2022 Celebrating Women-Honoring Seven Outstanding Women

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Who runs the world? Outstanding women do and we spent Saturday evening honoring seven outstanding women during the Annual 2022 Celebrating Women fundraising event hosted by Friends of a Woman’s Place (FAWP). A Women’s Place is the only domestic violence shelter/safe house in all of Weld, County.

While the name can be deceiving anyone that is experiencing domestic violence can be helped here. The safe house serves as a critical lifeline for those who need it in our community. Last year, A Women’s Place provided safe shelter for 356 individuals (men, women, and children), and provided 167 presentations to the public about domestic violence and the growing problem of teen dating violence. Friends of A Women’s Place is a volunteer organization that supports the mission of A Woman’s place by fundraising and community education. The FAWP board worked for months to produce this year’s event.

The seven women that were honored this year were: Delia Haefeli, Glenda Haines, Sue Hubert, Patricia Sorbo, Lisa Taylor, Amy Valencia-Ortiz and Lifetime Achievement Award winner Barbara Maxfield. Each of these women was chosen because of their involvement with their community and have altered the lives around them for the better.

The night began with attendees checking in at the registration table and greeting/mingling in the lobby while waiting for the program to begin. Upon entering the newly built Aims Community College Welcome center auditorium attendees were met with musical entertainment by The Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra Brass Quintet (Frank Cook, Noah Lambert, Devon Park, Madison Sinan and Adam Snider).

Vocalist Scott VanBeber opened the program with The National Anthem, followed by a welcome and opening remarks by Friends of a Woman’s Place co-presidents Brandi Nieto and Amy Boyd. Founding FAWP member and former president Jean Schober Morrell introduced each honoree, and the audience enjoyed a short video about the outstanding women and how their efforts have altered the community. The last honoree was the Lifetime Achievement Honoree, Barbara Maxfield. The program wrapped up with a State of the Agency address by A Woman’s Place Executive Director Diane Heldt and a special recognition of all former honorees.

After the pictures and thank yous were completed attendees were shown out to the lobby for hors d’ oeuvres, beverages and entertainment from Singer/Songwriter Gii Astorga.

If you or anyone you know is in a domestic violence situation and needs help please contact A Woman’s Place at (970) 356-4226

Susan Ford Bales Highlights SSF's 40th Anniversary Gala

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In 1976, the United States was celebrating its bicentennial year with patriotic pride (and some disco fever), led by President Gerald Ford and the nation’s First Family. At the same time in Denver, Stout Street Foundation, a comprehensive addiction-treatment center, was opening its doors to serve the recovery community. For Stout Street Foundation’s 40th anniversary gala, there was no better choice for a keynote speaker than Susan Ford Bales.

There were lots of hugs at the VIP reception.

There were lots of hugs at the VIP reception.

On Saturday, Oct. 22, nearly 400 supporters, all dressed to the nines, headed to Infinity Park Event Center for an uplifting evening displaying the reality, courage and successes of recovery from addiction. The evening began with a VIP reception with Susan Ford Bales, and as people continued to arrive, hugs and warm greetings multiplied all over the building. Guests had the opportunity to bid on an array of niceties at a silent auction table that remained busy from open till close.

An uplifting dinner program emceed by Joe Bevilacqua featured a short video covering 40 years of history and personal success stories at Stout Street Foundation, followed by one program graduate who spoke to the crowd summing up his own experience. Board chair Joe Girardi addressed the crowd and President/CEO Christopher Conway read two letters of hope and gratitude from a program resident’s 9-year-old daughter—one to her dad, the second to the venue.

Margaret McConnellogue (left) and Sara James

Margaret McConnellogue (left) and Sara James

Susan Ford Bales had the crowd riveted as she spoke with emotion about her beloved mother Betty Ford’s battles with both breast cancer as well as addiction, along with its impact on the family. She detailed Ford’s journey of addiction recovery, beginning with the family’s initial intervention. Bales told the crowd her mom (who passed on in 2011 from natural causes) would expect nothing less than a completely candid account of the experience, and she was happy to comply, especially if it would help even one person. Bales has gone on to numerous philanthropic and community-service endeavors, including work as ambassador for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and serving on the board of directors for Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.

Teri Smith, vice president of development, vividly showed the audience an exercise in the infectious, positive power of recovery that had everyone on their feet. A group of lucky guests won prizes in on-stage drawings, and the evening ended with guests kicking up their heels to dance music and catching up with friends.

(l to r): Dave Spieth, Father Tom Dowd and Derek Espinosa

(l to r): Dave Spieth, Father Tom Dowd and Derek Espinosa

Stout Street Foundation was incorporated in 1976 by Bradley R. Lucero Jr., Lillian Potter and Jim Doyle. Lucero was in a halfway house in Denver when his good friend, Father Tom Dowd, recommended he visit a long-term drug and alcohol therapeutic community in California called Delancy Street. Impressed by what the program offered, Lucero set out to open his own version of a therapeutic community. From the start, Stout Street adopted the motto of “People Helping People Help Themselves.” Over the years SSF has grown and expanded from a small house in Denver on Stout Street with just a handful of residents to a newly refurbished hotel in Commerce City accommodating more than 125 residents in a self-contained community. Stout Street Foundation’s mission is to provide a supportive therapeutic community for addicts and alcoholics to help them help themselves so they may return to society as recovering, productive and responsible citizens. For more information on Stout Street’s array of programs and services, please visit www.stoutstreet.org, or call 303-321-2533.

Stout Street Foundation Golf Celebrates 10 Years

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The year 2016 is full of big doin’s for Stout Street Foundation. The organization celebrates its 40th anniversary of helping people help themselves, and this year also marks the 10th annual SSF Benefit Golf Tournament. Stout Street is all about positive change and the golf fundraiser has organically followed that mission. The event has been so popular, selling out year after year, that this time around an afternoon flight was added…to the delight of those who might have been wait-listed. Booyah!

Practicing for their upcoming Red Rocks appearance...

Practicing for their upcoming Red Rocks appearance…

On Friday, June 24, a crew of 144 morning golfers teed off at Green Valley Ranch Golf Course under sunny skies with just enough cloud cover to make it a comfy day. After a round of 18 peppered with long-drive contests and the chance to win a vehicle from Suss Buick-GMC with a hole-in-one, golfers stopped by the pavilion for a hearty lunch and short program.

Yup, he's looking for a wayward golf ball.

Yup, he’s looking for a wayward golf ball.

There, they were joined by non-golfing family and supporters, who took time to greet friends old and new, as well as make strategic bids at the silent auction. Emcee-auctioneer Joe Bevilacqua led a brief live auction and drawings for prizes, and President/CEO Christopher Conway welcomed the crowd. Also addressing the group: Teri Smith, vice president of development, and lunch sponsor Scott Kindel, of The Foundry.

Afternoon golfers headed for the course with the possibility of some stormy weather, but completed their round without a hitch.

The mission of Stout Street Foundation is to provide the necessary services and support in a totally structured therapeutic community environment to assist addicts and alcoholics to help themselves in rehabilitation, recovery, and transition in returning to society as productive and responsible citizens.

SSF operates as a not-for-profit, self-sufficient organization without primary economic dependence on municipal, state or federal funding. Within the structured environment, Stout Street Foundation will provide for food, lodging, and specific programs and treatment for residents.

The smiles say it all at Stout Street Foundation events.

The smiles say it all at Stout Street Foundation events.

For 40 years Stout Street Foundation has been a service leader in and around the Denver community. From humble beginnings at a house on Stout Street in Denver to completely refurbishing a 168-room hotel in Commerce City, the organization has grown in leaps and bounds, and continues to be the largest therapeutic community in Colorado. Stout Street has helped thousands of individuals over the years and continues to treat over 400 individuals a year. In October, 2006, SSF opened the doors to a 28-day drug and alcohol intensive residential program called Serenity. With the addition of Serenity, Stout Street Foundation is now able to offer services to an even larger demographic and continues “Helping People Help Themselves” in Metro Denver.

This year’s fall gala promises to be an extra-special occasion with a noted inspirational speaker. For event and ticket information, please call SSF at 303-321-2533. To learn more about the organization, please visit: www.StoutStreet.org.

Tyrone Braxton Inspires at Stout Street Foundation's Fall Luncheon

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With “Inspire” as its event theme, expectations for Stout Street Foundation’s fall luncheon speakers had to be elevated. But wow, did everyone on stage deliver! Between keynote speaker Tyrone Braxton and Sara, the SSF client whose story was chronicled on a riveting video, guests were hanging onto every word…and most certainly left the event motivated to better their own life.

Erica Porter (left) and former Colorado First Lady Frances Owens

Erica Porter (left) and former Colorado First Lady Frances Owens

On Friday, Oct. 30, around 250 guests made their way to The Denver Athletic Club for a delicious, served lunch, along with enticing silent and live auctions, and a slew of positive messages to take with them. As always, the event stayed true to its 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. timeline, while still giving guests time to chat and catch up, keep up with silent auction bids and enjoy their food. Spotted in the crowd were former Bronco great Mike Harden, plus two former Colorado First Ladies: Frances Owens and Jeannie Ritter.

Joe Bevilacqua, emcee and auctioneer extraordinaire

Joe Bevilacqua, emcee and auctioneer extraordinaire

Joe Bevilacqua, Clear Channel Entertainment’s FM program director, emceed the afternoon’s program and also served as auctioneer for coveted big-ticket items. Nicholas Petrucelli, VP of programs, welcomed the crowd and talked about the impact of Stout Street’s services. Braxton took the stage next and was able to talk about his success as a Denver Bronco and his recovery from addiction—he is completing certification as a clinical social worker while working with clients at the Mental Health Center of Denver. Braxton showed his support to the services and programs of SSF, bypassing a Bronco Alumni event in favor of speaking at this luncheon.

Sara’s story was detailed in a video presentation, made even more special when she appeared on stage for a few words. President and CEO Christopher Conway continued with the “Inspire” theme, and urged guests to take their experience and be an advocate for addiction recovery—even if only for the rest of the day. Teri Smith took time to thank sponsors, staff and supporters for their efforts before lucky winners won or out-bid others for terrific prizes.

TriCuzz Productions' three cousins (l to r): Nancy Alterman, Cheryl Hiltzik and Mitzi Townshend were honored on stage.

TriCuzz Productions’ three cousins (l to r): Nancy Alterman, Cheryl Hiltzik and Mitzi Townshend were honored on stage.

Stout Street Foundation’s mission is to provide the necessary services and support in a totally structured, therapeutic community environment to assist addicts and alcoholics to help themselves in rehabilitation, recovery and transition in returning to society as productive and responsible citizens.

SSF operates as a not-for-profit, self-sufficient organization without primary economic dependence on municipal, state or federal funding. Within its structured environment, the organization provides food, lodging, and specific programs and treatment for its residents. For more information on long-term residential treatment, 28-day residential treatment and out-patient assistance, please visit: www.stoutstreet.org, or call 303-321-2533.

Stout Street Foundation Serves Up an Ace with Tennis Social

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By design, the Stout Street Foundation Tennis Social doesn’t include a traditional tennis tournament, but truly is a chance to socialize on and off the court. Attendees pair up, volley and serve with friends new and old, grab some food and just hang out. But hey, let’s be honest—there might have been a little friendly competition happening, maybe some light-hearted trash talk with a smile…and that was just during basic tennis drills and warm-ups.

Tennis drills kept everyone on their toes.

Tennis drills kept everyone on their toes.

On Saturday, Aug. 8, a spirited group of SSF supporters and tennis buffs took over Meadow Creek Tennis & Fitness Club with gusto, thanks to the generosity of owners Adam Kahn and Debra Kahn Freeman. The second annual event began with casual tennis matches and drills led by teaching pros Doug Rees and John Goodrich. Tennis was followed up by a reception with a silent auction and snacks provided by Smiling Moose Deli. Teri Smith, director of development, spoke briefly and sincerely to guests about the Stout Street mission to treat addictions, including details about the process and client success stories. After that, attendees were free to stay in the club room or venture back out onto the tennis courts for impromptu matches.

Meadow Creek co-owners Debra Kahn Freeman and Adam Kahn, with Billy Bob

Meadow Creek co-owners Debra Kahn Freeman and Adam Kahn, with Billy Bob

Stout Street Foundation’s mission is to provide the necessary services and support in a totally structured, therapeutic community environment to assist addicts and alcoholics to help themselves in rehabilitation, recovery and transition in returning to society as productive and responsible citizens.

SSF operates as a not-for-profit, self-sufficient organization without primary economic dependence on municipal, state or federal funding. Within its structured environment, the organization provides food, lodging, and specific programs and treatment for its residents. For more information on long-term residential treatment, 28-day residential treatment and out-patient assistance, please visit: www.stoutstreet.org, or call 303-321-2533.

Rain, Sun and Fun at Stout Street Foundation Golf Tournament

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It’s 5:30 a.m. on tournament day when Stout Street Foundation organizers arrive at the golf course. Rainy and dark and cold…oh, my! Would golfers show? You betcha. The sellout crowd at this year’s 9th annual Stout Street Foundation Benefit Golf Tournament stayed true to the tradition of this event, ready for anything—and all in for fun and friendly competition. Everyone was rewarded when the sun finally showed during lunch, causing guests to toss their jackets and throw on sunglasses as they grabbed some chow.

Some of the first-place team members and their fans (l to r): Ed, Shirley Schaub, Kevyn, and Robyn and Tim Lollar

Some of the first-place team members and their fans (l to r): Ed, Shirley Schaub, Kevyn, and Robyn and Tim Lollar

On Friday, May, 22, around 175 SSF friends and supporters kicked off the Memorial Day weekend at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club. After golf, they headed for the covered pavilion to meet up for grilled burgers and chicken, bid on the array of enticements at the silent auction, and win raffle prizes and golf awards. SSF’s president and CEO Christopher Conway talked about specific plans for the organization’s $50,000 fundraising goal, including facility improvements and continuing education for staff. Longtime supporter and radio guru Joe Bevilacqua auctioned off three sets of concert tickets, and golfers were rewarded for their tournament play with great prizes.

Chief Operating Officer Brad Lucero III, with Ethan

Chief Operating Officer Brad Lucero III, with Ethan

Stout Street Foundation’s mission is to provide the necessary services and support in a totally structured, therapeutic community environment to assist addicts and alcoholics to help themselves in rehabilitation, recovery and transition in returning to society as productive and responsible citizens.

SSF operates as a not-for-profit, self-sufficient organization without primary economic dependence on municipal, state, or federal funding. Within the structured environment, the organization provides food, lodging, and specific programs and treatment for its residents. For more information on long-term residential treatment, 28-day residential treatment and out-patient assistance, please visit: www.stoutstreet.org, or call 303-321-2533.

Blacktie Colorado
Blacktie Colorado