The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s AZ’s FINEST Couples

After an exhaustive search across the Valley, nine couples have been chosen to participate in the 2008 AZ’s FINEST Couples program from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  The couples chosen are:

• Gary & Susan Atkins from Scottsdale
• Bryan & Meghan Gottfredson from Phoenix
• Patrick & Carrie Klein from Phoenix
• Ryan Patterson & Nicole Gonzalez-Valentino from Phoenix
• Ryan & Veronique Rayburn from Cave Creek
• John Shaff & Charlotte Risch from Phoenix
• Curtiss & Leslie Smith from Phoenix
• Steve & Jackie Baumgarten from Phoenix
• Christine & Cory Whalin from Phoenix

The AZ’s FINEST Couples program is designed to spotlight Arizona’s most influential trendsetters, honoring their professional and charitable accomplishments.  Each couple was nominated by a member of their community, completed an application and was then interviewed by a panel of CF staff and volunteers.  These nine couples best exemplify philanthropic qualities and overall, have excelled in the community.

Last year’s recording-breaking honorees raised just over $50,000 for the Foundation through the AZ’S FINEST Couples event.  As part of the honor, each couple has agreed to raise $5,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  The Couple who raises the most dollars during the Campaign will receive the “Top Fundraising Award”.  The “Top Couple Award” will go to the couple who best embodies the spirit of philanthropy and the AZ’s FINEST Couples Campaign.

The couples will be honored at a dinner on November 9th, 2008 at Fleming’s Steakhouse and Wine Bar at Scottsdale and Lincoln.  Fred Astaire Dance Studios is also a sponsor of the program, donating dance lessons to each couple.

For additional information on the couples, please contact Jennifer Robertson at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at 602-224-0068. 

About Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Arizona, headquartered in Phoenix, Ariz., a non-profit donor-supported organization, is dedicated to assuring the development of the means to cure and control cystic fibrosis and to improving the quality of life for those with the disease. The Foundation is the leading organization in the United States devoted to cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is the #1 life shortening disease of children and young adults in the U.S. It is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections; and obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food. While today there exists no cure, an arsenal of remedies have been produced to help treat the disease, dramatically extending the life expectancy of people living with CF For more information about Cystic Fibrosis Foundation visit www.cff.org.