
In just its third year hosting an annual benefit, family justice center PorchLight has put together a crowd-pleasing formula—a great blend of fun, music, food and a welcoming atmosphere. The fundraiser’s “wear whatever makes you feel comfortable” dress code is always a hit. So it’s no wonder that this Thursday-night event, even with school and work looming the next day, was a huge success. These folks do significant work filling a needed niche for victims of abuse. And the opportunity to support them? Always the most important thing.

The Coveralls perform.
On Sept. 19, guests made a beeline for the iconic Buffalo Rose in Golden. A “spirits” pull, silent auction and a series of food-and-beverage stations with nonstop options combined for a great start to the event. Spirited band The Coveralls kicked off the main portion of the evening’s agenda with energetic music that had people bouncing even as they mixed-and-mingled.
Emcee Lauren Scafidi, of 9News, presided over a program with speakers that included: Board Chair Jenn Payne, executive director and founder Candace Cooledge, and an impactful story told by survivor and PorchLight client Natalia Wyatt. Then, auctioneer Gary Corbett, a familiar face in Denver, led a live auction with great items including an autographed Nuggets basketball. But we especially loved the dinner package, good at our hometown favorite—Casa Bonita, of course!

Program speaker Natalia Wyatt, with Brandon Bowles, development and communications manager
From PorchLight: PorchLight is a family justice center, one location where survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking and other forms of abuse can access a wide array of supportive services, all free of charge and without appointment. PorchLight opened its doors in February 2021 and is one of only two family justice centers in Colorado. “PorchLight makes it easier for victims to seek help, reduces the number of times victims have to tell their story, and improves the accessibility of services and resources,” says Candace Cooledge. For more information about how you, your agency or your community can get involved, contact hope@porchlightfjc.org or call 720-853-8850.
- Victim advocate Sara James (left), with founder and executive director Candace Cooledge
- (l to r): Board vice chair Cheryle Powell, Eric Frans, board member Kate Aronow and Tim Powell
- (l to r): Kate Aronow, Cheryle Powell, Vista Exline and Anita
- Chatting at the pre-event reception (l to r); Krista Braton, Angie Oberlie, Aleigha Roundy, Denise Snow, Kiara Kuenzler
- Amanda and Edward Lomena
- Pam Russell and Joel Almeida
- Dawn Buringa, Mike Chavez
- Rebecca Smith Tucker (left) and Paige Cloyd
- Board Chair Jenn Payne (left) and Kiara Kuenzler
- Program speaker Natalia Wyatt, with Brandon Bowles, development and communications manager
- Caleb Odenbach and Sarah Bennett
- (l to r): Joanie and Guy Lucero, with Wheat Ridge city council member Janeece Hoppe
- A bird’s-eye view of Buffalo Rose main seating
- (l to r): Development/communications director Brandon Bowles, founder and executive director Candace Cooledge, and board members Kate Aranow, Cheryle Powell
- Dawson LaRance (left), with Chuck Zimmerman
- Grabbing some tasty food
- Todd and Christine Wagner (left), Shawn Payne
- The spirits pull table
- Live auction items waiting for high bids
- This guest was first in line for the silent auction.
- Tables are readied at Buffalo Rose.
- Denise Snow (left), Krista Braton
- (l tor ): Rebecca Smith Tucker, Paige Cloyd, Saphia Elfituri, Brandon Buenavidez
- (l to r): Deb Brickman, Steve Degout, Debbie Hall, Kate Aronow
- Auctioneer Gary Corbett (left), with Claudette and Earl Elder
- One of the many food stations
- Tom McMillen, with The Coveralls band (left) and Mike Chavez
- Putting in a bid at the silent auction
- Tom McMillen checks out an auction item.
- The silent auction remained popular all night.
- Contemplating a silent auction item
- Nicole Lopez and Jesse Manchego
- Mike and Emily Karpeles
- (l to r); Rob and Cheryl Balgley, David and Lauren Balgley
- Nicole Lopez (left), Jesse Manchego and Alicia Salazar
- (l to r): Marissa Hazell, Mike Oldham, Keith Tooley, Kathy Standage, board member Don Hazell
- Joe Kerby, Jeffco County Manager, and Betsy Anderson
- Board member Janeece Hoppe (left), with Arvada council member Sharon Davis
- A little spirits envy at the pull?
- Deputy Director Nicole Lopez (left), with Executive Director Candace Cooledge and Brandon Bowles, communications and development
- The Coveralls, front and center
- The Coveralls perform.
- Jonathan and Toni Saiber
- Kelly and Dave Kast
- Kirsten Buzako (left) and Franki Behnke
- Something at the silent auction caught her eye.