Western galas are a natural for Denver, but even more so for Third Way Center, an organization that annually and fittingly embraces a “True Grit” event theme. Code of the West tenets that feature honesty, hard work and courage are a nice mirror of the organization’s mission to help and develop traumatized youth with round-the-clock care. With each and every gala, guests are able to mark and celebrate their successes in a family-like atmosphere.
Co-presenting sponsor Gary Gray (left) with Reggie Rivers
On Thursday, Oct. 22, guests gathered at Infinity Park Event Center for an evening that began with a Footers Catering reception and a silent auction full of a spectrum of enticements. There were also a number of games available to guests, all to the tune of energizing country and western music from DJTVG. Guests then sat down for dinner and a program emceed by popular, amiable host Reggie Rivers. Board president Brendan Bartic spoke to the crowd and then former CEO Dave Eisner led a group toast to honor and remember Third Way’s founder Dr. Hildegard Messenbaugh. Guests learned more about the services and outcomes of Third Way Center, then participated in a spirited game of Heads & Tails. Rivers led a live auction with competitive bids.
(l to r): Executive Director Renee Johnson, Lisa Wolff, Kate Larkin
From Third Way Center: “The True Grit Gala brings together community leaders,
donors, volunteers and alumni to support Colorado’s most vulnerable youth. The funds raised provide essential therapy, education, housing and mental health services,
empowering these at-risk teens to overcome their trauma and build successful lives.” True Grit is “…an inspiring evening as we come together to celebrate our shared mission and remember our late founder, Dr. Hildegard Messnbaugh. Her extraordinary vision, courage and dedication continue to shape our work and guide our path forward.” For more information, go to https://thirdwaycenter.org/ or call
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- Associate board members Kyle Schwartz (left) and Becca Walker
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- Melia O’Malley and Casey Robinson
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- Cheryl Hiltzik with emcee-auctioneer Reggie Rivers
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- Lois Paul (left), with board member and event sponsor Stacy Ohlsson
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- Checking the fine print of an auction item
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- Brenda and Roosevelt Leslie
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- Colin and Shelli Brockman
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- Development Director Sally Reed (left) and Executive Director Renee Johnson
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- (l to r): Chad and Kim Renner, Cade and Kristen Hintzer, Courtney Nelson, Tyler Hartung
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- (l to r): bob and Roberta Loeb, Peri and Rich Abrahams, with Thatcher
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- (l to r): William Elliot, Dave Cook, Alex Rice, Cameron Barnes
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- (l to r): Executive Director Renee Johnson, Lisa Wolff, Kate Larkin
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- Cindy Kurthy, with Bert Messenbaugh
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- Donna Antonoff and Tim Emery
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- (l to r): Graham Humphreys, Greg and Lauren Inman, Izzi Wells
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- A friendly Footers Catering rep serves up an appetizer for a gala guest.
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- Tables are prepared for the evening.
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- Energetic music was provided by DJTVG.
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- A guest checks out information in the printed program.
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- Sally Reed with DJTVG (Tom Giesen)
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- Co-presenting sponsor Gary Gray (left) with Reggie Rivers
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- Stacy Ohlssen (fourth from right) and tablemates
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- Table 1 friends
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- Emcee-auctioneer Reggie Rivers
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- Board president Brendan Bartic
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- At Infinity Park Events Center
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- Brendan Bartic takes a moment to honor and remember Third Way Center’s founder, Dr. Hildegard Messenbaugh
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- Third Way Center’s former CEO Dave Eisner prepares to lead a group toast in honor of founder Dr. Messenbaugh
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- (l to r): Roosevelt Lesh, with Jasmine and Alex Miller
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- Checking silent auction bids
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- (l to r): Meagan C, Jess and Alondra
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- Aaron and Emily Charney
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- Cowboy attire ruled the night.
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- Danielle and Marcus McCracken
