It’s Been a Wild Ride

A Roast & Toast to Congressman Matt Salmon

Harley engines, politics, rugged leather, delicate lace, comedic jabs, roaring laughter and joyful tears left everyone saying, “It’s been a wild ride!”

On Saturday, April 29th, former State Senator and U.S. Congressman, and long-time supporter of Hacienda HealthCare’s special families, Matt Salmon, endured being roasted, in good humor, from both sides of the party lines.

The evening kicked off with a video stream of Matt riding his Harley to the event—scenic views, Valley landmarks, and red lights included. When the stream faded out, Matt made his epic entrance with a toddler in his arms.

Sierra Kamela welcomed all guests and shared a brief history of Hacienda. Tom Pomeroy, President of the Board of Directors then took the stage and introduced Hacienda’s Board of Directors before handing the mic over to Arizona Governor Doug Ducey. Once Governor Ducey took the mic, all bets were off.

Local TV and radio personality, Mike Broomhead served as the event’s roastmaster, dishing out zingers to roasters and the roastee equally. The lineup (in order of appearance) included: Hacienda family advocate, Barbara Hawkins; Congressman Salmon’s former Washington D.C. staffers, Adam Deguire and Steve Chucri; Republican Rep. Jeff Duncan of South Carolina; NFL Hall of Famer and former Congressman, Steve Largent; Democratic Rep. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona; former Arizona Attorney Gen. Grant Woods; and Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona.
The audience roared with laughter as each roaster stepped up to the mic to mercilessly skewer Matt for his extensive wardrobe and his questionable hunting abilities, but once the last roaster cleared the stage, another side of Matt was revealed.

Hacienda’s CEO, Bill Timmons, delivered a heartfelt narrative describing Matts’ life-saving intervention that saved the life of a baby boy 25 years ago. Valentino’s life had been endangered after being wrongfully removed from Hacienda’s care by a case worker who worked for the Division of Develpmental Disabilities. Thanks to Matt’s advocacy, Valentino was safely returned and Hacienda’s advocacy work for our most vulnerable citizens remains strong today.

To commemorate Matt’s 25 year relationship with Hacienda and its 50 years of service, he generously donated $25,000 and challenged the audience to match his gift. The crowd cheered as Matt delivered his best Elvis impersonation and donations made the thermometer rise on the big screen. But before Matt took his seat again, actor John Travolta appeared on-screen and congratulated Congressman Matt Salmon for his service in office and Hacienda HealthCare for its 50 years of exceptional care.

The surprise was felt throughout the room, but paled in comparison to the emotional tears that flowed when the audience saw Hacienda’s mission video. It was a moment when Hacienda’s work came to life.

We’re grateful to Matt and Nancy Salmon, all of our corporate sponsors, roasters/toasters, attendees, and all those that worked hard to prepare the event. Thank you for making our celebration special.

A Special Thank You to our Sponsors
Title Sponsors

  • South Mountain Health Supply
  • Industrial Refrigeration and Boiler Co

Table Sponsors

  • Amagine Communications
  • Arizona State University
  • Axiom Public Affairs
  • Bashas’
  • Century Link
  • Congressman Andy Biggs
  • CORE Construction
  • DeMenna & Associates
  • Duke and Alice Cowley
  • God’s Garden Treasures
  • IWS – Integrated Web Strategy
  • Knight Transportation
  • McKesson
  • Natural Products Association
  • Pomeroy & Associates
  • Safeway
  • Salt River Project
  • Summit Consulting Group, Inc.
  • University of Phoenix
  • Willetta Partners

Print Sponsor

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