The Mavericks Foundation, a West Valley-based nonprofit, is hosting its third annual Shindig Fly Away Party from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, March 1.
Guests spend the evening in a Rat Pack-themed casino and enter a drawing to win a trip to Las Vegas. Guests bring suitcases with them to the event, in the off-chance they win the trip, which departs when the fundraiser wraps.
Eight winning attendees – who purchase a $250 VIP admission ticket or a $100 gold ticket, trade in casino earnings, or bid on the trip – walk to the Lux Air Jet Centers’ hangar and take a private flight for a weekend to Las Vegas.
“Many people come to the shindig and do not think they are going to win so they don’t pack a suitcase,” said Bob Stockley, the beneficiary chairman for the Shindig. “They end up winning and going to Vegas with just the clothes they are wearing and spend the first day trying to find a change of clothes.”
This year, the Mavericks have partnered with Topgolf. The winners will stay at the MGM Grand and will have a “Topgolf experience” throughout the weekend with Topgolf employees planning the couples’ weekend getaway.
The event proceeds will go to more than 80 local nonprofits including Angels on Patrol, Make-A-Wish, Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Read Better Be Better.
“The night is celebrating a community effort,” said Bob Stockley, the beneficiary chairman for the shindig. This year, over $200,000 will be donated across the Mavericks’ partners.
“This charity event is totally unique to the West Valley. We bring local restaurants in, and it is a celebration of the beneficiary events.”
The Mavericks Foundation started in 2012 with 21 charter members, with the mission of creating events to raise money for causes, specifically geared toward helping children in need. Since its debut, the organization has grown to 51 members and donated over a half a million dollars.
The Shindig also features a performance by The Grove Merchants, who play music from the 1940s to now. The casino will house nine roulette tables, nine blackjack tables and nine craps tables.
Ticket prices vary. VIP tickets include the Vegas drawing entry, complimentary valet parking and $100 in casino gaming script, as well as access to a designated VIP area with hosted bars, catering from The Wigwam and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, and seating for The Groove Merchants’ show.
General admission tickets are $100 and include $25 in casino gaming script, hors d’oeuvres and small plates from P.F. Chang’s and Flavors of Louisiana, and general seating for the live performance. They do not include an entry for the Las Vegas trip raffle. They can buy raffle entries online or at the event.
Beverages will be provided by Saddle Mountain Brewing Company and Wagner Family of Wine.
Guests are encouraged to channel their inner rat-pack style for their best-dressed couple contest and wear comfortable shoes to endure the entire night in a hangar.
“By the end of the night, the plane taxis to the runway and guests take off over the hangar and all of the guests cheer watching the plane fly over,” Stockley said.
“It’s a really different, fun party that the community can come together and celebrate the West Valley Mavericks giving its money back to nonprofits.”
The Shindig Fly Away Party
6:30 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, March 1
Lux Air Jet Centers,
1658 S. Litchfield Road, Goodyear
$100 general admission; $250 VIP