Yee-Haw! True Grit Rustles Up Hearty Support for Third Way Center
Hey, it’s Saturday night in the Big Town—extra special on Oct. 10 because of True Grit. This year, 500 supporters of Third Way Center shined up their cowboy boots and put on their fanciest jeans before high-tailing it over to Exdo Event Center for the big doin’s. Third Way’s signature fundraiser was full of Western spirit, including entertainment, gourmet-chuckwagon chow and an ornery mechanical bull.
Ridin’ that ornery mechanical bull.
The evening began with a reception highlighted by a silent auction and bluegrass music from Spurs of the Moment. It was augmented by passed tidbits and beverages, plus Western-themed toss-and-win games and the chance to take on the infamous mechanical bull. When the dinner bell sounded, guests made their way to buffet lines and were able to sample hearty meal options with gourmet touches.
Board president William Matthews took the stage to welcome guests and talk about the good works of Third Way Center. Young Professionals Board co-chair Winter Wall told the crowd about the added energy of the next generation of philanthropists, and then Brook Griese was called on stage to accept the Hildegard Messenbaugh Award. The recognition was established two years ago to honor an individual dedicated to improving the lives of abused, neglected or mentally ill children. Brook’s husband Brian Griese, co-honoree, was in Oakland with the Denver Broncos, but Brook was able to tell guests about the collaboration between Judi’s House, co-founded by the couple and dedicated to grieving children, and the services for adolescents at Third Way Center. On a lighter note, Brook told the crowd how much she loved a fundraiser that didn’t require high heels.
Brook Griese accepted the Hildegard Messenbaugh Award presented to her and her husband Brian Griese for their work creating Judi’s House. Co-award recipient Brian was traveling with the Denver Broncos in Oakland.
A video presentation outlining the story of one Third Way student hit home when she was able to come on stage to offer further details of her journey. After a live auction with auctioneer Sean Allen, the crowd settled back (and hit the dance floor) for a rip-roaring concert by country star Marshall Dane.
Third Way Center offers truth and hope to high risk, mentally ill, disadvantaged and often homeless adolescents and their families. In 1970, Hildegard Messenbaugh, MD – a noted Denver psychiatrist at the University of Colorado Medical Center – was approached by concerned members of the community about the growing number of adolescents living on the streets. Many of these young people fled turbulent and traumatic family situations, had trouble with the law or had recently left other institutional settings. With her guidance and the support of the Denver community, an alternative to homelessness and incarceration for troubled youth was formed.
This third way grew from one shelter for troubled teens to a continuum of services, offering a path to healing and wholeness through: care in a home-like residential setting at five metro Denver locations; accurate diagnosis and intensive individual, family and group therapy; two state-approved alternative high schools; life skills and job training, and vocational education; parenting skills training; and emancipation support. In its history, Third Way Center has helped transform the lives of thousands of teens, empowering them to build better lives for themselves and their future families. For more information, please visit: www.thirdwaycenter.org.
