On Saturday, November 9, Rustler’s Roost in Phoenix was filled with the energy and camaraderie of the funeral, cemetery, and cremation profession. The 2024 Arizona Funeral, Cemetery, and Cremation Association (AFCCA) Fall Mixer welcomed around 160 industry professionals for an evening of meaningful interactions, shared ideas, and community support.
In a field where understanding and compassion are essential, creating opportunities to connect with peers helps strengthen the bonds that sustain us in serving others. This gathering, supported by our AFCCA board members and volunteers, provided a space to foster collaboration and celebrate our shared mission.
Acknowledging Our Sponsors
This event would not have been possible without the incredible support of our sponsors, whose commitment we sincerely appreciate.
Student Ticket Sponsors:
Thanks to these generous sponsors, several mortuary science students joined the event, paving the way for the next generation of leaders:
- Donor Network Arizona (Eric Bopp)
- Gather (Nancy Jenner)
- Handley Precast Systems (Steve Handley)
- Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery (Elise Krcilek)
Event Sponsors:
We extend our gratitude to the sponsors who made this memorable evening a reality:
- Donor Network Arizona (Eric Bopp)
- Joe’s AZ Bio (Joe Trasser)
- Batesville (Devan Antram)
- Heritage Funeral Chapels (Tara Kimzey and Clent Walker)
- Mickelson & Ray (Ann-Marie Harris and Peter McCloskey)
- PBF Manufacturing (Freddy Brown)
- Sanders Family Transport (Daniele & Mike Sanders)
- The Davis Whitehall Co. (Terry School)
Photobooth Sponsor:
- Messinger Mortuaries (Sabrina Messinger)
You can access your photos through our event gallery page.
Hosted Bar Sponsors:
- T.A.C.T. 48 (David and Leanne Lesaffre)
- Dignity Memorial Phoenix Market (Hal Wilmot)
Making an Impact with The SmileZone
This quarter, we proudly supported The SmileZone, the AFCCA Foundation for Children’s charity of choice. Through the generosity of our attendees and sponsors, we contributed $5,000 to aid Arizona schoolchildren in need of dental care. The evening’s 50/50 raffle raised $1,300, and attendees brought toothbrushes, toothpaste, and treasure box goodies to further support the organization’s mission.
Inspiring the Future of Our Profession
This year’s mixer also welcomed several mortuary science students, offering them an opportunity to engage with professionals, learn from industry leaders and begin building a network that will support them as they step into their careers.
We’re grateful to all who attended, sponsored, and participated in making this event a success. Here’s to continuing to build connections and advancing our mission in the months to come.
