Rocky Mountain MS Center Annual Gala
Anyone who can make a crowd of well-heeled guests put on red clown noses and clap enthusiastically must have some kinda personality.
That was putting it mildly, as Dr. Patch Adams was special guest at the Rocky Mountain MS Center’s annual gala on Saturday, and he had a memorable message for guests: you have the choice to be who you are, and you have a choice to be happy.
The crowd was very attentive as the eclectic Adams talked to them about some of his philosophies and took questions (but guests had to do something outlandish before they were allowed to ask). Adams has traveled the world with friends and followers dressed as clowns and other characters, and most people recognize the name from the famous biographical movie in which Robin Williams portrayed him.
This was a special evening, with comments from RMMSC CEO Gina Berg, Event Chairs Louise Richardson and Arlene Mohler Johnson, Board Chair Brett Hanselman, Denver Life Magazine’s Kristin Miller (presenting sponsor) and board member Jeff Wren, who forged a friendship with Patch Adams many years ago.
The Rocky Mountain MS Center’s mission: Improving the quality of life for individuals and their families living with MS and related neurological diseases through care, support, education and research.
The Rocky Mountain MS Center was founded in 1978 by Dr. Jack Burks and N. Daren Writer. Mr. Writer was diagnosed with MS in 1974. He was told “there was nothing anyone could do about MS,” and to “go home and put his affairs in order.” This was unacceptable to this exceptional man of action and business leader. He sought out a brilliant, young neurologist who was dedicated to finding the cause of MS and a cure for the disease. Like Mr. Writer, Dr. Burks believed something could be done for people living with MS. Together they created a single, comprehensive facility to treat people with MS and find the cause and a cure.
Since then, the RMMSC has grown and continued to provide support and research for those with MS. For more information about programs and other information, log on to www.mscenter.org.
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- Event Co-Chair Louise Richardson and her daughter Aly Albert
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- Elsie and Jeff Faul, left, with Linda and Kevin Burke
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- Kim and Marti Acker, left, with Jean and Jim Austin
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- Beth Woydziak, left, Sheri Rotolo, Dick Rotolo, Whitney Rotolo, Mike Rotolo
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- Edie Marks, left, Lee Bowen, his mom Elizabeth Bowen, Susan Stiff, Lorraine Salazar and Jan Top
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- Lee Bowen and his mom Elizabeth, visiting from out of town
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- Daniel Kopnisky, left, and Steve Edmonds
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- Claudia and Bob Beauprez
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- Jan Blankennagel and John Godzac
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- BJ Dyer (Bouquets) did an incredible job with decorations, as always
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- RMMSC CEO Gina Berg, left, with Event Chairs Louise Richardson and Arlene Johnson
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- Stephanie Degraff Bender and Doug Tisdale
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- Heather Brecl, left, Danielle Anderson, Sandee Walling and Denise Bellucci
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- Gayle and Ed Novak
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- Elizabeth Bowen chats with Dr. Patch Adams
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- Susan Stiff, left, Tori Smith, Rochelle Woods
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- Victor Anthony, left, Vickie Dow, Frances Owens, Monica Owens Beauprez, Claudia and Bob Beauprez
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- AJ and Heidi Fisher, left, Terri and Al Fisher, Denise and Ray Bellucci
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- Bo and Lynne Cottrell
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- 2014 Event Co-Chair Terri Fisher, left, with 2015 Event Co-Chair Louise Richardson
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- Cindi Gallagher, left, Kaylynn West and Jan Hammond
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- Angela and John DellaSalle, left, with Adrine and Adam Writer
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- George and Gail Johnson
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- Mike Jalving, left, Susan Spero, Gina Berg
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- Jennifer Blankenship, left, Susan Vigoda, Dr. Shawn Glazer
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- Sherry Huntsinger, left, Stephanie Doss Odak, Jan Top
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- Pam and Dave Fisher, left, with Tony and Theresa Giarratano
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- Beth Woydziak, left, Courtney Rotolo, Lindsey Bye, Sheri Rotolo, Whitney Rotolo
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- Jeff Olson and Jaylene Smith
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- Tom and Cyndy Marsh, left, with Angie Austin and Mark Breen
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- Carol Leo and Craig Fleishman
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- Jack and Adrienne Fitzgibbons
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- Paul Heitzenrater and John Farnam
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- Travis and Suellen White, left, Debbie and Shawn O’Neil
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- Buffy and Antonio Garrier, left, and John and Donelle Danze
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- Al and Terri Fisher with their daughter Nikki (center)
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- Susan Vigoda and Dr. Shawn Glazer
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- Terri Fisher, left, with Allison and Joe Dopler
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- Jennifer Blankenship with Susan Vigoda
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- Tim Osbourn and Jennifer Blankenship
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- Stacy Dent, left, Mike and Denise Plante
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- Warren and Helen Hanks, left, with Martha and Mike Burns (from sponsor Colorado State Bank & Trust)
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- Denise Plante expertly guided the program as emcee
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- Mike and Maribeth Scaggs
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- Patch Adams had everyone sporting red noses
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- CEO Gina Berg welcomes everyone
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- Gina Berg on stage with Co-Chairs Louise Richardson and Arlene Mohler Johnson
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- Arlene Johnson says a few words of thanks to supporters
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- Gina Berg introduces Kristin Miller
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- Gina Berg and Kristin Miller share a hug
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- Denver Life Magazine’s Kristin Miller said a few words as presenting sponsor
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- Board Chair Brett Hanselman speaks to the audience
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- Kristin Miller and her mom Marti Acker
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- Charlotte Pritchard talks to a friend at dinner
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- Jeff Wren talks about how he met Patch Adams
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- Dr. Patch Adams listens to Jeff’s speech
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- Jeff Wren wears the trademark Patch Adams red nose
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- Dr. Patch Adams is colorful in every sense of the word
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- Dr. Patch Adams delivered a very poignant message
