United Way 6/7/14

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Saturday, June 7, marked the annual Mile High United Way Emerging Leaders Council fundraiser and the United Ways Day at the Rockies.

The Emerging Leaders Council is a collective of young professionals who donate time and money to help make these programs successful and meaningful to the community.

The 14 United Ways of Colorado are committed to improving the well-being of individuals, families and children in our communities. Collectively, they are a catalyst for social change across Colorado.

The Emerging Leaders Council pre-game event is held to support Mile High United Ways’ work in the community to improve the lives of children, families and individuals. .

Donors, friends, and family members attended the rooftop gathering at Workplace Resources to celebrate the continued success of many of Mile High United Way’s programs, such as Bridging the Gap, which serves foster youth as they transition into adulthood.. Victoria Black gave an inspirational account of how Bridging the Gap helped her at this pivotal moment in her life.

Emerging Leaders guests then walked over to Mile High Stadium for the Colorado United Way Day at the Rockies. This annual event provides a way for supporters, board members, volunteers and staff to join in representing the work of United Ways across Colorado.

: Daniel, left, Matthew, and Michelle take the beanbag toss game vertical with a smile.

: Meredith Blanchard inspects the Jenga situation.

: Meredith makes her move.

: The choice results in fun for all on watchers.

: Matthew takes his best aim.

: Despite an overcast day, shade was appreciated.

: The beanbag toss hints toward the day’s main activity.

: Families convene for a quick snack.

: The patio provides opportunities to catch up.

: The Little Man Ice Cream stand was a popular stop.

: Patrick of Little Man Ice Cream, right, explains the tasty options.

: Nathan Ariano, left, and Daniel Collins put Erin Koksal on the clock to make a decision.

: Katie Doyle, left, confers with Katie Ferguson on the winning number as DJ Lo keeps the music going.

: Katie Ferguson announces the winning number.

: Katie Doyle, left, and Katie Ferguson award one of several prizes given.

: The apparatus of fun awaits guests.

: Guests inspect the conditions over Coors Field in anticipation of the game.

: Gretchen Gilliland, left, assures everyone gets checked in for the fun.

: Prizes await winners.

: Families gather and games are surveyed strategically.

: A hopeful toss land home.

: “Live United” was the theme of the day.

: Guest hit the street.

: More guests head to Coors Field.

: “We’ll see you there!”

: The crowd stands for the National Anthem.

: Abraham Lincoln, left, Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington make a grand entrance.

: Section 328, the Live United section, cheers a home run.

: Refreshments arranged to look out on the final destination, Coors Field.

: A hopeful toss lands home.

: Long-range fun is in the air.

: Gretchen, center, greets every guest.

: Name badges await claiming.

: DJ Lo, right, provides the entertainment.

: Guests mingle on the balcony.

: Even the smallest join the fun.

: Everyone is included in the activities.

: Natalie Liff, right, is cheered on.

: Watching the games while enjoying a chat.

: Picking up a snack on the way to the game.

: Opportunities for diversion are all along the way.

: One family views the stadium and heads to the game.

: A shining light draws toward Coors Field.

Saturday, June 7, marked the annual Mile High United Way Emerging Leaders Council fundraiser. This event is held to support work in the community that assists 40-50 young people each year in transitioning from social services to independence through their Bridge program. The Emerging Leaders Council is a collective of young professionals who donate time and money to help make these programs successful and meaningful to the community. Donors, friends, and family members attended to celebrate the continued success of the program. Victoria Black, Tory, gave an inspirational account of how the Council and associated programs helped her at a pivotal moment in her life. A rooftop gathering with fun and food proceeded The Colorado United Way Day at the Rockies. This annual event provides a way for supporters, board members, volunteer, and staff to join in representing the work of United Way in every community it serves.

07 Dec

Dolls for Daughters brings Christmas to thousands

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In 2007, Jessica Bachus started Dolls for Daughters, after her daughter Kenzi was stillborn. She created an annual holiday, Toy Drive for Colorado, for children who would not otherwise have toys during the holidays.

Today, Dolls for Daughters and Toys for Boys collects more than 4,000 toys each year to distribute to Colorado children. Saintly people like Jessica not only bring holiday cheer to so many kids who might not ordinarily have it, but she and her staff don’t stop there.

Programs like Kenzi’s Kidz gives assistance to at least one needy family each year, and provides the fundamental items needed to succeed in school such as school supplies, clothing, extracurricular activities as well as birthday and holiday gifts for a year.

Parents braved the cold on Saturday to get toys, a new stocking stuffer, a new book/bookmark and a new toothbrush and toothpaste kit. The first 100 families also got a food box from Food Bank of the Rockies after leaving the toy shop and more than 100 children got new shoes from The Denver Shoe Crew. Thanks to Jessica and her staff and partners, thousands of kids can thank Santa this year for a good holiday.

To learn more about Dolls for Daughters, Kenzi’s Kidz and how you can help, log on to www.dollsfordaughters.com.