3rd Annual Laugh Yourself Blue for Firefly Autism

Lots of laughs were had at the 3rd Annual Laugh Yourself Blue event benefitting Firefly Autism on Wednesday, April 16th. The Seawell Grand Ballroom at the Denver Performing Arts Complex was alive with humor and excitement at the event, in honor of Autism Awareness Month in April. Attendees enjoyed cocktails, games and a silent auction, all benefitting the organization, before sitting down to a catered dinner and program detailing the work of Firefly Autism and a stand-up comedy show. Eric Goodman, host of Morning Drive with Goodman & Pritchard on Mile High Sports Radio, served as the event’s emcee and Honorary Chairs were recognized at the event, including Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock, former Secretary of the Interior and U. S. Senator Ken Salazar, Sandy Wolf of the Melvin and Elaine Wolf Foundation and Denver news icon Ron Zapollo.  Lt. Governor Joe Garcia and Honorary Chair Ken Salazar addressed the crowd and gave out awards to two individuals who were recognized for their passion and dedication to the organization and the families and children they help. Diane Raba and Gary Moore were both honored for their work over the years at Firefly Autism. Chief Communications and Neighborhood Outreach Officer, Rowena Alegria, from the City and County of Denver Mayor’s Office, read a mayoral proclamation officially naming April 16th, 2014 Laugh Yourself Blue for Firefly Autism Day. Firefly’s VP of Social Responsibility and Development, Jesse Ogas, as well as board member and mother to a Firefly graduate, Amy Bittner, each addressed the crowd expressing the importance of continuing and expanding the work of the organization.  A live auction hosted by Adam Kevil and paddle raiser followed the dinner and program and many great auction items were sold at the event. Denver’s own Troy Walker opened the comedy portion of the evening, with comedian and actor Justin McKinney, who has been seen on Comedy Central, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and The Blue Collar Comedy Next generation following as the entertainment headliner and his post-dinner stand-up act had people laughing into the night. Firefly Autism works to transform the lives of children with autism. Partnering with families, we create life-long relationships through thoughtful, innovative, empirical learning treatment programs. Find out more at FireflyAutism.org