Jeannie Ritter Speaks out for Mental Health

Community Health Charities hosted their 5th Annual Health Heroes at Work Recognition Breakfast, May 6, 2015 at The Studio Loft.

Cheryl Preheim from 9News introduced the organization and spoke of Denver’s Community Health Charities saying, “Their mission is to connect caring donors in the workplace with our nation’s most trusted health charities.” Workplaces like King Soopers, Kaiser Permanente, TIAA-CREF and many more such as Ameristar Casinos, Great-West Financial, Hunter Douglas, Hyatt Regency, Johns Manville, LenderLive Network, NREL, and Wells Fargo who show support for 52 local charities through partnerships and payroll contribution gifts.

On this Mile High rainy, spring morning, Community Health Charities proudly presented Campaign Excellence Awards 2015to King Soopers/City Market, Kaiser Permanente and TIAA-CREF.    The 2015 Campaign Success Awards were presented to Ameristar Casino Resort Spa, Great-West Financial, Hunter Douglas, Hyatt Regency Denver, Johns Manville, LenderLive Network Network, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Wells Fargo.  All awardees were recognized for the way their giving campaign improves Colorado for all of us.

Former First Lady Jeannie Ritter, Mental Health Ambassador from Mental Health Center of Denver, gave an enthusiastic, upbeat presentation focused on children. She has been a champion of emotionally disturbed children in Denver Public Schools since serving as First Lady. With her heartfelt interest for those in need of mental health education and services, she shared two powerful videos that left the guests teary eyed yet acutely aware of the need and impact of mental health on children and families.

Becky Haddad was awarded the 2015 Community Health Hero of the Year Award. She has been a dedicated volunteer for Susan G. Komen Colorado for more than 20 years and has served on the board for more than 10 years. She was recognized as the Health Hero of the Year for her tireless volunteer efforts and for serving as a role model for fellow cancer survivors. Unfortunately, Haddad was attending an Anti-cancer Workshop at Duke University for Susan G. Komen Colorado, and couldn’t be there to accept the award. Her children, Tim and Mindi, dabbing tears away, proudly accepted this honor on behalf of their mother, Becky Haddad.

Other 2015 Community Health Hero Nominees were Laura Crowley, Angel Eyes; Mike Mills, Arthritis Foundation; Anna Aranda, Craig Hospital; Michael Lederer, Developmental Pathways; Dr. Joseph Dankey, KIND; Peggy Fetchenhier, Home Health Care; Kerrie Olsen, Down Syndrome Association.

Everyone left a little less sleepy and warmly satisfied that the mission they support is working successfully in our health communities.

For more information on Community Health Charities call 303-758-0069. 1660 South Albion Street, Ste. 1004, Denver 80222. www.healthcharities.org