Sue Ann Aronson just spent the last year of her life organizing the IFDA Tableau event to benefit Ryan House. She took an average gala and turned it into an extraordinary theatrical production, completely raised the bar, and the Money, for a very worthy cause. Without her energy, enthusiasm, effort, and extra large heart, this would not have happened. As a result, IFDA raised more money than ever before for this "unique to Phoenix" charity. Ryan House is the ONLY pediatric respite and palliative care home in the USA. Modeled on similar places in the UK, Ryan House provides respite for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. It gives the child a truly playful experience, it gives the parents an opportunity to sleep through the night, or take their well child on a special activity with the confidence that the sick child will have a 24/7 team of professionals on hand. Imagine that you are the parent of a child with a life-threatening condition. How can you leave, how can you sleep if meds need to be administered around the clock, how to you find time for all the other priorities in life? Ryan House is now available for those families. Ability to pay is never an issue at Ryan House, so meeting the annual operating expenses of $1.6 million is up to our community. IFDA has supported Ryan House for the past three years but Sue Ann Aronson ROCKED this event and now we can contribute a substantial donation to help defray these costs. Sue Ann allowed her own business to languish in order to make this event a success. She roped her husband and other family members into participating while inspiring a core group of IFDA volunteers. IFDA Tableau 2010 is a success because of her efforts. We applaud her and hope you will too!

Signed,
Karen Wirrig