Lower Downtown Denver’s spacious EXDO Event Center provided an ideal setting for an “enchanted party” otherwise known as the Fiesta Encantada 2013, the 19th annual signature event fundraiser for Clinica Tepeyac held Saturday night, September 28.

Long before the battle for universal health care coverage for all Americans Clinica Tepeyac health care center was established in north Denver decades ago to support and provide health care for those who are uninsured and underserved. Denver Mayor Michael Hancock praised Clinica founders Jim and Gloria Garcia and thanked guests for supporting low-cost and free health care services for Denver residents.

“For nearly twenty years,” the mayor said, “Clinica Tepeyac has filled in the gap for people who have needed health services but could not find or afford it anywhere else.”

The Clinica honored Kaiser Permanente with the Community Partner Award and Dr Charles Jenkins received the Jim and Gloria Garcia Founders Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service. Past Denver Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Patty Baca was honored with the Corazon and Alma Award.

Mariachi Vasquez performed for the cocktail reception during the reception and silent auction. The invocation was given by Rabbi Richard Rheins of Temple Sinai which was followed by a colorful and exuberant performance by Grupo Folklorico Sabor Latino before the start of dinner featuring blackberry jalapeño glazed pork tenderloin and chicken breasts with avocado jicama salsa.

The after-dinner entertainment featured Mariachi Vasquez and the Cleo Parker Robinson dance troupe which kept the audience engaged throughout the evening. 9News anchor/reporter Gregg Moss and actor/singer Jesse Ogas served as emcees for the event that attracted more than 600 guests. Dressed in a traditional mariachi clothing, Ogas sang with the band and helped with the live auction led by Jim Bertz, who managed to auction off an autographed Peyton Manning helmet for $1,200 and an original painting titled “La Curandera Encantada” (The Enchanted Healer”) by Carlos Fresquez.

The evening closed with special performance by Trio Encantada and Mariachi Vargas performing the Mexican classic “Volver, Volver”. For more information on Clinica Tepeyac visit www.clinicatepeyac.org

Blacktie Colorado
Blacktie Colorado