Michael Alan’s 18th Annual Sleepless In Havasu Set For Sept. 11

by Nicole Matheson

Michael Alan Furniture and Design’s 18th Annual Sleepless in Havasu breast cancer fundraiser is coming up on Sept, 11. This community event raises money for Cancer Care Resource and MOM: Mobile On-Site Mammography. To date, Michael Alan has raised over $640,000 with this fundraiser and hopes to add at least $55,000 to that total this year.

Sleepless in Havasu is essentially a sleep over at the home furnishings store, but no sleep will be had. The participants stay awake and collect pledges for the cause while also celebrating the occasion with games and activities all night.

Also part of the fun is the bed decorating contest. The theme this year on the semi-quincentennial anniversary of our country is Patriotism.

“It’s going to be pretty spectacular and I would even say probably a little emotional,” general manager of Michael Alan, Vanessa Liesen, said of the bed theme. “Some of the ladies have really gone all out in their tribute to America.”

“This year is going to be extra special, because it is our 250 years,” Liesen shared. “I’m really excited to see what everybody came up with. It’s going to be red, white and blue all over the room — and pink.”

About 14 beds have been claimed so far for decorating. There will be voting by judges and the public for their favorite bed, so stop in and vote  Sept. 11, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Also part of the event is the silent auction, where individuals and businesses donate items and gift baskets for the cause. The auction begins on Sept. 11, and will end on the 18th at 2 p.m. It is not too late to donate to the auction or to the event.

Sleepless in Havasu kicks off on Sepr. 11, at 4:30 p.m. with the Chamber of Commerce performing a ribbon cutting. The mayor will also read a proclamation and the celebration will begin by recognizing survivors before the night time happenings commence.

Included in the list of activities this year is going to the movies to see Top Gun: Maverick, as well as many other games and festivities. Author of I Hate The Color Pink and breast cancer survivor, Susan Svoboda, will be present to share a new book she has authored with the group, A Recipe For Life. There will be donated food and drink items for the participants as the community truly comes together to support this event. Michael Alan’s title sponsor this year is Oxley Construction. 

About $55,000 is needed to support the mobile mammography service, MOM, and anything raised by Sleepless in Havasu above that still goes to Cancer Care Resource. Michael Alan’s goal is to continue to facilitate this invaluable service to the community.