
More than just a luncheon with talented entertainers and Gov. John Hickenlooper in attendance, Hope Matinee’s “Rise Up” theme was impactful. Even while addressing mental illness and substance abuse issues, the event’s mood remained positive, with messages such as gratitude, empathy, understanding and giving back. While organizers appreciated needed donations, they also asked that important messages continue beyond the event: We can openly talk about mental illness. It’s OK to ask for help. And, most importantly, there are resources are available—as close as a phone call to one of Rocky Mountain Crisis Partners’ hotlines.

CEO Bev Marquez greets Gov. John Hickenlooper
On Thursday, April 21, more than 200 supporters of RMCP met at Mile High Station for the lunchtime fundraiser. After a short time to greet old friends, the group sat down to a lunch entrées provided by 240 Union, with desserts from Harvest Moon Bakery. Kim Christiansen, 9News anchor/reporter was emcee for the lunchtime program that featured Gov. John Hickenlooper honored with the Hope in Crisis Award for his efforts to unite mental health organizations statewide. CEO Bev Marquez and RMCP’s Tammy Cunningham made the presentation. In a short talk, Hickenlooper emphasized how important it is for mental health services to be accessible for patients at medical health clinics.

School of Breaking performers
A riveting live-dance performance by students at School of Breaking was choreographed to complement audio that represented one of the thousands of calls placed at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (RMCP is the central Colorado call center for state area codes that access this lifeline). Vocalist Sophia Rodriguez was featured as soloist. The performance was followed by a real-life caller who talked in detail about her positive experience using the suicide-prevention line. RMCP’s event coordinator Tammy Cunningham, along with Rikki Allen, were honored for their hard work, as was Kim Christiansen. Marquez displayed one of three specially made Rise Up bracelets available for silent-auction bid, and guests were encouraged to contribute to the Rise Up art piece. The poster was a work-in-progress throughout the event, made up of words and drawings of how people were able to rise up in their own life.
RMCP is a statewide, 24/7, year-round community-based system of crisis intervention services from which people experience mental health and/or substance abuse crises can be assessed, safely and effectively stabilized, and efficiently linked to appropriate follow up care and services. The nonprofit offers skilled, hope-filled care to individuals and families in crisis. RMCP believes that whether it is the first or one of many experiences, if treated in an atmosphere of respect and compassion, crisis can be a unique opportunity for individuals and families to connect to life-changing treatment, support and education.
Rocky Mountain Crisis Partners operates the Colorado Crisis Services Crisis Line and Support Line, provides an extensive Program Services Directory, and offers LiveConnect Services; among other services that include the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Follow-Up Services. Most people who call Lifeline’s numbers 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-273-TALK from Colorado area codes have their calls answered here.
For more information, please visit http://www.metrocrisisservices.org/.
- Catering was provided by 240 Union, with desserts from Harvest Moon Bakery.
- Rebecca Stuart (left) and Susan Henchy-Johnson
- Heather Lucas and David Griego
- Dan and Lyndee Trimberger, with Lorella Marquez (right)
- Mother-daughter Lorella and Bev Marquez, CEO of RMPC
- Carrie Aburto and Jeff Skeldin
- Board member Jodie Collins Polster (left), with Carl and Linda Snyder
- Zoe and Sophia Rodriguez (right)
- (l to r): Alison Sandler, Denise Duffy and Jodie Collins Polster
- Golden Police Chief and board member William Kirkpatrick, with RMCP event coordinator (and niece) Tammy Cunningham
- (l to r): Sheri Cole, Emily Busick, board member Glenn Most and Cara Lazansky
- Citywide Banks tablemates
- David and Amanda Chaney
- Cheryl Ternes (left) and board vice chair, Commissioner Nancy Jackson
- Mark Duffy (left) and Bruce Sahver
- RMCP staff, family and former board members
- Denver police officers Vince Young and Susan Gann
- Phillip Elsworth and Debra Wells
- Elizabeth L. Tupa, Colorado Human Services Director Reggie Bicha, Pat Cortez, Katie Trexler and Lori Banks
- Samantha Levi (left) and Maureen Gottino
- Stout Street Foundation’s Nicholas Petrucelli, vice president; with Teri Smith, vice president of development
- More than 200 are seated for lunch.
- Guests were invited to draw or write something that helped them “rise up.” Sara Struckman makes her contribution.
- (l to r): Kristin Johnson, Lisa Goetze, Jim White and Tonya Carrera
- Work in progress: The Rise Up board would be filled with guests’ words of hope.
- CEO Bev Marquez greets Gov. John Hickenlooper
- It’s all eyes on stage.
- Blacktie Colorado’s Kenton Kuhn accompanies soloist Sophia Rodriguez and School of Breaking performers.
- School of Breaking dancers
- Sophia Rodriguez sings “Rise Up.”
- Audience members watch and listen intently
- School of Breaking performers
- Dancers accompanied dialogue from a representative hotline call.
- School of Breaking performers
- Finishing with a flourish
- The finale featured all performers and a few staff members
- Robyn Loup addresses the crowd.
- Samantha gave a personal account of her hotline experience.
- CEO Bev Marquez
- Bev Marquez shows the crowd a specially created bracelet up for bid.
- Bev Marquez presents emcee Kim Christiansen with a hug, verbal thanks and a bouquet of flowers.
- Emcee Kim Christiansen, 9News anchor/reporter
- Singled out for their hard work: Tammy Cunningham (left) and Rikki Allen
- Reggie Bicha, Colorado human services director (left), with Matt Steinkamp
- Teri Smith (left) and Kim Christiansen
- RMCP staff members
- Joanne Davidson and Jim White
- Admiring the Rise Up poster: Phillip Elsworth and Debra Wells
- (l to r): Brent Weaver, Emily Pramik, Jay Mills and Dianna Schaefer
- Laurie Maves (left) and Katie Trexler