9th Annual Vintage Vegas Soiree is a Sure Bet for HOPE Center

Vegas, baby. Vegas! With masquerade attire, casino games and Mary Louise Lee’s sparkling vocals, HOPE Center’s ninth annual Vintage Vegas Casino Night…All That Glitters was a tribute to the 1930s—a time when legendary musicians introduced jazz to the French. Historic Sherman Street Event Center was a fitting venue as guests outdid themselves with both attire and attitude. At this year’s Million Lights of HOPE fundraiser, women wore glam-plus with sequins and boas, while the men donned fedoras along with Sinatra-cool to celebrate an evening devoted to the organization’s mission of helping children from low socio-economic backgrounds and adults with developmental disabilities succeed.

(l to r): HOPE Center President/CEO Gerie Grimes, State Rep. Angela Williams and event emcee, CBS4’s Gloria Neal

CBS4 favorite Gloria Neal served as a dynamic emcee, while Debbie Stafford energized the live-auction portion of the evening. The Mary Louise Lee Band added sumptuous sounds for listening and dancing throughout the evening, as guests perused the silent auction, played blackjack, roulette and craps, and nosed on tasty tidbits from Michael’s of Denver Catering. Colorado Rep. Angela Williams was recognized for her longtime support, while President/CEO Gerie Grimes and board chair C.T. Smith presented the “Light of Hope” award to CSU Denver Extension 4-H, and Outstanding Service awards to: Denver Sheriff Department’s Christmas Crusade, Concerts for Kids and US Bank.

HOPE Center provides high-quality and nationally accredited ECE programs to at-risk children, children with developmental disabilities/delays and inner-city children who are gifted. Its nationally accredited vocational program provides basic skills, work services, job training and a placement program for adults with disabilities. Most served at HOPE Center come from low socio-economic families, many at below federal poverty guidelines. For more information, please visit www.hopecenterinc.org.