LAKE HAVASU CITY – Many warm tributes were dedicated to some of the women of Lake Havasu last week at the second annual Heroes in Heels Ceremony. The Heroes in Heels dinner party took place on Wednesday, February 7 at Shugrues Bridgeview Room.
Hav-A-Sis was the nonprofit group behind the acknowledgment celebration. The club was formed amid COVID by Hav-A-Sis Director Connie Alexander.
Three years ago, the media’s urges for social distancing could not stop Alexander from creating a momentum of sisterhood in the Lake Havasu community. At first their meetings were small, and the ladies would socialize at house gatherings and local happy hours.
Through their agendas, the women discovered that they shared a strong willingness to be charitable and began making strides to give back to the community. Hav-A-Sis has previously helped various organizations like the Food Back Pack 4 Kidz and families in need of resources.
Today the nonprofit has more than 1,300 members. With the success of last year’s Heroes in Heels, Hav-A-Sis was destined to host another one honoring the city’s overlooked heroines of the town.
Many attendees of Havasu gathered for the memorable occasion in beautiful evening gowns to show their support. After dining, Hav-A-Sis ‘s Signature Sponsor Suzy Valdes, took to the stage to introduce Alexander and Hav-A-Sis Advisors.
Mayor Sheehy was in attendance as well, and made a short announcement about the club’s charitable contributions to Lake Havasu. Shortly after, the hero recognitions were revealed.
Honorees of the gala were women ranging from various successful backgrounds. The Heroes in Heels occasion honored local realtor Suzan James, Grapes and Grains wine bar owner Jennifer Whetten, and Copper Canyon Quilts owner Sherri Ashford.
Even honorees unable to make the ceremony like owners of Breakwater Grill, Sue Meehan and Socora Tierney were also announced as Heroes in Heels awardees. Perfection 2 Detail owner Patty MacMonagle received acknowledgement as well.
Kelly Channel was honored for always having her doors open for those local nonprofits in need of gift baskets for raffle drawings. Other honorees that followed that evening were property owner and manager Tamara Heiner, general manager of Havasu’s Romano’s Italian Restaurant, Havasu artist Pat Austin, and retiree Donna Filter who was previously an administrative service analyst.
But the surprise awardee of the ball was Jerry Davis. Davis, who did not know he was going to be honored that evening, was recognized for his ongoing support of Hav-A-Sis and their activities. His diligence towards the nonprofit earned him a Hav-A-Dude trophy!
The ladies of Hav-A-Sis wanted to honor individuals who don’t always chase the spotlight, but their light can still be seen by those around them. Learn more about the magnificent members of Hav-A-Sis by visiting havasis.org.
Phaedra Veronique
