SSF Golf Event Cooks Up Fun (and Money for Dining Renovations)

When Stout Street Foundation’s golf tournament was held in May, it was often a chilly, rainy affair. A couple of years ago it was switched to June, so weather problems were solved, right? Last year, people wore parkas. This year, golfers were hanging onto their hats against some hefty wind gusts, and they braved dark clouds and a few cold raindrops, too. But then on the back nine, it happened. The winds died down, the clouds parted and the sun came out. Like Stout Street’s cherished clients, you might say the weather made a nice recovery.

Ethan Lucero, Kendall McVicker (center) and Reagan Failor

On Friday, June 22, around 200 Stout Street Foundation supporters converged on Green Valley Ranch Golf Club for games and contests on the course, as well as competition to win coveted trophies for the top three foursomes. An extensive silent auction with inspired bidding complemented an apres-golf, ‘burgers-and-sides buffet. When Stout Street hosts an event, it’s always like a family reunion among long-timers, who also take time to make sure newcomers are welcomed. This 12th annual golf tournament was no exception, as people sat down to grab some lunch and mingle.

Teri Smith, vice president of development, kicked off the short, informal program with a detailed description of Stout Street’s “Cooking Up Hope” campaign to raise funds for the renovation of the kitchen and dining room at the residential treatment facility. The organization serves approximately 200 meals three times a day to help residents create and maintain an overall healthy lifestyle. The kitchen also serves as a vocational training site that provides marketable job skills after the completion of SSF’s two-year residential program. Stout Street’s president/CEO, Christopher Conway, and COO Brad Lucero III handed out awards, giveaways and trophies. Top prize this year went to the low-scoring foursome representing The Foundry.

This year’s first place team is from The Foundry.

Stout Street Foundation helps people help themselves. Its mission: to provide the necessary services and support in a totally structured therapeutic community environment to assist addicts and alcoholics to help themselves in rehabilitation, recovery and transition in returning to society as productive and responsible citizens. SSF operates as a not-for-profit, self-sufficient organization without primary economic dependence on municipal, state or federal funding. Within the structured environment, Stout Street Foundation will provide for food, lodging, and specific programs and treatment for residents.

Karen Gotier (who flew in from L.A.) and board member Yolanda Gotier

For more than 40 years, Stout Street Foundation has been a service leader in and around the Denver community. From humble beginnings at a house on Stout Street in Denver to completely refurbishing a 168-room hotel in Commerce City, the organization has grown by leaps and bounds, and continues to be one of the most successful therapeutic communities in Colorado. Stout Street Foundation has helped thousands of individuals over the years and continues to treat more than 300 individuals annually.

For more information, call 866-722-7040, or go to: www.StoutStreet.org. To donate to the kitchen/dining room renovation project, please click the “Cooking Up Hope” icon.