It’s not a secret anymore that mental health concerns affect virtually every family in one way or another. It’s time to stop hiding behind the stigma and take action. Colorado is one of the nation’s leaders in suicides and unfortunately was the site of one of the worst mass shootings in history. Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression…these are all sicknesses that need to be brought out from behind the shadows and treated, like any other illness. But since they are not physically based, they are sometimes difficult to define.
In order to call attention to this ever-pressing problem, Mental Health of America of Colorado is hosting their annual Tribute gala on October 3, 2015. Honorees will be the dedicated group of climbers who are in the process of scaling all 54 “fourteeners” in Colorado in 10 weeks to put a spotlight on mental illness. This project, which already has gained media attention, is called “Climb Out of the Darkness.”
A kickoff reception for Tribute was held on Thursday at the Cherry Hills Country Club. New MHAC President and CEO Andrew Romanoff gave an impassioned speech calling supporters to action. Board Chairman Chuck Reyman also thanked sponsors, volunteers, staff and committee members. Kay Greene added sentiments about why she has joined the fight against mental illness and one of the Tribute chairs, Monika Dewitt, talked about why she was recruited for the effort.
To find out more information about Tribute or to find out about mental health programs in Colorado, log on to www.mhacolorado.org.
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- Special Events Coordinator Beth Danilson, left, with VP of Public Policy and Strategic Initiatives, Moe Keller
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- Robert Mines, left, and Ryan Lucas
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- Eva Levi, left, Ed George and Liam Baronofsky helped to greet guests
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- Board member Dyana Furmansky, left and Elisabetta Mirra
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- Andrea Damico, lelft, Kay Greene and Frances Owens
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- Tom Barrett PhD, left, and Kickoff Chair Don Cook
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- Annaleisa Friednash and Dr. Marti Friednash
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- Gene and Wanda Schnabel
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- Dr. Leslye Steptoe, left, Dr. Lydia Prado and Joanne Aiello
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- Tom Flanagan and VP of External Affairs and COO Laura Cordes
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- Tom Flanagan, left, Maureen Duran, Dr. Stu Kassan (board member)
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- Dr. Pegi Touff chats with Frances Owens
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- David Henninger, left, and Todd Laurie
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- Pam and Mike Guthrie
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- Former MHAC CEO Jeanne Rohner, left, Pam and Mike Guthrie and Dr. Tom Barrett
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- Pam and Sam DeAngelis
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- Laura Cordes chats with Margaret Booth
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- Terry Biddinger talks with David Henninger
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- Jeanne Rohner, left, Dr. Tom Barrett and Maureen Duran
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- Dr. Sandra Rhodes talks with Robert Mines
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- Michael Dunahay and Rollie Jordan–Michael used to caddy at Cherry Hills CC when he was a kid
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- President and CEO Andrew Romanoff, left, Ashleigh Phillips, Diane Winters, Ryan Lucas
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- VP of Programs and Community Resources Jamie Gulick, left, and Dr. Sandra Rhodes
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- Mitch Berdie PsyD chats with Moe Keller
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- Don Cook, left, Caroline Pugh, Evan Silverman
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- Craig Fales greets Dr. Stuart Kassan
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- Herbert and Mary Merrill
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- Frances Owens, left, and Lisa Williams
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- David Henninger chats with Robyn Loup
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- Lisa Wilson and Terry Ganey
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- Gina and Blake Welch, left, with Barb and Chuck Reyman (board chair)
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- Terry Ganey, left, and Kenneth Krause MD
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- Tim Webb and Jamie Gulick
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- Moe Keller and Nan Morehead
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- Dr. Tom Barrett and his wife Kathy Bartlett
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- Michael Dunahay compares notes with Andrew Romanoff
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- Evan Silverman and Nancy Alterman
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- Caroline Pugh, left, Evan Silverman, Dyana Furmansky, Bert Furmansky
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- View of the course from the clubhouse
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- Robyn and Brett Spurr (board member)
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- Dr. Stuart and Gail Kassan with Don Cook
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- Fred Jauch and Kay Greene
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- Carrie Varela and Jonathan Bloch
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- Angela Visconti and Craig Fales
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- Nancy and Sam Gary
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- Dr. Pegi Touff, Bill Saslow and Chuck Reyman
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- Terry Biddinger, left, and Jeanne Rohner
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- Chuck Reyman talks with Moe Keller
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- Board Chair Chuck Reyman thanked supporters
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- Chuck Reyman with remarks
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- President and CEO Andrew Romanoff welcomes everyone
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- Andrew Romanoff makes a point
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- Kay Greene talks about why she became involved with MHAC
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- Kay Greene talks to attendees
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- Tribute Co-Chair Monika DeWitt addresses the audience
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- Monika DeWitt talks about why she is involved
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- Peter and former State Representative Nancy Spence
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- Jimmy and Jamie Gulick, left, Kristine Maday, Tim Webb and Beth Danilson
