2022 TSG Gift Guide: 41 Elegant Gifts for the Host

Originally published by THE SCOUT GUIDE on November 8th, 2022.

From the friend that welcomes you warmly, the aunt who excels at a snack spread, a neighbor who throws the best block party—we all have expert hosts in our lives who deserve a gift specially suited for their entertaining prowess. With that sentiment in mind, editors across the country shared exceptional small business finds to ensure the proper present for your favorite entertainer this holiday season.

LUCITE BACKGAMMON SET // Available from Valerianne in Scottsdale, Arizona. To purchase: 480.946.8772

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Member Spotlight: Baller Dream Foundation

Integral to The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale’s mission is telling the stories behind the small businesses Scouted in each Volume. The story begins in print and continues online, after all. As you peruse Volume 2, we are thrilled to continue our story-telling mission with Member Spotlights.

Photography by Carl Schultz

At 29 years old, Frank DeBlasi received a cancer diagnosis that would change his life. Surrounded by friends and family, he was fortunate to have incredible support and resources. Yet, he could not ignore the stark contrast between his experience and that of his fellow patients. And so, DeBlasi promised himself that, if he were to recover, he would build a foundation for young people battling cancer. The Baller Dream Foundation is that promise kept.

The Baller Dream Foundation is a non-profit organization that serves the critical need for emotional and daily living support of young - to use the foundation’s language - 'Ballers.' For those ufamiliar, “baller” is a pop-culture term used to suggest one is doing well, feeling well, and in control. Unlike other NPOs with a hard-stop at age 18, The Baller Dream Foundation serves young cancer warriors ages birth through 29, providing Ballers with spirit-lifting support from diagnosis to treatment, to remission and beyond.

As The Baller Dream Foundation's signature event approaches, we chatted with DeBlasi about how the promise to himself developed and the essential work the foundation accomplishes today.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: We know that The Baller Dream Foundation was born from a promise you made to yourself during your own cancer treatment. Can you speak more to this origin story?
Frank DeBlasi: I was 29 years old, diagnosed in a NYC hospital, and incredibly lucky to have such support from my family, friends, coworkers, as well as access to resources. However, many children and young adults around me were not as lucky. Seeing this weighed heavy on my heart, so I said to myself, “Frank, if you get through this, you HAVE to do something for those that are not as fortunate.” Fortunately, I was able to keep that promise.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: How did your experience inform The Baller Dream Foundation?
Frank DeBlasi: It informs everything from our language to our mission.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Before diving into the mission, let’s chat about your signature language. Why the term ‘Baller?’
Frank DeBlasi: The term references a way of life, one that stands out, comes with an innocent swagger, and has positive direction. We believe our Ballers deserve to feel special during and after the battle of their life, and that’s what we do most for them. Plus, no one wants to be called a patient, right?

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Can you elaborate on your mission?
Frank DeBlasi: The Baller Dream Foundation provides major gifts and experiences to children and young adults battling cancer in an effort to meet a critical need for emotional and daily living support.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: How exactly does The Baller Dream Foundation achieve this mission?
Frank DeBlasi: We work closely with hospitals nationwide to provide in-hospital, volunteer-led activities. Most notably, however, we provide major gifts and experiences to children and young adults battling cancer. At a local level, PHX Children's Hospital and Banner Children's Hospitals refer us to the Ballers, and then we take it from there!

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Beyond the long-term relationships that The Baller Dream Foundation creates with recipients, what sets the foundation apart from other non-profits?
Frank DeBlasi: Baller Dream is unique in so many ways! For one, we impact Ballers up to the age of 29, the age I was diagnosed. Most NPOs have a hard stop at 18. And two, we develop such deep relationships with our Ballers. We always tell them, “from diagnosis to treatment, to remission and beyond, Baller Dream will always be there for you.”

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Is there a particular Baller dream or story you cherish?
Frank DeBlasi: I cherish every opportunity to work with and support our Ballers. But one that always comes to mind is when we coordinated the purchase of a vehicle for a single mother whose car had just broken down. She couldn't get to her treatments or her son’s medical appointments. I will never forget the sheer emotion of that surprise reveal. I get goosebumps every time thinking about it.

Photography courtesy of Carl Schultz

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: As a Scottsdale-based non-profit, you work closely with PHX Children's Hospital and Banner Children's Hospitals. But The Baller Dream Foundation also serves Ballers nation-wide. How do you cultivate those community connections?
Frank DeBlasi: To maximize the difference we can make, we collaborate with Baller Buddies, local foundations and organizations also dedicated to helping children with cancer. We host activities in the children’s hospitals and often invite volunteers to join - in addition to hosting memorable events to share our mission and celebrate the local Ballers. We are rapidly growing in each of our markets and Baller Dream is very visible in the communities we serve. We’re so grateful to the many ambassadors and champions of our mission for their incredible work spreading our unique story and impact.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: How does our community support The Baller Dream Foundation?
Frank DeBlasi: We receive tremendous support we from our dear friends/owners at the Noble Agency, Drewett Works, BISON Ventures, Brimley Development, Right Toyota, Sorso Wine Room, Schmooze, Mountain Shadows Resort, Cookie Cutters Haircuts for Kids, Bedbrock Developers, and many more. And we are so grateful to these local businesses for their support!

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Behind incredible foundations like Baller Dream is an equally incredible team. And we know you just made an exciting addition to yours. Can you tell us more?
Frank DeBlasi: We have a very high-energy team with endless motors and hearts - exactly what you need to take care of so many Ballers. And we have big goals and a desire to deepen our impact in current and new markets. Having a top-notch CEO to drive our mission, gift more Ballers, lead our team, and build upon our exciting base of donors is a must. Our new CEO, Jennifer Van Moorlehem, checks all the boxes. She is a total game-changer for us. I am truly blessed to have such stars on our team. 

Photography courtesy of Carl Schultz

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: The annual Dinner of Dreams approaching! And we’re so looking forward to joining you at the iconic Arizona Biltmore on Friday, November 18th. What can guests expect?
Frank DeBlasi: We will induct two of our newest Arizona Ballers from PHX Children’s, Gabbi and Alexis. Guests will be moved by these ladies' experiences and will enjoy participating in their special evening, which will include a gift reveal and a bit of playful 'roasting' courtesy of yours truly.

Photo of Gabbi and Frank DeBlasi.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What dreams will you be fulfilling?
Frank DeBlasi: I don’t want to ruin the surprise! But I will say this: everything we do for our Ballers is first class, and no corners are ever cut for them.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: How can those unable to attend support The Baller Dream Foundation’s mission?
Frank DeBlasi: For those that cannot attend, visiting our website and learning more about our mission is always a great first step. Our fans love to share our story with their family, friends, and colleagues. Following us on Instagram and Facebook is helpful too, as both are updated frequently with fresh news and Baller happenings! We also accept donations, which directly impact our Ballers and their families. For example, $50 provides activities for two hours of in-hospital distraction led by our team, $100 buys a gas card to defray the cost of repeated hospital visits, and $250 helps fill a Baller Bag with gifts supporting families confronted by a cancer diagnosis. To learn how you can gift a Baller directly head to our website, www.ballerdream.org.

Photography by Carl Shultz

The Baller Dream Foundation’s 3rd Annual Dinner of Dreams will take place on Friday, November 18th at the Arizona Biltmore. Funds raised during the Dinner of Dreams allow Baller Dream Foundation to build relationships, host in-hospital activities, and make dreams come true. Learn more and purchase tickets to the Dinner here. Don’t forget to tell them Scout sent you!

Member Spotlight: George Abrams Events

Integral to The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale’s mission is telling the stories behind the small businesses Scouted in each Volume. The story begins in print and continues online, after all. As you peruse Volume 2, we are thrilled to continue our story-telling mission with Member Spotlights…

Photography courtesy of George Abrams Events.

Recently, our Culinary Contributor, Marci Symington of TEXAZTASTE, met Volume 2 Member and longtime local event planner, George Abrams of the eponymous George Abrams Events, for lunch at Cocina Madrigal. Fast friends, the two enjoyed a long chat about event planning, George’s years in the business, and the Valley over queso fundido and shrimp tacos.

On the cusp of celebrating - no pun intended - twenty years in the event business, George dished about his career as a self-proclaimed ‘party broker.’ “We really like to think of ourselves as a ‘life-cycle’ company, we have families we have worked with from the cradle to the grave.” And while George and his team of talented experts do large-scale soirees, what separates George Abrams Events from other event planners is their ability to go small. “We love to do big… but we also do parties for as few as 5 people,” George shared.

And, no matter the size, what a party George Abrams Events throws. Whether you’ve been fortunate to attend a George Abrams Event or are planning your next soiree, keep reading for Marci and George’s chat. Expect everything from his origin story to tips on hosting like a pro…

 

20 years of bringing your vision to fruition, George Abrams has earned the title, “Life of the Party!”

 

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Let’s dive right in… How did you get your start in the event industry?
George Abrams: Growing up, my mother was always entertaining, and I was always helping. Officially, my career started when I was 18-years old working as a gopher for Brady’s Interior Design and Florist (then THE florist in town), and I went from there to The Paper Place. I worked for ‘The Paper Place Girls’ - mother and daughters, Judy and Nancy Silver and Betsy Hendricks - for 10 years before moving on to work with my friend Kristy Moore at [the now sold] Continental Catering. Although I never did flowers or printed invitations or cooked food, I realized my skill was sourcing things for parties.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What motivated you to take the entrepreneurial leap?
George Abrams: It was in 2004 after working for a big catering company and developing a great client base, that I saw a need. I realized that if a client wanted a smaller party or a particular theme - and if I could bring in the food and the right staff - I could offer whatever they wanted for any occasion. Latin, Greek, Asian? We could do it all. Myself and my staff would be a constant, so clients wouldn’t have to worry about new people coming into their home. Essentially I became the middleman, handling all of the details to allow the client to feel comfortable.

George with his beautiful mother and Georgette Emmert at private residence. Photography courtesy of Andrew Shainker

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Previously, you’ve referenced the difference between event planning and event execution in your industry. Can you speak to this?
George Abrams: With the advent of social media, you’ll see a great shot of 50 people with sparklers in their hand, but what you don’t know is whether they’ve had four times to take that ‘perfect shot’ or have been offered a drink yet. You can plan anything. But when it’s 1 am and you’re trying to get someone who’s been on their feet celebrating for hours, a lit sparkler, can you execute? That’s where my opinion and expertise comes in to create a beautiful experience. Personally, I don’t like to make my guests work for anything, which is one of the things I am most proud. For example, costume and theme parties are few and far between for us, because I don’t like to ask my guests to go to something they feel like they have to spend time and money on to attend or outdo one another.

 

From at-home events, to weddings, to corporate & non-profit, dining and holiday occasions, he is the Valley’s go-to for event planning.

 

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: As your clients’ constant, you collaborate on a variety of celebrations, from - in your words - the sublime to the ridiculous. How do you manage to create such unique experiences across such a range events?
George Abrams: The clients, the guest list, and the setting/venue dictate where we start. Beyond those elements, my aim for every event is to ensure that the host is honored and the guests feel appreciated. And I am not talking about party favors. It’s more about the experience - how people feel welcomed from the time they walk in the door to the time they leave, including the host. The most important thing is for the host to feel relaxed and for the guests to feel appreciated and honored. There is nothing that can turn a party off more than the feeling that something is not going well.

Photography courtesy of George Abrams Events.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: It’s obvious that the experience - in addition to the tangibles like florals and food - are what define a George Abrams event. How do you achieve that?
George Abrams: In general, I really try to advocate for my clients and know what their needs and wants are, maybe even before they know.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What does that look like?
George Abrams: Opinions. I don’t like to say “brutal honesty” because that sounds mean, but I am going to have opinions on just about every aspect of the event. There are people that appreciate it and people that don’t. I would say 90% of our clients are repeat clients, and for those that aren’t, then - as my former bosses, Kristy and Tim Moore, would say - "that is why God created chocolate and vanilla”.

Photography courtesy of George Abrams Events.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Let’s talk more about your opinions. What should clients know and consider before hiring a wedding or event planner?
George Abrams: A very important aspect is the initial interview with a planner. You want someone to have a digital presence, and you want someone you know is legit and is not going to fold overnight. This is not always the safest business. As an event planner, I do my due diligence to make sure my clients are working with vendors that I have vetted and will be able to execute by the time their wedding/event rolls around.

Also, just because you see [somebody hosting] something on social media, does not always mean they are doing these events. There is never anything on my Instagram page that is not my event. My events are with real people and are real events. That is what I pride myself on.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Who are some of the local businesses you love to collaborate with? 
George Abrams: The Paper Place, Celebrations in Paper, Flora Bella, Avant-Garde, Angelic Grove, and Creative Event Rentals. We are also partnering with LUX Wedding Florist on a few events that we are super excited about.

Photography courtesy of @georgeabramsevents.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: For our readers who love to host at home, what advice would you give to make it extra memorable and unique?
George Abrams: You can never go wrong with live entertainment.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Speaking of house parties, if you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be? 
George Abrams: Ralph Lauren in one of his homes.

Photography courtesy of @georgeabramsevents

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Before we get too carried away picking your brain on hosting, we’d like to turn the conversation back to you. As you celebrate 20 years in business, we imagine you’re doing a lot of reflecting. As a business owner, is the best advice you have ever received?
George Abrams: My friend Brenda Howard--whose father was in the car business--always says, “Don’t throw in the floor mats”. When something is free, people tend to not appreciate it.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Over your illustrious career you’ve helped host numerous fabulous events. Is there one in particular that stands out?
George Abrams: My client’s 85th birthday on her 100th Crystal cruise. She took this cruise that was stopping in San Diego on the actual day of her birthday. When they docked (having returned from Alaska), I arranged for 250 of her friends to board the ship for a luncheon. Then we all disembarked and had a big dinner dance party that night.

 

“The most important thing is for the host to feel relaxed and for the guests to feel appreciated and honored.”

 

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: How do you stay inspired?
George Abrams: When I travel and window shopping. I am old school; I look at a lot of magazines, even if it is in the store. Also, from Instagram, I get a lot. And, of course, The Scout Guide.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What is your favorite part about living in the Valley? 
George Abrams: I love the constant change and evolution and I love, having been here for 30+ years, to watch it firsthand and to feel like in some way I have been a part of it.

 

Photography courtesy of George Abrams Events.

As the season kicks off in the Valley, make sure to tap George Abrams Events for your party, be it a birthday bash or just-because luncheon. And don’t forget to tell them Scout sent you!