ADMHN Scores with Bronco Watch Party

You can plan a football game-watching party and provide great food at a fun venue, but naturally you want the home team to win. On Sunday, Dec. 1, the Denver Broncos delivered for Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Network’s Tackling Stigma: Denver Broncos Away Game Party with a thrilling come-from-behind 35-28 victory over division rivals Kansas City. ADMHN traditionally holds a fall fundraiser, but this was the group’s first time with an event of this kind, and they scored a big win. Meanwhile, the Broncos took clear charge of the AFC West as well as the division’s tiebreaker with its second win over the Chiefs this season.

With her Denver Broncos hat on and sippy cup in hand, Isabel is ready to cheer on the Broncos.

In a private room at Fox and Hound Lone Tree, guests had the opportunity to bid on an array of silent-auction items that featured—what else?—some great Bronco memorabilia. The handful of Kansas City fans cheered their team’s first-half lead, but eventually gave in as the Broncos came alive in the second half with 28 unanswered points. Before and during the game, Fox and Hound staff dished up a buffet of tasty tailgate food, and guests had a chance to chow, chat and even shoot a game of pool while catching every play on TV.

Bronco alumni Bucky Dilts (punter 1977-78) and Larry Brunson (wide receiver 1980), who also played for the Chiefs, but has seen the light and is active with Bronco alumni

During halftime, CEO/executive director Joan DiMaria discussed the stigma of getting treatment for mental health issues, and told the crowd that funds raised go toward helping uninsured and under-insured with support services that address recovery and suicide prevention. Former Bronco Bucky Dilts, who brought fellow alum Larry Brunson to the party, talked about former NFL players who publicly have come forward to share their struggles with depression. He vowed get more Broncos involved to support ADMHN events and programs.

Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Network is a local nonprofit helping local residents. “Stigma is a major barrier that keeps people from seeking help for mental health and substance abuse conditions. However, with appropriate diagnosis and treatment, behavioral health issues are very treatable.

“Some of the people who come through our doors not only have the misfortune of ailing behavioral health, they have very low incomes, no healthcare coverage and may be homeless, jobless and perhaps hopeless. These clients are our most vulnerable community members, yet we believe that with the right supports and resources, they can begin to reclaim the life they wish for. We strive to meet people where they are, across the continuum of mental health care, and work together to achieve balance and wellness. Your support of Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Network’s Tackling Stigma: Denver Broncos Away Game Party helps ADMHN provide more resources, education, treatment and recovery.” For more information, please visit: www.admhn.org.