“The fun in our fundraising sets us apart—a celebrity roast here in the Valley is rather unique!” says Chris Coffman, executive director of Helping Hands for Single Moms, about the upcoming Annual Eddie Johnson & Friends Event. The event spans three days and includes a celebrity poker tournament, golf tournament, and dinner.
The roast is part of the dinner and includes top names from the Phoenix and national sports scenes.
In 2014, 19-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson held the first Eddie Johnson Celebrity Event at the Phoenix Suns arena. Since then, he has raised $2 million to help low-income single moms attain a college degree and financial independence.
Last year, Johnson, Charles Barkley, and Jeff Hornacek roasted former NBA great and current Phoenix Suns broadcaster Tom Chambers. This year, the lineup includes former Phoenix Suns Shawn Marion, Amar'e Stoudemire, and Kurt Thomas, and other professional athletes.
“You just never know who will show up!” Coffman says.
And the event is all about showing up—ultimately, to help.
“Our organization is impactful—it's all about outcomes! We are helping single moms move their families from poverty to financial independence. These women and their children become self-sufficient households and contributors to our community,” Coffman says.
If You Go …
Annual Eddie Johnson & Friends Event
Celebrity Poker Tournament
Thurs., Oct. 17
7:15 p.m.
Talking Stick Resort Poker Room
Celebrity Golf Tournament
Fri., Oct. 18
8 a.m. shotgun start
Talking Stick Golf Club
Celebrity Dinner
Sat., Oct. 19
6 p.m.
Talking Stick Resort Ballroom
Tickets/information: HelpingHandsForSingleMoms.org