LAVEEN, Ariz. /eNewsChannels/ — A Share-A-Thon sponsored by Maricopa Village Christian School, Natives with a Mission (NWAM), and local churches including Litchfield Park Seventh-day Adventist Church, is being promoted as the largest event in the history of Maricopa Village; a small and obscure tribal community nestled at the foot of the Estrella Mountains. The event, designed to provide food and clothing to a community ravaged by drug and alcohol abuse, gang violence, and poverty, will include nationally-recognized speakers, musicians, and giveaways of clothing, food, and furniture.
“Few people are even aware of the challenges faced by those living in this community,” says Arnie Suntag, Maricopa Village School Board Chairman. “From the school campus you can plainly see downtown Phoenix, and yet living conditions for some of the families are very much like those of a third world country. This event will be another big step in helping to bring hope and restoration to those who have gone unnoticed by a relatively affluent urban community.”
Event organizer, Dean Willbanks says that although the event has not been promoted as a fundraiser, it is his hope that those who are moved by the needs of the community will help by donating funds to keep the Maricopa Village school and its outreach operating. “We are here for the children and their families,” says Willbanks. “We are not here to sell anything. We are here to help with badly needed supplies for those in need, and we will be handing out a lot of them.”
Speakers at the Share-A-Thon will include Dr. Ben George, a renowned evangelist, pastor, and inspirational speaker, and Rico Hill, a former executive for Nickelodeon and the Cartoon Network, among others. Bob Silverman, a former piano accompanist for the Heritage Singers, will head up the musical talent scheduled for the event. Mr. Silverman has performed at gala events such as Ronald Reagan’s inauguration, and has frequently appeared on network television.
The Share-A-Thon event will be held this weekend, November 16-18, on the 10-acre campus of Maricopa Village Christian School at 8075 W. Baseline Road, Laveen, Arizona. Hours for the event are Friday from 4-8 p.m., Saturday from 2-8 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. For more information contact Dean Willbanks at 602-672-2535 or visit the school’s website at .
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