10th Annual Green Tie Gala benefits MCPN

Long before the great healthcare debate on how to provide affordable, accessible health insurance for Americans, one clinic with one physician decided to do something about the issue 25 years ago. From that small site blossomed what today is the Metro Community Provider Network (MCPN).

To celebrate its 25th anniversary this year, MCPN hosted its 10th annual Green Tie Hollywood Gala at the DCPA’s Seawell Grand Ballroom on March 15. There was a sold-out crowd of 500, including supporters from the small businesses, financial and banking sector, chambers of commerce, insurance agencies, health centers, corporate and individual donors and volunteers.

Established in Aurora in 1989, MCPN today provides medical, health-related services and health education services to underserved residents of Jefferson, Arapahoe, Adams and Park counties and the cities of Lakewood and Aurora.

The cocktail reception featured the Strictly Irish dancing troupe and hundreds of silent auction items. Emcee Amelia Earhart welcomed the crowd and recognized premier sponsors, supporters, in-kind donors, and volunteers for their contributions.

Denver Bronco alumni player Ebenezer Ekuban and Kristine Gaw de Palacios took to the podium and praised MCPN for its health service to underserved individuals. Other Bronco alumni in attendance were Tom Graham, Frank Robinson and Larry Brunson.

President and CEO Dave Myers recognized the commitment and dedication of the MCPN board, including Lynn Ramey, Barbara Shannon-Bannister, Scott Shields, Jean Sisneros, Frank Taylor, Marion Walls and Wally Wesener.

“Healthcare is in a momentous transition with new laws going into effect that will impact hundreds of thousands of individuals in our community,” Myers said. “MCPN is moving forward and preparing for all of the changes so we can meet the needs of our community.”

Several Colorado political leaders representing Aurora and the state of Colorado were on hand to celebrate the 25th anniversary and praised Myers throughout the evening with a letter from Colorado Governor Hickenlooper and a proclamation from the City of Aurora.

Among the politicos on hand were: Colorado State Senator Nancy Todd; Colorado State Representatives Kathleen Conti, Rhonda Fields, Nancy Jackson, Spencer Swalm, Max Tyler; and Aurora City Council members Brad Pierce, Bob Broom, Molly Markert, Marsha Berzins and Renie Peterson.

City of Aurora Mayor Pro Tem Bob Roth proclaimed March 15 as Dave Myers Day and presented a gold framed proclamation from the city. Myers also received the inaugural Heart of Gold Award from MCPN VP of Clinical Affairs, Dr. Barry Martin. The evening ended on a high note with a performance by the Hazel Miller Band.

As one of the largest primary health care providers of the uninsured and medically underserved in Colorado MCPN continues to respond to changes and trends in the industry. According to MCPN Vice President John Reid, in 2013 the non-profit agency served nearly 40,000 individuals thanks to an estimated $11.2 million in donated primary care services.
For more information visit mcpn.org