth entertainment, live and silent auctions, and an opportunity to support Teen Lifeline’s life-saving work.
Become a Sponsor
Sponsorships range from $6,040 to $100,000, with increasing recognition and meaningful investment in crucial youth programs.
Explore Sponsorship PackagesUnderwrite the Evening
Fund a specific part of the gala experience while helping more event proceeds support Teen Lifeline’s life-saving services.
View Underwriting OpportunitiesPurchase a Table
Gather friends, family, or colleagues for an evening celebrating forty years of life-saving connections for Arizona teens.
Purchase a TablePurchase Tickets
Join us at the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia for dinner, entertainment, auctions, and an inspiring program.
Purchase TicketsMake a Donation
Unable to attend? You can still save a life with a contribution that supports Teen Lifeline’s free services for Arizona youth.
Make a DonationDonate an Auction Item
Our live and silent auctions are possible because of generous supporters who donate travel, experiences, services, and special items.
Submit an Auction ItemGive Through a Donor-Advised Fund, Stock, or Crypto
Contact Luis Barcelo for giving instructions and help directing your contribution to Teen Lifeline. Donor-advised fund grants must be made without event admission or other benefits.
Email Luis Barcelo
2026 Honorees
Barbara & Hugh Lytle
Community Lifeline Award HonoreesFor Barbara and Hugh Lytle, giving back is part of who they are. They have long shown up for Teen Lifeline with generosity, compassion, and a genuine belief in making sure teens have someone to turn to during the moments they need help most.
The two are partners in life, parents to three children, and united in service, improving care for those too often overlooked. Barbara leads their foundation, which supports women, children, and underserved communities, and Hugh has spent 25 years building innovative healthcare for people the system tends to miss. Together, they chaired our gala in 2021 and made it one of the most successful galas in our history.
2026 Event Chairs
Tobi & Frank Placenti
Leading an Evening of HopeLongtime community advocates Tobi and Frank Placenti are proud to serve as the 2026 Event Chairs. They are deeply committed to bringing hope, connection, and life-saving resources to teens statewide.
Your Investment in Action
Save a Life, Fund a Cause
Every gift helps Arizona youth find support, resiliency, and a connection of hope when they need it most.
Hotline Text
Connect one struggling teen to help and hope by funding a crisis hotline text.
Donate NowHotline Call
Support one hotline call, connecting a teen in crisis to hope.
Donate NowClassroom Prevention Services
Fund one classroom presentation that helps teens recognize suicide warning signs.
Donate NowEducation for Parents
Fund education for parents on youth suicide prevention, communication, and resiliency.
Donate NowTrain a Peer Counselor
Train a teen Peer Counselor to provide connections of hope on the hotline.
Donate NowSchool Staff Training
Fund a virtual youth suicide prevention training for 30 school staff.
Donate NowCaring Contacts
Provide ongoing support to teens following a psychiatric emergency.
Donate NowSupport Teen Lifeline’s Tucson Center
Help fund the technology, clinical oversight, facility needs, and day-to-day operations that keep our Tucson center serving Southern Arizona youth.
Donate NowWith Gratitude
Our 2026 Event Sponsors
We are grateful to the sponsors investing in hope for Arizona youth.
With Additional Support From
A Warm Thank You To
Our 2026 Gala Leadership
Tobi & Frank Placenti
Elizabeth Beauchman, Jeff Fields, Heidi Gates, Lauren Hart, Lauren Keeton, Rebekah Mayes, Megan Schmitz, Kim Steinmetz, and Shannon Turcotte.
Honoring Service and Leadership
Community Lifeline Award
The Community Lifeline Award celebrates individuals who selflessly devote their time, talent, and resources to local causes. Each recipient serves as a community role model, inspiring others through personal and professional integrity, leadership, and compassion.
In 2004, the award was named in honor of inaugural recipient Alfredo J. Molina for his service to Arizona youth and our community.
Previous recipients: Alfredo J. Molina, Peter Thomas, Carole and Bob Machiz, Derrick Hall, Linda and Bill Pope, John R. Norton III, Bridget Pettis, Jerry Colangelo, Larry Fitzgerald Jr., Jordin Sparks, Donald Tapia, Tom Hatten, Erik Olsson, David Alexander, Sissie Roberts Shank, Lorry Bottrill, Mandy Purcell, David Allred, Darleen “Coach Dar” Santore, and Danny Sharaby.
A Community of Hope
Highlights from 2025
More than 300 guests gathered at the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia to support teen suicide prevention and the life-saving connections created through Teen Lifeline’s programs.
With a theme of “Be the Light,” the gala raised more than $650,000 and honored Danny Sharaby with the Alfredo J. Molina Community Lifeline Award.
The evening featured youth entertainment, live and silent auctions, powerful stories from Peer Counselors, and an after-party with DJ HartBreaks.
Read the Full Event Recap
Unique Experiences and Special Items
Event Auctions
The Connections of Hope Gala features live and silent auctions, with proceeds supporting Teen Lifeline and our life-saving work in teen suicide prevention.
Auction items often include one-of-a-kind experiences, travel, home services, sports opportunities, luxury items, and other memorable packages.
Be Part of an Evening That Saves Lives
Celebrate Teen Lifeline’s 40th anniversary and help ensure Arizona teens know they are not alone.