Just shy of its 30th Anniversary Earthlinks celebrated its annual fundraiser: “Imagine! A Place to Bloom” on September 24, the first week of Fall.
Honoree Diana Flahive introduces and recognizes volunteer Sloane Sussman, 13, who has gathered lunches for the unhoused with her classmates since 2nd grade. She hopes to start her own non-profit.
Founded in 1996, EarthLinks is a social-enterprise nonprofit located in the Sun Valley neighborhood of Denver that creates Earth-centered programming for people experiencing homelessness and poverty.
One of the themes or beliefs of the organization is that “Community Ends Isolation”.
Program participants are involved in a wide variety of activities including gardening, Earth-friendly crafts, art and or products while benefiting from skills development and other guidance provided by a case manager for support.
Folks down on their luck take part in activities which boost self-esteem and motivation. Moreover, they are given a safe, peaceful space to foster empowerment, resilience, and collectivity while also sustaining the planet.
Earthlinks Program Director Jay Rezka, Carol Rezka, and Board member Kristen Dean
As part of the event some of Denver’s most passionate advocates supporting Earthlinks’ mission are recognized. This year’s honorees included: Gilla Lachnitt, The Next50 Foundation, and Diana Flahive. Also recognized was Sloane Sussman, a young teen who with her classmates collects free lunches for the unhoused.
Gilla Lachnitt is among the leaders of the Jefferson Unitarian Church’s Food & Nourishment Task Force. The Next50 Foundation fights ageism and provides economic opportunities for older adults. Diana Flahive is the Executive Director of Capitol Hill United Ministries and the Women’s Homelessness Initiative.
For more information please visit www.earthlinks-colorado.org
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- Earthlinks provides support for the unhoused through a variety of programs
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- Nancy Hopper, Brian Henderson (Auctioneer), Kenton Kuhn with Diana Flahive
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- Meeting old and new friends
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- More than enough silent auction items.
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- Many handcrafted arts were available for bid
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- Hannah Fenton, DJ Nick, Kate Beveridge
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- It’s tough to decide with so many options
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- Trish Pacheco, Board Member Sue Artone-Fricke, and Sen Nguyen helped keep the event organized
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- Steve (center) and Karen Kudebeh examine items
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- Enjoying the evening with great food and neighbors
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- Volunteer Taylor Vanasse and Assistant Director of Operations Hannah Fenton,
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- Rachelle Macur, Board President Elizabeth Stanton
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- Sharing a laugh
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- Operations Director Kate Beveridge with honoree Diana Flahive
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- Plenty of silent auction items from which to bid
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- Roz Heise is a longtime CHUM WHI Volunteer
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- Some 200 guests supported this year’s fundraiser
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- Honoree Gilla Lachnitt chats with a table mate
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- Just hanging out at the silent auction table
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- Megan McDonald of Complete Wedding and Events hosted the specialty food booth
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- About 300 attended this year’s event
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- Brian Henderson, CHUM WHI Volunteer, and Kathleen VanVorhis
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- Local youth participants help with catering duties
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- Some 300 guests attended the annual fundraiser this year
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- Special thanks to this year’s sponsors
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- Earthlinks was founded in 1996
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- DJ Nick in the house
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- Special Thanks to the Mintz Law firm for supporting this event
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- The Next50Foundation was recognized for their contributions
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- Next50 representatives were honored at the annual fundraiser
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- Much support came from the local sisterhood
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- Several Catholic orders of sisters supported this year’s eventl
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- Program Director Jay Reszka describes Earthlinks’ mission
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- Honoree Gilla Lachnitt shared her support for the Earthlinks mission
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- Gilla Lachnit represents the Food & Nourishment Task Force sponsored by the Jefferson Unitarian Church in Golden
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- Operations Director Kate Beveridge set the stage for the evening program
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- Operations Director Kate Beveridge presents Founders Award to Rach Angard of Next50 Foundation
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- Kate Beveridge presents the Foundress Award to Diana Flahive, Executive Director of the Capitol Hill United Ministries and Women’s Homelessness Initiative (CHUM WHI)
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- Diana Flahive was recognized Director of the Capitol Hill United Ministries Womens Homeless Initiative
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- One of the strengths of the organization is the gardening programs
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- Flowers for honoree Diana Flahive
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- Earthlinks Board President Elizabeth Staton
