
Where there’s a will, there’s a way. For traumatized teens, it’s Third Way Center. You have to admire an organization that exists to help kids overcome enormous obstacles to thrive and become good citizens. Want proof it works? Program residents go on to support the organization as board members, event sponsors and civic leaders. And their kids do the same. These people relish their annual fun- and fundraising-focused True Grit Grand Gala…and deservedly so.

John and Katie Ringenberg (left), with Chris Maybee
On Saturday, Oct. 15, more than 300 supporters gathered at Infinity Park Event Center to catch up with old friends and raise money for Third Way Center. Who doesn’t love a gala theme that encourages Western dress and cowboy hats? This year’s Happy Trails title honored retiring executive director David Eisner after 45 years of leadership, as well as noted the organization’s priority of preparing teens for life after Third Way.
The evening began with a reception, silent auction and red-carpet photo opportunity. The dinner program speakers were all avid supporters–personally or professionally–of Third Way Center. They included: Brendan Bartic, emcee, former resident and board chairman; Gary Gray, board vice chair and presenting sponsor; Jean Smith Gonnell, high school dropout-turned-resident-turned-practicing attorney and board secretary; Brendan Zahl, president of sponsor Community Banks of Colorado; founder and medical director Hildegard Messenbaugh; honoree and executive director David Eisner; and Mark Lockett, a former resident who shared his positive story about breaking a negative intergenerational cycle that included his own kids’ college success.
The evening concluded with a live auction conducted by Jim Berz, then it was on to dessert and dancing to an energetic playlist by Angelo Fajardo (aka, DJLo).

(l to r): Jackson Patinella, Kathleen Cline, Amy Patinella holding son Anthony, Tony Patinella
Third Way Center offers truth and hope to high-risk, mentally ill, disadvantaged and often homeless adolescents and their families, a leader in the field of adolescent mental health care. The organization also gives clients the tools they need to help them become productive adults. From learning how to do laundry and open a bank account to building a resume and practicing for job interviews, the Third Way goal is to equip them for adulthood and future success.
Third Way Center provides around-the-clock treatment and care for young adults ages 14-21 with five residential houses in Denver and specialized treatment programs that address: building life skills, substance abuse treatment, independent living skills, a teen mother program, and an after-care and emancipation program. Typically, teens are referred by the Department of Human Services, Division of Youth Services, various mental health centers, or in some cases, private placement. For more information, go to https://thirdwaycenter.org or call 303-780-9191.
- Sally Reed, director of development (left), with sponsor and board member Stacy Ohlsson
- Bert and Hildegard Messenbaugh, MD, founder and medical director
- Representatives of sponsor The Bartic Group
- Tables are set at Infinity Park Event Center.
- (l to r): Cory Woodruff, Sheila Begin, Natalie Ho, associate board member Tess Stoops, Carolina Gutierrez, Francis Del Rosario
- Stacy Ohlsson and Rob Reilly
- At the silent auction
- (l to r): Joseph Fisher, Jr.; Jess Martinez, Janice Fisher
- (l to r): Neil Bernstein, Terry Varkony, Max Eisner and retiring executive director David Eisner
- (l to r): Brian and Sarah Domareck, Tracey Schneider, Peggy Timm, Nic Martinez
- John and Katie Ringenberg (left), with Chris Maybee
- Event honoree-executive director David Eisner (left), with Michael Gray
- Brendan Zahl, of sponsor Community Banks of Colorado, and Trina Zahl
- (l to r): Jackson Patinella, Kathleen Cline, Amy Patinella holding son Anthony, Tony Patinella
- There was plenty of time to catch up with friends before dinner.
- Javier and Eileen LeRoux
- (l to r): Marsha Hodges, Pam Varkony and sponsor Gail Ehrlich
- Footers Catering provided delicious appetizers and a sit-down dinner.
- Representatives from sponsor Dependable Cleaners
- Basking in festive blue lights (l to r): Larry Cohen, auctioneer Jim Berz and DJ Angelo Fajardo (aka, DJLo)
- Laura Burleson and Tim Laney
- Sydni Kautz (left) and Lily Lopez
- (l to r): Wyatt and Joanie McCallie, and David and Val Cohn
- Amber Lacy and Jamshid Mirzaer
- Lots of hugs at this event!
- Representatives of sponsor Community Banks of Colorado
- Tobin Wood and Jen Thomson
- Loeb family and friends
- Loeb family and friends, Part 2
- Hildegard Messenbaugh family and friends, and Third Way staff
- Sponsor and board member Stacy Ohlsson (second from right), with tablemates
- Marsha Hodges (left) and sponsor Gail Ehrlich
- Lenora chats with Mark Lockett, former resident and speaker.
- (l to r): Wayne Gardenswartz, Andy Greene, Faye Gardenswartz, sponsor Sheri Gray, Lynne Greene
- (l to r): Kristen Chapman, Annie McLeod, Carlos Ventura, Hanna Vo
- Representatives from sponsor The Bartic Group
- Infinity Park Event Center hosted this year’s True Grit Grand Gala
- (l to r): Arnie Stein, Lynne Greene, Sarah Krantz and her dad David Eisner
- Hildegard and Bert Messenbaugh, with granddaughter Francie
- Gary Gray, board vice chair and presenting sponsor
- Jean Smith Gonnell, board secretary and former Third Way Center resident
- Brendan Zahl, president of sponsor Community Banks of Colorado
- Brendan Bartic, board chair and former Third Way Center resident
- Audience members watch David Eisner’s tribute video.
- Event honoree David Eisner, retiring 45-year executive director, with son Max Eisner and daughter Sarah Krantz
- Mark Lockett tells the crowd about his experiences as a Third Way resident.