Maricopa residents enjoyed a night out dancing with a side of philanthropic Christmas shopping Saturday night. 

The 21st annual Seeds of Change Gala at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino raised more than $100,000 for Against Abuse, a non-profit that has provided social services in Pinal County since 1981.  

The Royal Christmas edition was completely sold out, with 500 tickets purchased.  

“Everybody across Maricopa, despite our differences, came together to focus on domestic violence,” said Torri Anderson, board member of Against Abuse and chairperson for the Seeds of Change Gala. 

The proceeds will take care of annual operating expenses for the shelter that has been running since 2005, providing housing for hundreds of victims of domestic and sexual violence.   

“InMaricopa has been sponsoring Seeds of Change for over 20 years and it’s wonderful to have impact on our community,” said InMaricopa owner Vincent Manfredi.  

One beloved element of the annual event is a live auction of Christmas trees. The highest bid for $3,400 went to a Lego-themed tree by Angel Raymond of A.A. Raymond Law, followed by InMaricopa’s tree for $3,000. 

Besides the auction, it was a curated night of music, dancing and an exciting look at the community’s generosity, Anderson said. 

“I was humbled and impressed by the generosity,” she said. “I’m excited. Now we can plan 2027.” 

Vincent Manfredi is the owner of InMaricopa.

Christmas trees available for sale at the Seeds of Change gala on Oct. 10, 2026. [Monica D. Spencer]

A crowd eats and socializes during the Seeds of Change gala at Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino on Oct. 10, 2026. [Monica D. Spencer]

A close-up view of a donated Christmas tree on Oct. 10, 2026. [Monica D. Spencer]

Antoina Presume, owner of Maricopa-based Joia Gifting, arranges ornaments on her donated Christmas tree during the Seeds of Change gala on Oct. 10, 2026. [Monica D. Spencer]

Jocelyn and Chris Cahall watch the Christmas tree auction during the Seeds of Change gala on Oct. 10, 2026. [Monica D. Spencer]

A crowd eats and socializes during the Seeds of Change gala at Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino on Oct. 10, 2026. [Monica D. Spencer]

A woman participates in a Christmas tree auction during the Seeds of Change gala at Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino on Oct. 10, 2026. [Monica D. Spencer]

Pinal County Sheriff Ross Teeple and Supervisor Rich Vitiello socialize during the Seeds of Change gala at Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino on Oct. 10, 2026. [Monica D. Spencer]

Maricopa Police Department Chief Mark Goodman and other attendees watch a live Christmas tree auction at the Seeds of Change gala on Oct. 10, 2026. [Monica D. Spencer]

A view of some decorated Christmas trees available for a live auction at the Seeds of Change gala on Oct. 10, 2026. [Monica D. Spencer]

Attendees at the Seeds of Change gala watch a live Christmas tree auction on Oct. 10, 2026. [Monica D. Spencer]

Dennis Antone, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community council member, and Ak-Chin Indian Community Chairman Gabriel Lopez watch a Christmas tree auction take place during the Seeds of Change gala on Oct. 10, 2026. [Monica D. Spencer]