TAPS Dinner Concert in the Key of G(enerosity)

When can an event for 400 feel like a family reunion? When it’s the annual Celebrity Dinner Concert to benefit TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors). No bad luck for these guests on Friday, June 13—far from it. With down-home chow and entertainment at Steve Grove’s Ranch at Cherry Creek, the ninth annual barn party was nothing but pure enjoyment designed to benefit and bring together supporters for surviving family members of fallen military heroes.

Event co-founders Lynne and Bo Cottrell have raised $3 million for TAPS in nine years.

This has to be one of the easiest events to attend. Guest vehicles were parked by Jay’s Valet, then they walked inside the event barn to pick up an auction number, had a chance to peruse the silent auction and head outdoors to pick up oh-so-delectable prime-rib-dinner delights prepared by Texas-based Coors Cowboy Club. During dinner, guests were treated to a spirited musical set by WildeFire (Tony David, Pam Hughes and Kerry Edwards).

Event co-chairs Kevin Kreymborg and Linda Cavanagh

Linda Cavanagh and Kevin Kreymborg served as event chairs, and KOA radio morning host Steffan Tubbs emceed a dinner program featuring an informational video and a short talk by TAPS founder and president Bonnie Carroll. She was joined on stage by development fundraiser Ron Spratt to honor Colorado event founders Bo and Lynne Cottrell with TAPS’ highest honor, the Soldiers Cross. In its nine-year history, the Cottrell’s annual weekend event has raised $3 million for TAPS programs, the most raised outside of Washington, D.C. Volunteers of the Year, Tom Tarver and Jewell Hargrave, were recognized for their hard work, and auctioneer Roger Sierens took over for a live auction full of enticements.

Jimmy Fortune wowed the crowd.

Guests continually showed their generosity with high bids on niceties, as well as the chance to donate money to fund specific programs and events for TAPS survivors. Ralph Achilles had the crowd laughing with a comedy set, then Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Jimmy Fortune took the stage. The talented singer-songwriter-musician, who toured with the Statler Brothers for 21 years, thoroughly entertained with toe-tappin’ favorites. Well-known names spotted in the audience included: actor John Ashton, Denver Nuggets TV analyst Bill Hanzlik, American Furniture Warehouse president Jake Jabs, KOA radio host Mike Rosen, U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman and State Sen. Nancy Todd. Carroll writes that TAPS is marking its 20th year as American’s frontline resource for help, hope and healing. Since 1994, the organization has provided compassionate support to more than 50,000 survivors, casualty offices and caregivers. “We connect with one another, survivors helping survivors, to form a loving family where grieving hearts find strength for their journey, and know they are not alone.” On the weekend’s events in Colorado: “We will have memories that last well beyond these few days…Through the fellowship, camaraderie and compassion shared this weekend, hearts will be lifted, lives will be changed and hope will be discovered.” To learn more, please visit: www.TAPS.org. For more information about the Cottrell’s annual Colorado weekend of events, please go to: http://www.TAPS.org/classic.