The 8th annual OpenWorld Learning Gala was held at the Infinity Park Event Center in Glendale on Tuesday, October 22, 2013. Guests enjoyed browsing through fantastic silent auction items while savoring the reception and buffet of shrimp and kabobs. Children involved in the OpenWorld Learning Center greeted guests with a handshake at the door.
The emcee for the evening was Natalie Tysdal, who anchored “Everyday” and the Emmy Award-winning News2. She introduced the honorees of the evening, Mary Joy and Jerre Stead and presented them with an award for their work with OWL over the past six years. Mary Joy is on the board of directors for OWL and she and Jerre support two schools and hosted events with both Denver Mayor Michael Hancock and Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper in the past year. Roxane White presented Mary Joy and Jerre with a proclamation from Governor Hickenlooper honoring them with a day named for them.
Guests heard inspiring words from keynote speaker David Ethan Greenberg and from OWL board president Steve Halstedt, and then were inspired by an OWL student, Alia Sanchez, who told them what the program has done for her and other students.
Auctioneer Gary Corbett then brought the evening to a close with a live auction to raise funds to support the mission of the OneWorld Learning program, which is to tap the power of digital technology and peer teaching to develop leadership and ignite a love of learning. The OWL program supports the values of passion, dedication, curiosity, innovation and accountability. OWL has served nearly 6,000 students in 8 elementary schools and 3 middle schools.
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- The Event Center at Infinity Park in Glendale hosted the OpenWorld Learning Gala on Tuesday, October 22 2013
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- Guests arrived at the Event Center just as the sun was setting
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- A poster highlighted what the OpenWorld Learning program does, including teaching middle school students about robotics, teaching computer programming, and having students teach other students.
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- Gala guests were treated to a reception and buffet while they had the opportunity to browse a wide variety of silent auction items
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- Candy Sotwick (left) and Robin Abrams enjoying the reception
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- Heath Briggs (left) with Rachael Akay, Cuneyt Kay, and Tyler Coombe
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- Juan Botello and Sandra Jimenez
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- Biatriz Portillo (left) with Catherine McCoy
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- Patricia and Ron Fontenot
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- Musical entertainment was provided by Cocktail Revolution
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- Guests enjoyed the delicious buffet during the reception and silent auction
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- From left, Brad McNealy, Roxane White, Harvey Martz and Judy Martz
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- Annette Jewell (left) with Pete & Kelly Dignan
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- Lindsey Muessel (left) with Christine Key
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- Hemal Jhaveri (left), a member of the OWL board, with Chris and Kristine Laping
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- In this poster, the measurable effects of the OWL program are demonstrated
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- Tanya Gaines and Jeff Macco
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- Lea Ann Reitzig, managing director, with Steve Halstedt (center) and Raymond Martin
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- Event Co-Chairs Devon and Tyler Coombe
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- OWL student Darius Murray with James Mejia
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- Anastasia Glennie (left) with Anne Dessert and Liqian Jia
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- Melodie Muuss (left) with Brad Pace, Rebecca Klassen and Damon Whittle
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- Chris Halstedt (left) chats with Jay Busch
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- Mike and Stephanie Vaughan (left) with Mary and Mike Kester
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- Shana and Brett Wilhelm
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- Guests had the opportunity to see student presentations of their work through the OWL program
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- The theme for the 8th annual OpenWorld Learning Gala was “Writing the Code for Success”
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- The OpenWorld Learning program is affectionately known as ‘OWL’ and so the theme of owls on the tables at the gala was fitting
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- Following the buffet, guests were treated to plates of delectable goodies for a sweet finish to the evening
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- Emcee Natalie Tysdal welcomed guests and kicked off the evening’s program
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- Natalie Tysdal presents the award to Mary Joy and Jerre Stead, to honor them for their support for OWL in two area schools
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- Mary Joy Stead is on the OWL board and along with her husband, Jerre, supports the program at two Denver schools
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- Jerre Stead was honored along with Mary Joy Stead for their support of OpenWorld Learning
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- Roxane White delivers a proclamation honoring Mary Joy and Jerre Stead, on behalf of Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper
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- David Ethan Greenberg, Vice Chancellor of Institutional Partnerships at the University of Denver, delivered the keynote address
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- OWL student Alia Sanchez won the hearts of guests with her presentation about how the program has helped her. 10 year old Alia got a hand from emcee Natalie Tysdal.
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- OWL board president Steve Halstedt welcomed guests
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- Auctioneer Gary Corbett gets the crowd warmed up for the live auction, raising money for the OpenWorld Learning (OWL) programs
