5529 E LAFAYETTE BLVD | PHOENIX $2,250,000 | 4 BEDS | 2.5 BATHS | 2,679 SQ. FT. KATRINA BARRETT | 520-403-5270 5929 E INDIAN SCHOOL RD | PHOENIX $4,400,000 | 6 BEDS | 4.5 BATHS | 4,864 SQ. FT. KATRINA BARRETT | 520-403-5270 4701 E CALLE DEL MEDIO | PHOENIX $3,850,000 | 5 BEDS | 5 BATHS | 4,003 SQ. FT. KATRINA BARRETT | 520-403-5270  3723 E SELLS DR | PHOENIX $2,850,000 | 4 BEDS | 4.5 BATHS | 4,169 SQ. FT. KATRINA BARRETT | 520-403-5270 4412 E SELLS DR | PHOENIX $1,830,000 | 4 BEDS | 4.5 BATHS | 2,731 SQ. FT. ANTHONY TURCO | 480-232-9060                40 SEPTEMBER 2024 By Jennifer Marshall The National Charity League was established in 1925 by a group of Los Angeles women who wanted to support humanitarian work. They helped out at the American Red Cross by making outfits and assembling and delivering food baskets to the disadvantaged during the holidays. While serving the community, the women sometimes brought their daughters. By 1938, so many had become involved that they formed their own group and called themselves Ticktockers – named because they had spent so many hours watching the clock ‘tick-tock’ during their mothers’ meetings. The group flourished so much that by 1947, they banded together as the country’s first mother-daughter organization and renamed themselves the National Charity League, Inc. Today, across 26 states, there exists 247 chapters totaling 65,000 plus members. The Camelback Mountain Chapter is one of 10 in Phoenix. They have 370 members and raise money for more than 40 local nonprofits. “Each spring, our chapter comes together to honor graduating seniors and their mothers at the Senior Recognition Celebration,” Chapter President Beth Wand said. “Each senior is recognized and reads a letter to their mother, sharing memories they made in NCL and thanking them for their dedication to serving the community. It’s a beautiful way to conclude their time and honor them for their commitment to improving our community.” One of the many traditions involves the graduating class choosing one of NCL’s philanthropy partners to highlight and celebrate. “The Class of 2024 chose #LovePup, a local dog rescue. Every year, we hold a raffle at our Senior Recognition Celebration. Philanthropy is core to our mission, and we love having the chance to highlight and support our community partners,” Co-Chair Karen Treon said. That night, the organization – which is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024 – raised over $9,000. #LovePup’s primary mission is to find forever homes for homeless dogs. They also provide medical care, training and microchips for all pups. NCL members aid this objective by helping clean kennels, walking and playing with adoptable dogs. “#LovePup was so excited about the donation,” Wand said. “Several members delivered the check in person, and the shelter manager, Tara Caley, brought several pups to take a picture with us in front of the donor wall. It was a great way to send off our seniors.” NCL membership is available for mothers and daughters in grades 7-12. Prospective members should apply in their daughter’s sixth grade year. The membership drive is open from January to March. nationalcharityleague.org Mother daughter organization shapes leaders through service Ella Dolan, Celeste Helms, President Beth Wand, Lindsey Roemer, Stella Roemer, former President Liz Dolan and Charlotte Hopper. PHOTO: TARA CALEY

Religious Instruction • Strong Academics • Cutting Edge Technology • Service Learning Leadership Programs • PE and Interscholastic Sports • Instrumental and Vocal Music “Arts Attack” Program • School Nurse • Bus Transportation Available Our Staff is Growing! 3901 East Indian School Road • 602-957-7010 • www.clsphx.org CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL Christian Values. Quality Education. Preschool through Grade 8 41 SEPTEMBER 2024 By Mallory Gleich In October 2023, I was invited to Paula Jacqueline Cakes and Pastries in Old Town Scottsdale to try my hand at being a judge for the annual cake competition that comes at the culmination of summer camp. This year, I was invited back for round two – and had even more fun the second time around. Last year, five competitors were challenged to create a two-tier wedding cake. This year, the students braved the heat from the ovens as they crafted two-tier wacky birthday cakes. The chefs, ages 11 to 13, were required to use multiple mediums (fondant, flavors, piping, etc.) and were encouraged to have different flavors, colors and designs. The number one rule was that the cakes had to be wacky. Myself, restaurateur Ricco Rossi, author Kelley Cleary Coffeen, Paula’s nephew Phoenix and Erin Press, assistant general manager of Scottsdale Camelback Resort, were invited into the classroom, where five cakes were on display – each with its own design and personal touches. Paula handed us blank sheets of paper with categories and rankings from one to five. We judged the cakes on texture, creativity (was the cake wacky enough?), design, buttercream consistency, moistness, and, most importantly, taste. The cake-makers were switched around and weren’t standing by their creations. Each chef gave a little background on the flavor and shared a sample for judges to try. I’ll be the first to say it was tough not to go back for a second sample! While I and the others finished ranking and note-taking, family members congratulated the chefs. Adeline Lee made a gluten- and dairy- free chocolate cake with raspberry, lime, and orange filling. Armand Delgado made a chocolate coffee cake with coffee buttercream; Ben Rubenstein made a double-chocolate cake with chocolate ganache; Cailin Heeren made a carrot cake with buttercream filling topped with homemade gummy bears and worms; and Quinn Bessinger made a champagne-flavored buttercream cake with a fondant Kirby-looking character on top. At the finale, each chef received flowers and Chef Coleman gave a speech about this year’s class. It was evident that each baker poured their heart and soul into their work. The winners of the sixth annual competition were 11-year-old Cailin, who received the Cake-Off trophy for her design, and 12-year-old Quinn, who was crowned with the coveted Golden Chef’s hat as the winner of best cake flavor. Lots of applause and even a few tears filled the room. After, the cakes were packed up and we all headed our separate ways. If you’ve got a little baker at home, Paula Jacqueline will offer Spring and Summer Camps in 2025, with registration starting in January. paulajacqueline.com BAKE IT ‘TIL YOU MAKE IT Paula Jacqueline Cakes and Pastries hosts sixth annual Cake Competition Cailin Heeren Quinn Bessinger Ben Rubenstein Armand Delgado Adeline Lee Judges Kelly Coffeen, Mallory, Ricco Rossi, Phoenix and Erin Press. XXXXXX