LAKE HAVASU CITY – In an effort to decrease nutrition insufficiencies within communities, River Cities United Way will be hosting their very first Slider Safari charity to serve the malnourished. Opening their doors to Lake Havasu in 2004, the nonprofit serves Mohave County with their available personal assistance grants to help with rental payments, education funds, and food shortages. They also have a plethora of resources for the homeless, the unemployed, counseling services, and significantly more.
Continuously working alongside various nonprofits, the staff also utilizes like-minded charities to reach their funding goals. Working her way up since the company’s launch, it was in 2023, that Havasu native Ashley Wood was promoted to CEO. Beginning with her participation as a member of Girl Scouts, Wood had grown up in an environment that thrived on philanthropy. Through the Havasu Youth Program, she also previously interned for local publication The White Sheet. With delicious sliders to be served by Sweet Breeze Crepes Food Truck, River Cities will also be collaborating with the Salvation Army and Havasu Community Health Foundation’s Food Bank. The occasion will kick off with marines giving the pledge of allegiance, displays of vision boards of previous accomplishments, a silent auction, live music provided by Chuck E. Bumps, and an appearance by Mayor Cal Sheehy to welcome the debut.
Attendees are encouraged to gussy up in safari attire and absorb some education about how their support can help many people facing hunger challenges. Ticket purchases that will include two sliders, will be on sale for $25 while ticket fees for minors will be $15. Spectators wishing to just view the event will need to buy an entry fee at just $5, and underaged guests wanting to do the same, will be granted free admission. Tickets can be purchased at the door or by contacting Wood at 928-855-6333. With two out of the five participating vendors being Special Olympics Arizona and Child and Family Resources, the CEO still remains on the lookout for five more parallel teams. Any organization wanting to spotlight their mission as well, can contact River Cities directly.
Taking place by gorgeous beachside surroundings, the Slider Safari fundraising event will be on Friday, May 15 from 4 to 8 p.m. at London Bridge Beach located at 1340 McCulloch Blvd N. From the looks of it, the charity night may appear to be just another lakeside fun family day however, Woods is anticipating the upcoming gathering as a way to showcase their many alliances and the beneficial effects their outreach has had on the community. “It’s always great to see our multiple Havasu partnerships. I feel it’s the little things that can create a big impact. We want people to come hungry, and leave filled with inspiration,” Woods said.
Phaedra Veronique
