Celebrating 60 years of advances in mental health leadership in Colorado, Mental Health America of Colorado held a gala at the Denver Marriott City Center on Saturday, October 26, 2013. Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception during which they browsed a large selection of silent auction items, followed by the dinner program in the ballroom.
Following dinner, guests heard an inspiring talk from Donald Mares, President and CEO, about the changes which have occurred over the past 60 years in the care of mental health. Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper then greeted guests and discussed recent legislation passed in the Colorado legislature to provide additional support for mental health services. Dyana Furmansky, chair of the MHAC board of directors, acknowledged the sponsors and supporters of the organization, and a video commemorating the last 60 years of MHAC was shown.
Following dinner, guests were treated to a live auction with two of the top local auctioneers, Paul C Behr of Centennial Colorado and Sammy Hamblen, of Pierce Colorado. A surprise performance by Donald Mares, President and CEO of MHAC and his band ‘Nearly There’ was a big hit, and the auction of a performance by the band and a dinner for eight prepared by chef Corey Cain raised $14,000 for the organization! The night was capped off by dancing to the Mary Louise Lee Band.
-
- A commemorative ale was bottled especially for MHAC and was available for sale at the gala
-
- Guests arrived at the Denver Marriott City Center for the MHAC 60th Anniversary Gala
-
- 60th anniversary Tribute guests browsed the silent auction
-
- A large selection of silent auction items kept guests busy during the cocktail reception
-
- Bill and Edie Sonn (event co-chair)
-
- Eric Jaworski (left) with Annie Lee, Emily Blanford, and Josh Block
-
- Jacy Conradt (left) with Ed George, Amanda Chaney and Sara Struckman
-
- Eric Uhlberg and Marti Awad
-
- Greg and Kat Torres arriving at the gala
-
- Alyson Fetherolf (left), Jamie Gulick, and Sarah Struckman
-
- Bob Lucero, previous MHAC director, with his wife Charlotte and MHAC President and CEO Donald Mares
-
- Patrick Demofonte (left) with Natalie Pyle and Greg Greenhalge
-
- Susan and Tom Flanagan of presenting sponsor Citywide Banks
-
- Elyse Bassman (left) with Alexis Kleiman, Elizabeth Weirich, and Carlin Graham
-
- Alan Hannifir (left) with Katie Bronson and Patricia and Randall Taylor
-
- Brian Nuttall with Beth Williams and Teresa Mayer
-
- Beth Williams (left) with Brian Nuttall, Teresa Mayer, Scott Williams of HealthOne, and Marita Keeling
-
- Joyce and Donny Davidson enjoy the reception
-
- Brad and Amy Ash (left) with Barbara & Steve Wagner
-
- Sheena Sanders (left) with Rosa Ramos
-
- Andrea Smith (left) with Brealyn and James Landis
-
- The silent auction area was full of festive and fantastic deals
-
- Linda Moore (left) with Judith Boyd and Traci Jones
-
- Nicole Kitei with Patrick Fox
-
- George and Yonnie Dikeou enjoying the cocktail reception
-
- Cara Lawrence (left) with RJ Ross and Roberta Greengarde
-
- Diane Wheeler (left) with Bev Marquez and Cheri Skelding
-
- Don Cook (left) with Michael and Heidi Hammell and Keith Trammell
-
- The ballroom at the Marriott was festively decorated in preparation for the MHAC 60th Anniversary Celebration
-
- Dinner began with a seasonal arugula salad with marinated squash and onions
-
- The floral arragements brought a sunny fall theme to life
-
- An autographed Peyton Manning jersey was featured during the live auction
-
- The evening was designed to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Mental Health America of Colorado
-
- David and Cheryl Kufovie
-
- Chris Osmond and Leslie Banks
-
- Alyson Fetherolf (left) with Ed George and Jacy Conradt
-
- Joyce and Gary Pashel
-
- President and CEO Donald Mares discussed “Bringing Mental Health Out of the Shadows”
-
- Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper greeted guests and discussed progress on mental health legislation in Colorado
-
- Dyana Furmansky, chair of the board of directors, made acknowledgements and gave recognitions
-
- The live auction was a great success
-
- Lisa Williams assists the live auction by showing off the ladies Raymond Weil diamond watch
-
- Auctioneers Paul C Behr and Sammy Hamblen
-
- Paul C Behr goes out into the crowd during a lively auction that saw several bidding wars
-
- Band ‘Nearly There’ played several tunes for the gala guests during the auction of their live performance and dinner for 8
-
- Chef Corey Cain designed the gala menu, and along with Donald Mares and band ‘Nearly There’ auctioned off a performance and dinner for 8
-
- Auctioneer Paul C Behr looks on as Bianca Macon addresses the crowd at the start of the paddle raiser portion of the auction
