
“He that plants trees, loves others besides himself.” — Thomas Fuller, 18th century English physician and pastor
Of course, the folks at The Park People do more than just plant trees. After all, the esteemed tree is their logo and this year they celebrate their 50th Anniversary as a non-profit with a goal of preserving some of Denver’s most valuable and precious parks, landscapes and landmarks.

The Odessa Rose West band entertained throughout the cocktail reception
About 300 guests attended The Park People’s 50th Anniversary Celebration held September 5 at Denver’s City Park Pavilion. Musical entertainment during the West Garden cocktail reception was provided by the Odessa Rose West band. Debbie Scheer spearheaded the live auction and dinner was provided by Three Tomatoes Catering.
Executive Director Kim Yuan-Farrell and Board President Laurie Chahbandour thanked guests and sponsors for their continued support and year-round commitment.
The event was coordinated by Susan Eslick and Casey Oneslager with additional support by many other dedicated volunteers throughout the evening.

Heather Bays, Jan Delsie
Established in 1969, the Park People works to preserve, enhance, and advocate for Denver’s parks, recreation resources, open space and urban forest.
The organization pursues this mission by raising private funds for park enhancements and capital projects, like the reconstruction of the Cranmer Park Sundial & Plaza, and through four other ongoing programs including Denver Digs Trees, Mile High Champions, Community Forester, and the Park Legacy program.
The Park People would like to thank generous corporate and individual sponsors, small businesses and firms, non-profit partners, in-kind donors, event supporters, and numerous volunteers who made this year’s anniversary event possible:
Washington Park Sponsors:
Howard Lorton Furniture & Design Koelbel & Co / Koelbel Urban Homes The Patricia Crown Family, The Grant Family Katharine Kurtz
Cheesman Park Sponsors:
The Patten-Davis Foundation Cappy & Bob Shopneck
Sloan’s Lake Park Sponsors:
Xcel Energy, Great Outdoors Colorado, Living Room Real Estate, Tim & Edie Buchanan, Melissa Crowley, Kathryn & Gary Dudley, Chris & Beck Fisher, Sally Hooks & Sherry Reese, Joy Johnson & Elizabeth Meier, Johanna Kelly, Goldflower Counseling and Psychotherapy, Segall Bryant & Hamill, Jane King, Mark Lauriha & Larry Wiberg, Maggie & Mitch Morrissey, Michael & Amy Naes, Caroline & Joe Rassenfoss, Saipe Family, Susan Sweeney & Kirk Mueller.
In-Kind Supporters & Volunteers:
The Park People, Denver Parks and Recreation, Devil’s Food Bakery, Crazy Mountain Brewery, Bottle Shop 33, The Family Jones Spirit House, Carboy Winery, Odessa Rose West Band.
For more information or to donate visit: theparkpeople.org
- The Park People’s 5th Anniversary was a huge success
- More than 200 attended the Park People 50th Anniversary
- The organization raises private funds for Denver’s park enhancements and capital projects
- The Park People’s mission is to preserve, enhance, and advocate for Denver’s parks, recreation resources, open space and urban forest.
- More than 200 attended the celebration
- Tim Buchanan and Executive Director Kim Yuan-Farrell
- Taylor Whitton, Sara Kruid
- Among this year’s supporters were: Bottle Shop 33, Crazy Mt. Brewery, Carboy Winery, and Family Jones Spirit House
- Susan Eslick, Wally McLaughlin
- Among this year’s supporters were: Bottle Shop 33, Crazy Mt. Brewery, Carboy Winery, and Family Jones Spirit House
- Among the beverage supporters was Crazy Mountain Brewery
- Among this year’s supporters were: Bottle Shop 33, Crazy Mt. Brewery, Carboy Winery, and Family Jones Spirit House
- Brian Vestal, Camille Moore
- Kaitlin Shorkey, Ashley Conner
- Casey Oneslager helped coordinate event
- Among this year’s supporters were: Bottle Shop 33, Crazy Mt. Brewery, Carboy Winery, and Family Jones Spirit House
- Executive Director Kim Yuan-Farrell speaking with guests
- The 50th Anniversary celebration brought together park lovers from throughout Denver
- Mirna Bar-Or, Julia Olson
- Despite approaching clouds guests ignored the sometimes blustery weather
- Sarah Metzler, Christine Adams, Angela Swanson
- Karen Grote, Board President Laurie Chahbandour, Mary Beth Susman, John Sadwith
- Michael Ditchfield, John Sadwith
- Guests enjoyed drinks provided by several key supporters including: Bottle Shop 33, Carboy Winery, Crazy Mountain Brewery and Family Jones Spirit House
- Several outdoor games were available before dinner was served
- The 50th Anniversary is a tremendous achievement for the Park People organization
- Menu was presented and served by Three Tomatoes Catering
- Cindy Dohse, Jan Smedley
- Sarah Metzler, Michael Naes
- Auctioneer Debbie Scheer
- Trinna Tressler, Kathryn Dudley
- Kathryn and Gary Dudley
- Rich Devlin, Ted Eckles
- Executive Director Kim Yuan-Farrell, Serena Bruzgo
- Executive Director Kim Yuan-Farrell, Caroline Rassenfoss
- Guests are all smiles
- Leah Shafer (Program Manager, Denver Digs Trees), Bob Micsak
- The Park People preserves Denver’s parks and landscapes through 4 ongoing programs
- Executive Director Kim Yuan-Farrell with auctioneer Debbie Scheer
- The Park People’s conservation mission remains steady and strong
- The outdoor tent provided a wonderful setting for evening diners
- The live auction attracted eager participants