Rocky Mountain MS Center continues to demonstrate that it’s entirely possible to put together an annual fundraising gala that combines onsite fundraising opportunities and messages of success and encouragement alongside a delicious dinner and entertainment that adds up to a complete, fun party on a mission. On Saturday, Sept. 26, under a beautiful harvest moon, 500 guests and supporters gathered at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel to take part in an artfully planned and executed evening.
The gala began with a cocktail reception and silent auction before guests made their way to the ballroom. Those who spoke during an informative dinner program: emcee Kyle Dyer, CEO Gina Hensrud, board chair Michael Perischitte, event co-chairs Dr. Michael and Lyn Schaffer and Suzanne Hickox. Veteran auctioneer Gary Corbett had people reaching for their wallets during the live auction, and the evening ended with casino games, plus dancing to energetic XO Band.
Reps from sponsor Genentech
From RMMSC: The gala is the premier annual fundraising event for the Rocky Mountain MS Center and brings together leaders, partners and advocates united by a shared commitment to improving the lives of people living with multiple sclerosis and related neurological conditions.Proceeds directly support patient care, community services, educational initiatives and innovative research efforts that drive progress and hope for our MS community.
Enrique Alvarez, M.D., RMMSC medical director (left) and John Corboy, M.D.
As Colorado’s largest center dedicated to comprehensive MS care, support, education and research, the Rocky Mountain MS Center delivers a nationally recognized model of care that meets individuals and families wherever they are on their MS journey. Philanthropic investment makes this work possible — expanding access to specialized care, advancing research and strengthening programs that address the physical, emotional, and practical realities of life with MS. To learn more, go to https://mscenter.org/ .
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- CEO Gina and Michael Hensrud
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- Terry Martin and Paula Wilson
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- (l to r): Dana Veitch, Ann Hickox, Daniel Watling, Steve Hickox
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- Committee member Suzanne Hickox (left) and Judy McWilliams
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- Contemplating a bid at the silent auction
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- Dennis Severson and Lee Shaughnessy
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- Event co-chair Lyn Schaffer, with emcee Kyle Dyer
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- The Bengtsen family (l to r): Elissa, Brooke, Ron and Robin
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- The registration table stayed busy as guests arrived.
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- Getting ready for an event photo opportunity
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- Ariana and Jon Conlon
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- (l to r): Shelley and George Schneider, with auctioneer Gary Corbett
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- Tables are readied for 500 guests at the Sheraton.
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- Casino Party USA’s Taylor Harper (center) holds a pre-games practice session.
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- Kathy and Bob Costello
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- Stephen Daniels, M.D., from Children’s Hospital Colorado, and Dee Daniels
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- At the silent auction
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- (l to r): Teri Schreiner, M.D.: Braun Mincher, Andrea and Joseph McBreen, Andrea and Janice Moore, George Athanasopoulos and Ashley Young
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- Al Fisher (left) and Dana Veitch
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- (l to r): Jenni Bilgo, Nikki Fisher, committee member Terri Fisher, Cyndy Marsh, Sandi Hewins
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- Honorary board member, committee member and sponsor Adrienne Ruston Fitzgibbons and event co-chair and sponsor Lyn Schaffer
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- Children’s Colorado connection: Michael Schaffer, M.D., pediatric cardiologist, was an important part of the residency of neurologist Teri Schreiner, M.D.
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- George Athanasopoulos and Ashley Young
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- Event co-chairs and sponsors Lyn and Michael Schaffer, M.D.
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- Suzanne Hickox and Wade Dent
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- Alice Foster and Steve Foster (front row), with Vicki and Jack Box
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- (l to r): Jimmy Yip, Lyn Schaffer, Stephanie and Kevin Tung
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- Tyler Martin (left), with Nancy and Jeff Martin
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- Irene and Paul Van Woensel
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- CEO Gina Hensrud (second from left), with Rocky Mountain MS Center staff and supporters
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- (l to r) Event co-chairs Michael Schaffer, M.D. and Lyn Schaffer, with Teri Schreiner, M.D. and Braun Mincher
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- Kristin with board VP and committee member Shawn Miller
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- Amber Gashler (left), with Teresa and Mark Garcia
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- (l to r): Auction co-chair Denise McArthur, Mark Johnson, committee member Suzanne Hickox, Ann Hickox
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- The XO Band had people dancing.
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- The XO Band lead singer belts out a familiar song.
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- Matt and Anna Doerler
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- Enrique Alvarez, M.D., RMMSC medical director (left) and John Corboy, M.D.
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- Reps from sponsor Genentech
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- Father and son: Herschel and David Caldwell
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- Emcee Kyle Dyer
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- CEO Gina Hensrud
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- Board Chair Michael Persichette recognizes special guests from the podium.
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- Event co-chairs Michael Schaffer, M.D. and Lyn Schaffer
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- The crowd settles in for a plated dinner.
