🌱 Local Charity Event Raises $55K + Sam Smith To Perform In Phoenix

Good morning, neighbors! It's Monday in Phoenix and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 70 Low: 47.

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Here are the top three stories in Phoenix today:

1. A charity event in nearby Scottsdale raised $55,000 for local organizations. The Rock The Rooftop charity concert took place at the W Hotel back in December. It featured performances by Nate Smith, Loud Luxury, and more. Proceeds went toward Riot Gives Back and Make-A-Wish Arizona. (Daily Independent)
2. Sam Smith is taking their new "GLORIA" tour to Phoenix. The four-time Grammy Award winner will perform at Footprint Center on Sep. 3. Tickets go on sale Friday. This will be their third appearance in the Valley. (KTAR.com)
3. A woman from the Valley will spend 10 years behind bars for stealing from her employer. Jamie Baltazar, 47, stole $2.5 million from the health insurance company that employed her. Baltazar pleaded guilty to two counts of felony theft for defrauding Oxford Life Insurance Company. Baltazar worked at the company for nearly a decade. (KTAR.com)

Today in Phoenix:

• Sensory Friendly ZooLights at Phoenix Zoo (All Day)
• Family Lawn Games at Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort (3:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Enter the Arizona Humane Society's 50/50 Raffle for the chance to win $1,000 and help some needy pets at the same time! (Arizona Humane Society via Facebook)
• The Phoenix Public Library is celebrating Black History Month with a virtual art exhibit. Kids are encouraged to draw an important person or event honoring the African American experience! (Phoenix Public Library via Facebook)
• Do you want to help Arizona conserve water? Consider joining the Phoenix Water Wrangler Institute Volunteer Program. Applications will be accepted until Jan. 31. (City of Phoenix Water Services Department via Facebook)

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That's it for today. I'll see you soon!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.