8th Annual Grapes Against Wrath benefiting F.A.C.E.S.

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More than 200 guests attended the Family Advocacy, Care, Education, Support nonprofit or F.A.C.E.S. 8th Annual Grapes Against Wrath signature event September 17 at the regal Magnolia Hotel in downtown Denver.

A silent auction, appetizers and cocktails provided a back drop for enthusiastic supporters with music provided by solo musician Jimmi Nasi and a live auction led by Doug Tisdale.

Executive Director Rita Harding and Development Director Kendell Aitchison circulated throughout the night with support from board members and staff.

Among the highlights of the event was the live auction of an autographed hockey stick from Colorado Avalanche Forward Nathan MacKinnon‘s with the winning bid by Board Member and long-time supporter Sarah Stoneking.

F.A.C.E.S was developed to provide parenting education, support and advocacy services for the prevention of child abuse, neglect and family violence nearly 40 years ago.

The mission of F.A.C.E.S. is to prevent child abuse, neglect, and family violence. Since its founding in 1974 the organization has served more than 6,000 families in the Denver metro region through its home visitation program, community-based parenting classes and professional family counseling.

For more information visit www.facesonline.org

 

Joy of Giving Benefiting Justice and Mercy Legal Aid Clinic

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The annual Joy of Giving party sponsored by the Bachus & Schanker Cares Foundation this year benefited Justice & Mercy Legal Aid Clinic (JAMLAC). The holiday event was held Friday, December 5 at the Law Offices of Bachus & Schanker winner of the 2014 Small Business Award presented by Colorado’s National Philanthropy Day last month.

More than $18,000 was raised with proceeds directly benefiting the clients served at the Justice and Mercy Legal Aid Clinic (JAMLAC), a Denver-based non-profit law firm that provides safe and confidential resource for victims of daily hardship and cruelty.

Kyle Bachus and Darin Schanker were on hand to host the event attended by some 125 guests. The event featured a cocktail reception, holiday music led by trombonist Aidan King, a live and silent auction, and comments from host Darin Schanker and JAMLAC Executive Director Steve Thompson, who thanked donors and supporters.

Keeping the festivities in order were Communications pro Andrea Brito-Amador and JAMLAC Development Director Nikki Koster.

Also in attendance were: Scott Lumpkin, Vice Chancellor, University Advancement, University of Denver; Robert Kelso and Misty Ewegen of Forensic Pursuit; JP and Carrie Prins of Agren Blando Court Reporting; Hannah Dudley of Judi’s House. Among JAMLAC staff on hand were: Immigration Director Tina Diaz, Sulma Mendoza, JAMLAC Coordinator; Greg Fuchs, Director of Denver Urban Semester; Kelsey Winters, Director of Development, Joshua Station; and other staffers.

Founded in 2006, JAMLAC is a faith-based, non-profit law firm that provides safe and confidential resource for victims of daily hardship and cruelty. Full-time attorneys, paralegals, interns and volunteers manage approximately 50 active cases each week. Last year, JAMLAC provided civil legal services to over 800 low-income clients, 97% of whom were victims of domestic abuse.

For more information on JAMLAC visit www.milehighmin.org/jamlac

 

 

 

 

Pouring for a Purpose

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Since it’s founding in 1979, first as a partner with the Arapahoe County District Attorney’s Office and later in 1983 as a private, nonprofit corporation, Gateway Battered Women’s Services (Gateway) has been a leader in the field of domestic violence resources for the community, the state and the nation. Gateway provides a wide range of services including residential and nonresidential services, short-term housing, children’s services, a 24-hour crisis line, court advocacy services and community development activities. Gateway was one of the first shelters in the community to develop a comprehensive counseling program for nonresident women and children, one of the first to establish a court advocacy program, and is one of the only shelters in the nation to allow clients and service recipients to bring pets with them into the residential program. Gateway also serves as a resource for other shelters throughout the metro area due to it’s expertise and the diversity of services it provides.

On Friday August 16th, the community gathered at the Wellshire Event Center in Denver for the 9th Annual Around the World in 80 Wines; a wine tasting, dinner and live auction to support the ongoing mission of Gateway. Guests were encouraged to “pour for a purpose,” and taste a wide variety of wines from around the world, courtesy of Mayfair Liquors, while mingling in the warm atmosphere and taking advantage of the always popular photo booth.

Immediately following the wine tasting, guests enjoyed a multi-course dinner while Executive Director Linda James welcomed attendees to the event and thanked them for their ongoing support of Gateway and the services it provides in the community. Jeneen Klippel, director of development and public relations, then took to the podium to recognize the efforts of the Gateway board of directors, staff and volunteers and to introduce Sandy Plaven, a survivor who moved the audience by describing some of the services and benefits she received as a client of Gateway and whom she credits with helping to saving her life. The evening was capped off with an entertaining live auction conducted by Shelly St. John and The Auction Divas who helped Gateway raise over $20,000 by auctioning off a variety of items including fine art, vacation packages, sports memorabilia and wine generously donated by Gateway supporters.

You can find more information about Gateway Battered Women’s Services and the role they play in the community on their website: www.gatewayshelter.org

 

Blacktie Colorado
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