Child Crisis Arizona in Mesa raises more than $1M at fundraiser

Child Crisis Arizona, a Mesa nonprofit, recently welcomed nearly 500 guests to its annual Lunch for Love fundraising event, raising more than $1 million in one hour to support the organization’s foster care and adoption services, family education, children’s counseling, and health and wellness programs.

“Picture a young adult who grew up in foster care. On their 18th birthday, they ‘age out’ of the system. One week they have a roof over their head; the next, they don’t. No family to call. No steady adult to guide them. Just the overwhelming challenge of stepping into adulthood alone,” Chief Executive Officer Torrie A. Taj said as she welcomed the crowd, according to a release. “Or a child removed from home because of abuse. That moment of uncertainty is one no child should ever face. Yet