2019 Denver Scholarship Foundation Gala: College. It’s Possible.
The annual Denver Scholarship Foundation Gala continues to be a convivial event made up of an engaging mix of students, educators and supporters…and downright inspiring stories of success. But it’s a simple, signature move that always steals the show–and rightfully so. When spotlights hit the high-five, music-driven procession of scholars and recent alumni entering the ballroom, it’s three minutes of “wow.” Add dynamic speaker Geoffrey Canada to the mix, and this year’s fundraiser was a memory-maker.
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock high-fives a DSF scholar.
On Wednesday, Sept. 25, nearly 800 guests converged on the Hyatt Regency Hotel at Colorado Convention Center to celebrate the accomplishments of Denver Scholarship Foundation’s students and alumni. Listening to real-life stories of journeys made up of challenges conquered and the power of education is always an enlightening and inspirational experience. Additionally impactful is the tradition of seating a DSF Scholar or Alum at each of the 80 tables, giving supporters the unique opportunity to learn even more about these exceptional young people during the dinner hour.
Emcee Anne Trujillo, Denver7 news anchor and longtime DSF supporter, presided over the evening’s dinner program, and also was recognized as a new DSF board member. Those who addressed the crowd included: CEO Lorii Rabinowitz, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, DSF alumni Amy Faliano Hamill and Cara Faliano, and student speakers Lazarus West and Lawrence West. After their inspirational words, guests had the opportunity to make on-the-spot donations via text and old-school physical envelopes. The anonymous presenting sponsor covered all event expenses to ensure that every single dollar was given to Denver Scholarship Foundation, and Colorado Scholarship Initiative (COSI) doubled every onsite donation.The evening ended with a riveting talk by force-of-nature Geoffrey Canada, award-winning educator, author and activist, founder and president of Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) since 1990.
Keynote speaker Geoffrey Canada and Denver’s Gloria Neal
The Denver Scholarship Foundation makes college possible for thousands of Denver Public Schools graduates each year. DSF’s unique, three-part program for college success has been nationally recognized for its effectiveness, working proactively with all DPS seniors at Future Centers located inside DPS high schools.
Each Future Center is staffed by a full-time DSF College Advisor who guides students through the college application and financial aid processes.Together with partners and DPS, DSF reached 2,827 seniors in 2017-18. The organization awards need-based scholarships that can be used over four years to DPS graduates attending a community college, university or technical college in Colorado. To date, DSF has awarded $38 million in scholarships to 6,376 Scholars, including 2,238 graduates. The organization partners directly with colleges to provide scholarship recipients with extra financial aid and ongoing support to help them succeed and ultimately graduate. Since 2012, 78 percent of all DSF Scholars have graduated or continue to succeed in their program. For more information, please visit https://denverscholarship.org.
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- Co-chairs Michelle Hanley (left) and Heidi Hoyt
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- Dr. Tony Frank (left) and Nathan Ocadena
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- Saul Huerta and Patti Schwartzberg
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- (l to r): Renae Bellew, and Geoff and Susan Barker
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- (l to r): Adrian Mendoza, Fryda Faugier Ferreira, Esmeralda Rodriguez and Connie Jaime-Lujan
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- (l to r): Natasha Garfield, Michael Kelly and Janet McCall
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- Melvin Casillas-Munoz and Brianna Dimas
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- Mena Hashim (left) and Nabaa Hashim
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- (l to r): Shannon Stone, Joe Blake and Carol Carter
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- Event co-chairs: Bruce and Heidi Hoyt (left) and Michelle and John Hanley
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- (l to r): Lawrence West, Nathan Cadena and Lazarus West
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- Aline Muragizi and Benjamin Itangishaka
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- Keynote speaker Geoffrey Canada and Denver’s Gloria Neal
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- (l to r): Andy and Polly Frison, Irma Lockridge, Kathleen Stark and Frank Lockridge
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- (l to r): Naichen Zhao, Caren Press, John Vaughey, Rachel Kamnkhwani, Rona Press
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- (l to r): Sponsor Steve Woodward, Claudine Brandt and Anthony Paul
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- (l to r): Heather LaHaie, Shannon Peterson, Chrissy Holliday and Patricia Whitehouse
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- (l to r): Francisco Muniz, Jim Margole, Alexandra Soto and Rachel Muhawenimana
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- (l to r): Scott Long, Allison Johnson, Jim Chavez
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- (l to r): Cassandra Lamas Ortega, Juan Calvo, Jorge Armendarez, Jehovana Flores, Safiya Abdulhalzim, Lauren Koppel
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- Maren Stewart and Trey Rogers
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- Bill and Kristin Waters
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- Melanie and committee member Blake Fulenwider
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- Benjamin Brown and Esperanza Garcia (with Denver’s iconic Blue Bear in the background)
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- (l to r): David Aragon, Karel and Bob Boswell, and Linda and committee member Rich Schierburg
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- (l to r): Mike Johnston, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock and Denver First Lady Mary Louise Lee, and Jerry Guck
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- (l to r): Nicole Cobian, Angela Cobian, Anthony Graves, Marisa Molina and Fryda Faugier Ferreira
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- A DSF scholar or alum was seated at every table.
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- Tables are set in the Centennial Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center.
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- Mary Coleman (center) with young friends William Arney and Claire Arney
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- (l to r): Esmeralda Rodriguez, Gladis Gee and Lluvia Garcia
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- Nearly 800 guests settle in for dinner.
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- DSF’s CEO Lorii Rabinowitz
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- Denver Mayor Michael Hancock
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- Denver Mayor Michael Hancock high-fives a DSF scholar.
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- Michael Hancock enthusiastically hugs Denver School Board member Angela Cobian after the scholar-alumni procession.
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- Anne Trujillo, emcee and Denver7 news anchor
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- Scholars and alumni, post-procession
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- Catching a segment of scholars and alumni leaving the stage
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- Anthony and Michelle Trail
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- DSF alumni Amy Faliano Hamill and Cara Faliano
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- Denver7 news anchor Anne Trujillo, also event emcee, acknowledges the announcement that she is now a DSF board member.
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- DSF scholars Lazarus West (left) and Lawrence West speak to the crowd.
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- Lazarus and Lawrence West received a standing ovation after their inspiring stories were aired in a video.
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- Zulema Sierra, DSF advisor at North High School; and DSF scholar Lawrence West
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- Guests could write on-the-spot checks or donate via text.
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- Texting a donation to DSF
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- Benjamin Itangishaka introduces keynote speaker Geoffrey Canada
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- Keynote speaker Geoffrey Canada, Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) president
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- Dynamic speaker Geoffrey Canada talks about his passion for college education for deserving students.
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- Keynote speaker Geoffrey Canada had the audience riveted.
