In 2004, HIV/AIDS agencies in the Valley came together to create SAVORlife to help raise much needed funds to sustain existing programs serving people living with HIV/AIDS, as well as HIV/AIDS education and prevention efforts. With the help of an $8,000 loan provided by Phoenix Shanti, Aunt Rita’s Foundation successfully held its first annual SAVORlife event.

The concept of SAVORlife is simple. People host dinners in their homes and invite their friends and family who make donations to Aunt Rita’s Foundation. All dinner hosts and guests receive an invitation to Aunt Rita’s Grand Soirée for fabulous desserts and drinks. The event has grown each year, with individual dinners raising as much as $3,500. Agencies started to hold their own luncheons over the years, and the creativity of dinner hosts has shown no bounds. The Soirée has also grown into an event of its own, with a successful silent auction and corporate sponsors underwriting the cost. Between 2004 and 2009, the Soirée was held at Bentley Projects Art Gallery in downtown Phoenix. In 2010, we are pleased to announce that the Soirée moves to the incredible Phoenix Art Museum.