Where were you 50 years ago? In Denver, a wonderful organization was in its first days helping special-needs children with educational and vocational opportunities. At an event that was truly golden, HOPE Center celebrated its 50 years of service in metro Denver with a Vintage Vegas-themed gala where everyone was a winner.
President/CEO Gerie Grimes celebrates HOPE Center’s 50 years of service to metro Denver.
On Saturday, March 7, supporters gathered at the Sherman Street Event Center where they were greeted with enticements that included casino-style games, an array of silent auction items and tasty tidbits that were a perfect match for the glittering, glamourous guest attire.
The program was presented in segments to allow guests ample time for mixing, mingling, enjoying tasty tidbits—and to play casino games, too, of course. CBS4 personality and emcee Gloria Neal presided over the presentations, beginning with a welcome message from Denver Mayor Michael Hancock. HOPE Center President/CEO Gerie Grimes talked about the organization’s accomplishments, and co-chair and HOPE Center former parent Rev. Dr. Regina Groff talked in detail about the successful educational journey of her son and daughter—that began with a solid foundation from HOPE Center teachers and staff.
The organization honored individually a contingent of people for their help over the years: The Butler family, Dr. John Fischer and Charles Bloom; and posthumously: Farmer Reini and former chief justice of the Colorado Supreme Court Luis Rovira. After a spirited live auction led by Debbie Stafford, the crowd kicked up its heels to the soulful sounds of the Mary Louise Lee Band.
HOPE Center provides educational and vocational opportunities for special-needs and at-risk children and adults from 2-1/2 years to adulthood. It is a community-based agency dedicated to meeting the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities, developmental delays and persons in need of specialized educational or vocational services. These services are provided in order to develop, maintain and enhance the functioning of each enrollee.
The philosophy of service is to admit individuals to programs within the agency which meet their needs and requirements as specifically as possible. Length of service within a given program is dependent upon assessed individual needs, program goals and objectives. Enrollees are served in a normal environment with services assessed periodically to evaluate the program.
All enrollees of HOPE Center are treated with dignity and respect and are accorded the civil and human rights to which they are entitled. For more information, please visit: HopeCenterInc.org.
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- President/CEO Gerie Grimes celebrates HOPE Center’s 50 years of service to metro Denver.
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- Kevin Robinson and Gerie Grimes
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- (l to r): Marshelle Fox, Deborah Riley and Zodella Cole
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- Annette Johnson and Chuck Moss
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- Auctioneer and former state representative Debbie Stafford
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- The 21 tables were hopping all night.
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- Michael’s of Denver provided catering services.
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- Cherrelyn Napue (left) with Marshelle Fox
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- (l to r): Veronica O. Wright, Rebel Saffold and Bayonne Holmes
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- Joyce Askew (left) and Niki Gill
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- Ready for roulette (l to r): Kevin, Courtney, Kyle and Jennifer
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- Josephine Baez (left) and Emery Gonzalez
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- Eric Herbs and Grace Herbison
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- Boa beauties (l to r): Yvonne Floyd, Joyce Ortiz, Josephine Baez and Emery Gonzalez
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- (l tor ): Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, President-CEO Gerie Grimes, Annette Johnson and Chuck Moss
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- Dr. Zelda DeBoyes and Andy Hatch
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- Dr. Donald Rice and Cheryl Pegues
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- Brad Clemons and Pamela Harris
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- Jill Carty and Michael Tew
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- The Butler family, one of this year’s award recipients for service to HOPE Center
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- Josh and Carolyn Scott
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- Perusing the silent auction
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- Leausha Cunningham (left) and Athilla Sayers
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- Makisha Boothe (left) and Dr. Regina Groff
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- Amani Ali, with wife and emcee Gloria Neal (center), and President/CEO Gerie Grimes
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- Aquilla McKnight (left) and Rachel Starks
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- Kevin Smolka and Angela Bjerke
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- Robert and Marion Brown, with Pasqual Slaughter (right)
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- Marion and Robert Brown
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- Veronica O. Wright at the gorgeous catering display
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- Anita West-Ware (left) and Yvette Hunt
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- (l to r): Makisha Boothe, DPS Board of Education VP Happy Haynes, Dr. Regina Groff and Traci Groff Jones
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- Denver Mayor Michael Hancock welcomed the crowd with high praise for HOPE Center
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- Denetria and Robert Andrews
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- (l to r): Rhonda Sams, Jeff Howard and Christina Hayden
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- (l to r): Linda Williams, Peg and former HOPE Center Director George Brantley, Larry Williams and President/CEO Gerie Grimes
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- Hope’s President/CEO Gerie Grimes, with Doug Linkhart
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- Dr. RJ and Sheila Price
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- (l to r): Kenneth Seaman, Tasha Jones and Dominique Jones
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- The registration table stayed busy throughout the evening. Bruce Duran, Otis Preston, Van Nguyen
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- Kim Jacobs and Dennis Hase
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- Danielle Yette (left) and Genevie Frederick
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- Putting in a strong bid at the silent auction
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- (l to r): Khadija Haynes, Kenneth Grimes and Dr. Franita Ware
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- Awaiting the live auction
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- Gerie (Butler) Grimes looks on as her family accepts its award.
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- Rev. Dr. Regina Groff, co-chair and HOPE Center parent talks about the positive growth of her son and daughter.
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- President/CEO Gerie Grimes addresses the crowd.
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- Ready to ante up at the poker table
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- It was a great evening for family and friends.
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- Board chairperson CT and Rosalyn Smith
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- Charles Bloom accepts one of the evening’s awards for the United Mainliners.
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- Board chairperson Charles T. Smith, with award recipient Dr. John Fischer
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- The Butler family, one of the evening’s award recipients
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- Beverly Fischer and Award Recipient Dr. John Fischer
