SAG Awards Viewing Party in Phoenix

"The SAG-AFTRA Arizona-Utah Local celebrated a “star-studded” evening, as members gathered at Gallagher’s Sports Grill to view the 21st Annual SAG Awards. It was all made possible by the planning and hard work of our board members and other volunteers. Once again, Joey Evans went above and beyond to donate and display a table of various prizes. Other donors included the Phoenix Film Foundation, Amanda Melby of Verve Studios, Lorie Edwards of Phoenix Country Club Tennis Shop, Dustin Becker of Waveborn Shades, Gemlets jewelers, Mayva Kern, Kelli Honson of Kelli & Co., Mike Bowling of IC Collection, Jan Harris of Jan’s Collections, Irma Flores of Ethos, Kelly Jelacic of Walleroo Hats, Nancy Hall Photography and Ron Garland. 

 
Left, Margie Ghigo, Margie’s grandson Kobe, Joe Corcoran. At right, Board member Rodd Wolff

"Thanks to SAG-AFTRA for the logo gifts that were also a part of our drawing. The variety of winnings ranged from practical to whimsical, as names were drawn out of the sequined top hat during commercial breaks in the awards show. Thanks to Margie, no one went home empty-handed.

"We were delighted to have directors, actors, photographers, producers, promoters, writers, musicians and radio talent from all walks of our artistic life with us to enjoy the awards. Aaron Land, a writer, director, producer and student at Arizona State University Barrett Honors College, and his wife, actress and photographer Shannon Land, were a big part of the evening. Aaron discussed his latest film, Better Left Unsaid, in which I was privileged to have an acting role. Shannon looked famously spectacular in the designer sunglasses she won.

"Rodd Wolff, our board’s VP for Northern Arizona and stuntman coordinator extraordinaire, honored Steve Fried at the microphone. Wolff later shared his experience working with Johnny Depp in The Lone Ranger. In fact, Rodd looked a lot like the Ranger himself in his white western gear — without the mask of course. 

"Ed Waters, author, video producer, local songwriter, storyteller and director, was on hand with his screenwriter and production manager, LeeAnn Sharpe, getting the word out about his upcoming film Songs For Sarah. Events like the SAG-AFTRA Awards are a “must-attend” for people like Ed and LeeAnn as they prepare to get a film off the ground. 

"LeeAnn is also one of the driving forces on the movie Deadly Sanctuary, shot here in Arizona and starring Dean Cain, Eric Roberts, Daniel Baldwin and several local actors. LeeAnn donated four tickets for the March 23 film premiere at the Cine Capri. We thank her for her donation.  

"Larry “Top Hat” Chebowski, owner of Accent Entertainment here in the valley for over 50 years, enjoyed the evening with Marleah Anderson, Bill Chambers and his wife Laurie Ball. Laurie won a beautiful necklace. SAG-AFTRA member Deborah Lee Hall deserves a big thanks for helping to sign up the arriving guests. And she also won a beautiful necklace.

Photos by Nancy Hall of Still 'n Motion Picture Co.

"We want to applaud the hard-working talent agents Dani Green and her husband Bill Green for attending the party. Their loyalty in supporting our union’s events is always appreciated, as is their time and effort. Having them with us really rounded out our evening of special guests.

"Many attendees commented that they had more fun this year than last year. If you wish to see photos of the fun and merriment, we have Earl Smith and Nancy Hall to thank for the “priceless” photos they posted for us. 

"Nancy is also our local board member for Northern Arizona, and we want to further thank her and Earl for helping set up the venue. Nancy won two tickets for the Deadly Sanctuary premiere and Earl won a blue camisole. Wow, guess what Earl will be wearing on the Red Carpet.

"I had won Sandy Gibbon’s book Show Biz, but since I already had my signed copy, Sandy gave it to another deserving member at the table. My husband, Ron Garland, won a SAG logo green, yellow, red-and-purple docking device to recharge his latest technology. But, since the only time he needs a docking device is when he charges his vapor cigarettes, I think I’ll make a lovely necklace out of it. Thanks, SAG-AFTRA! 

"Margie Ghigo’s resume is abundant and displays her many roles as an actor — but her work and dedication on the 21st Annual SAG Awards local viewing party is a resume all its own. She spent hours as chairperson of the committee, making arrangements with Gallagher’s for the venue, gathering gifts, sending endless emails, making calls, decorating, putting up signs and emceeing the entire evening. She did all this with “the show must go on” smile and attitude. Thank you, Margie. We’d be lost without you — and thank you, Kobe, for being the bright light that moves her heart.

"And back to the SAG Awards. It is such an honor to receive the screeners so we can vote for our favorites. The roster of nominations had excellent productions and it gets more and more difficult to vote for just one in each category. Finally, many thanks to Joe Corcoran, our Arizona-Utah Local president, for his guidance and for serving as an example of leadership. Great Job, Joe! See you next year!"

This item was originally featured in the March 2015 local newsletter.