Blog Archives
Freedom Service Dogs 2018 7th Annual Diamonds in the Ruff
Who doesn’t love dogs? And several well-trained service dogs from the non-profit Freedom Service Dogs were on hand for the FSD’s Diamonds in the Ruff. The annual fundraiser, held Saturday, October 20th, served as the inaugural event for Wings Over the Rockies: Exploration of Flight facility located near the Centennial Airport in Littleton, Colorado. The sold-out gala raised a record amount of approximately $330,000 with more than 500 guests enjoying this year’s theme: Year of the Dog.

Allison Peltier, Karen Moldovan, Lisa Davenport
FOX31 Anchors Aristea Brady and Jeremy Hubbard served as emcees. Former Denver Broncos running back Reggie Rivers returned as the auctioneer extraordinaire. Guests enjoyed a demo featuring service dog-in-training Squints, shopped the fabulous silent and live auctions, and purchased flutes of champagne for the chance to win a one-carat, custom diamond pendant, donated by Larry Blauweiss of Fifth Avenue Designs.
FSD President/CEO Michele Ostrander welcomed the crowd and reviewed the past year’s programs which was followed by a service dog demonstration, program video, and live auction. Among the highlights of the evening was the demonstration by service dog Squints who followed commands to the letter including painstakingly picking up a credit card from a slick stage floor. This year’s Diamonds In The Ruff (DITR) Event Chair was Lani Kessler who with her team of 21 DITR committee members ensured a smooth celebration. Live auctioneer Reggie Rivers generated a lively competitive bidding war for several stuffed golden retrievers, travel packages and other gift items and general donations.
Based in Englewood, Colorado, Freedom Service Dogs provides well-trained service dogs to military veterans, children with autism and people with mobility disabilities to handle life tasks which enable them to regain their independence.
Guests enjoyed an Asian-inspired buffets, silent and live auctions, special entertainment by vocalist, Navy veteran and FSD Client Angela Walker (accompanied by service dog Brave) with guitarist Chris Winter, and a drawing for a diamond pendant (designed and donated by Larry Blauweiss of Fifth Avenue Designs). Several FSD clients and their amazingly trained service dogs were on hand throughout the evening.
This year’s Presenting Sponsor was VISA. Silver Sponsors were: Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, Denver Life Magazine, Jay’s Valet, Decorative Materials. Bronze Sponsors: Giovanni, TCA ETrade, Baird, FOX31, Mile High Sports Magazine, and The Denver Post. For more information visit the web site at freedomservicedogs.org or call 303-922-6231.
- Guests enjoyed the silent auction under the tent at the new Wings Over the Rockies Centennial facility
- This year’s Diamonds in the Ruff was the very first event for the Wings Over the Rockies venue in Centennial
- The theme for 2018: Year of the Dog
- Presenting Sponsor VISA ensured a well-attended and successful event
- Special Thanks to Newberry Brothers and Annie O’s
- Among the highlights of this annual event are the well-trained service dogs
- Year of the Dog was the theme this year
- Silent and live auctions helped raise funds for this signature event
- Dog trainer Morgan Karol demonstrating service dog skills with trainee, Squints
- Allison Peltier, Karen Moldovan, Lisa Davenport
- Kevin and Carole Shaw
- Karen Coleman and Addie Coleman
- The Wings Over the Rockies Exploration of Flight facility in Centennial opened this summer
- Molly Pilch, Gilda Kaplin
- Freedom Service Dogs Board Chair Tom Scanlan, Nadine and Andrew Pace, and Squints
- Christina Turissini, Diane Dubose
- Lucy and Michael Mullins
- More than 400 guests attended the annual Diamonds in the Ruff
- Margot Hampleman, Nancy Jeffrey
- Guests took advantage of several funding opportunities
- VISA was the presenting sponsor for the 2018 Diamonds in the Ruff event
- Phillip Cameron, Claire Duclos, and Holly Cameron with Frosty
- Sheri and Mike Folsom
- Aimee Ross, Stephanie Baigent, Denise Daniel, Sharon Santella
- Aimee Ross, Sharon Santella
- Kristen Teuscher with Lizzy
- FOX31 Anchors Jeremy Hubbard and Aristea Brady served as emcees
- Shirley Shinefeld with Pike
- FOX31 Anchors Aristea Brady, Jeremy Hubbard with Diane Dubose and Christina Turissini
- Cathy and Don Kennedy try to get Tater to smile
- Todd and Kristen Narlinger
- Karen Moldavan, Ursula Huber, Lisa Davenport
- Hudson Teuscher with Lizzy
- This year’s Diamonds in the Ruff was the inaugural event for the Wings Over the Rockies Exploration of Flight facility
- Freedom Service Dog Staff Member Nadine Pace with husband Andrew Pace
- Cassidy Foster, Sam Bradway, Megan Beigl
- Annie Ohman, Devon Smitly
- Uniquely designed centerpieces
- The Year of The Dog centerpieces reflected the evening’s theme
- Live auction bidding was extremely competitive
- Live auctioneer Reggie Rivers kept the crowd entertained and inspired generous fundraising
- Foothills Animal Shelter Staff Member Stephanie Baigent and FSD Staff Member Kate Goble
- Aristea Brady, Bob Neuberger (FSD Staff), Jeremy Hubbard, with Nadine Pace and Erin Conley (FSD Staff)
- These adorable stuffed Golden Retrievers representing “Squints” the Service Dog were auctioned off within minutes
- An eclectic music list was performed by FSC Client Angela Walker and guitarist Chris Winter
- Freedom Service Dogs President/CEO Michele Ostrander (center) with friends
First-Ever Comics 4 Critters: Puppies, Laughs and a Prince
Cute puppies, a comedy show…and a prince? Comics 4 Critters knocked it out of the park with a Gotta Love It trifecta in its inaugural fundraiser for the Zoology Foundation and Animal Aid USA. Who says Tuesday nights are boring? On Nov. 15, more than 100 animal lovers made a beeline to Comedy Works South for an event that included a lively cocktail reception with puppies and a prince, auction items, tasty bites (that’s food, not puppy nips!), and heartwarming animal-rescue stories complemented by hearty laughter.

Sarah Bushong-Weeks chats with friends
The evening began with adult beverages, a silent auction, and photo opps with rescue puppies and animal advocate/“The Bachelor” personality Prince Lorenzo Borghese. Guests adjourned to the showroom for supper favorites ordered off the menu, and comedian-emcee Geoff Young entertained with a spirited comedy set. Animal Aid USA co-founders Borghese and Karen Talbot talked about the organization’s beginnings and its concentrated rescue efforts and successes. A short video detailed the Zoology Foundation’s SBW Rapid Response Rescue program and animal sanctuary near Larkspur, and benefactor Sarah Bushong-Weeks was recognized onstage for her support. Young presided over a live auction, and event chair Sarah Tredennick and committee member/volunteer Elizabeth Baker were honored onstage for their hard work. The evening ended with lots of laughs from Denver-based comic Pam VanNostern, followed by headliner Brad Upton.

Comics inspired laughs like this all evening.
The Zoology Foundation’s mission is to promote and facilitate educational programs regarding animal respect and welfare, and to support those organizations that work for the betterment of animals. Its animal sanctuary is a safe haven for rescued and rehabilitated animals, and tours are offered for children and adults to learn about and engage with the various species there. Animal sponsorships directly benefit the care of a chosen animal and its friends. Legacy donors underwrite programs and they become an integral team member of the foundation. With more than 100 animals at the sanctuary, volunteer opportunities are available as well. Every donation, 100 percent, goes directly to the care of sanctuary animals and to many more across the nation who need a second chance. To learn more, please visit ZoologyFoundation.org, or for information on how Zoology Foundation can enhance your life or your event, contact Executive Director Valerie Young at VYoung@ZoologyFoundation.org.

Rebecca Crofoot and Scotter
Created in January of 2012 by a small group of animal lovers, Animal Aid USA is a 100-percent volunteer organization dedicated to helping animals. Through its rescue-and-relocation model, the organization has created a lifeline for unwanted, abused and abandoned animals in the southern states while also helping animals and their families in home communities. Each month, volunteers drive more than 1,600 miles from New Jersey to Georgia and back in order to relocate animals from high-kill shelters to receiving rescues and homes. To date, the organization has rescued and provided veterinary care to more than 14,000 pets. In addition, Animal Aid USA raises money to fund spay and neuter programs in low-income communities and raise awareness of the legal animal cruelties happening daily in the United States–such as the gas chamber, cardiac heart stick euthanasia and puppy mills. The members of Animal Aid USA believe that providing the proper education and resources can change the future of unwanted, abused and abandoned animals. To learn more, please visit: AnimalAidUSA.org.
- Animal Aid USA co-founder Prince Lorenzo Borghese, holds a lovable rescue pup.
- Reps from sponsors Rose’s Bella Cucina and The Mutt Master
- Daniel Juegs and Gaye Barrett
- Daniel Juegs and event chair Sarah Tredennick
- Emcee, comedian and Zoology Foundation ambassador Geoff Young and Executive Director Valerie Young
- Rob and Joan Garcia
- (l to r): Stefanie Palko, Nancy Trangmar, Stefanie Pahlakan, Kim Hutchins, Tracy Rains and Mary Bergas
- Sharon Burnett, with rescue puppy Miss Pickles
- Putting in bids at the silent auction
- Al Summers and Jayna Cantrell
- Elizabeth Baker and Adam Ortiz
- Ben Saggau, Toni Oakes and Kellen Skersies
- Dana Nieto Crofoot with a very cute rescue pup
- Rebecca Crofoot and Scotter
- (l to r): Dana Nieto, Sophia Taylor, Deb Sheppard and Animal Aid USA co-founder Karen Talbot took turns holding this adorable rescue puppy.
- (l to r): Ann and Russ Frasher, committee member Suzy Sweitzer and Lynn Stubbart
- The cocktail reception and silent auction also featured photo opps with Prince Lorenzo Borghese and rescue puppies.
- (l to r): Jennifer Edwards, Kurt Holzbelein, Roger King and Deb Nabb, from sponsor Mutt Master
- (l to r): Lou and Vicki Fine, David Wanjiru and Lauren Fine
- Event chair Sarah Tredennick (left), with Zoology Foundation’s SBW Rapid Response Rescue benefactor Sarah Bushong-Weeks
- Reps from sponsor Run Amok Transportation at the reception
- Trish Armstrong (left) and Kelly Bolen
- (l to r): Brian Young, Dre, and David and Jodi Young
- (l to r): Brian Young, Amy Kehoe, Dre, and David and Jodi Young
- Chuck Woodall and Kelly Bloom
- Misha Sheppard and Meghann Norris
- Front-row seats for the show
- Ready for the show!
- Emma McDonald (left) and Shery McDonald-Galbreath
- Guests enjoy food and beverages as they await the start of the show.
- Emcee, comedian and Zoology Foundation ambassador Geoff Young
- Enjoying the show
- Applause for the good works of Zoology Foundation and Animal Aid USA
- Prince Lorenzo Borghese
- A standing ovation for a high bid at the live auction
- Event chair Sarah Tredennick and Prince Lorenzo Borghese, co-founder of Animal Aid USA.
- Red roses are a natural for Prince Lorenzo Borghese, who gained fame on ABC’s “The Bachelor.”
- Event co-chair Sarah Tredennick (center) and committee member Elizabeth Baker are honored onstage with bouquets from Prince Lorenzo Borghese.
- Denver comic Pam VanNostern
- Comics inspired laughs like this all evening.
- Geoff Young calls Sarah Bushong-Weeks, SBW Rapid Response Rescue benefactor, onstage to be recognized.
- Sarah Bushong-Weeks and Prince Lorenzo Borghese
- Headliner Brad Upton
- Diane Lesher’s lively group
- Geoff Young and Jodi Young
- Sarah Bushong-Weeks chats with friends
- Zoology Foundation and Animal Aid USA supporters and friends
- “Friends of Geoff and Val”
- Co-founders of Animal Aid USA: Karen Talbot and Prince Lorenzo Borghese
Party Animals Flock to MaxFund's Whiskers In The Night
It’s not unusual for eventgoers to pass around phones during an event, admiring photos of each other’s kids. At MaxFund’s 28th annual Puttin’ On the Max fundraiser, phones were out in full force—but in this case, the “kids” images were beloved pets. On Saturday, Nov. 5, the “Whiskers in the Night”-themed event attracted 350 glammed-up animal lovers who were treated to an evening full of niceties at The Brown Palace Hotel.

Kitty ears and a smile during the Pet Parade
The pre-dinner reception was highlighted by an extensive silent auction complemented by passed hors d’oeuvres. Guests adjourned to the ballroom for a sit-down dinner and program emceed by Britt Moreno, CBS4 morning anchor. MaxFund co-founder Bill Suro spoke to the crowd about the organization’s beginnings and was featured in an emotional, educational video that focused on animal stories at the no-kill shelter.

This cute chihuahua was a crowd-pleaser at the Pet Parade.
The always-anticipated Pet Parade put the spotlight on a handful of adorable, adoptable shelter animals. It was followed by a live auction run by Halie Behr, and a call for donations that was answered by numerous generous supporters.
Co-founder Nanci Suro spoke about MaxFund’s successes overall and in the past year, and architect Pete Pappas showed the audience plans for shelter additions and enhancements. The evening was capped off by talented singer and personality Lannie Garrett, who wowed the crowd with both her vocals and her antics as alter-ego country diva Patsy DeCline.

Big finish as Patsy DeCline (aka, Lannie Garrett) sings: “If you’ve got the money, honey, I’ve got the time.”
MaxFund is a true no-kill animal shelter and adoption center that challenges the traditional methods of animal sheltering by leading the no-kill movement in Colorado. Participants strive to give animals–including the injured, abandoned and abused–a “second chance at life.” In 2015, 1,236 dogs and cats were adopted from MaxFund, and 6,289 dogs and cats were spayed and neutered. Since inception, great forever homes have been found for 30,533 dogs and cats. Money raised at Puttin’ on the Max this year is geared toward MaxFund’s capital campaign: expanding the shelter to an adjoining property to be able to help even more homeless companion animals. To learn more about MaxFund, please visit: www.maxfund.org.
- The MaxFund van was parked across the street from The Brown Palace Hotel entrance.
- Ann Slocum (left) and Veronica Zayac
- (l to r): Lynn and Suzanne Claar, Joan Boline and Bud Bagdon
- Table settings had animal-themed accents.
- Tables are readied for the 28th annual Puttin’ On the Max
- Ken Carrick, owner of Barking Bitches
- Perusing the silent auction tables
- Nanette Dahlstrom (left) and Jeannie Massey
- MaxFund Wellness Center reps at the reception
- Chad Jimenez and Jeanne Doyle
- (l to r): Tami Tanoue, Jesse Roush and Juli Goode
- Denise Taylor (left) and Jennifer Kruger
- Sponsor Kelly Wells, of State Farm, with Dave Melling
- Tim Krebs and Sadie Sanchez
- (l to r): Bill Marks, Kerry Fitzgerald and Hank Martinez
- Kathy Gaines and Larry Rich
- At the Selfie Station
- (l to r): Rocco Williams, Aleah Traylor, and Ann and Troy Williams
- Kelly Aiken and Robbie Aiken
- Daylan and Leah Hamilton
- Guests arrive at the reception and silent auction.
- Reps from sponsor Halcyon, Cherry Creek’s newest hotel, relax before the dinner program.
- Joe Sejut and Ellen Schiff
- Lynn Macier (left) and Heather Gray
- Deanna Leino gives the doggy decor a pat on the head.
- Jeannie Massey and Terry Rigo
- Ken Heng (left) and John Kern
- Denise and Kevin Bogue
- Phil and Pam Peyer
- (l to r): Nancy Baird, Anne Suro, Donnis and Michael Moore and Bill Suro
- B Public Relations at the reception
- MaxFund Wellness Center doctors, technicians and receptionist chat at the silent auction.
- Mother-daughter Angela and Miranda White
- Reps from sponsor Animal Critical Care
- The crowd heads into the ballroom for dinner.
- MaxFund co-founders Bill and Nanci Suro (left), with Tom Rinnert and Ann Suro
- Max Hoarty and Louis Consolazio
- Seated: Robbie Aiken (left) and Kelly Aiken, with Neal Steinbrecher
- Dog and kitty table decor accented each table.
- Bill Suro talks to the crowd.
- MaxFund co-founder Bill Suro
- Emcee Britt Moreno, CBS4 morning anchor
- Auctioneer Halie Behr was 2013 IJAC champion.
- The Pet Parade of shelter dogs and cats meandered among an adoring crowd.
- Just taking a short rest before the Pet Parade.
- This friendly feline attracted plenty of attention at the Pet Parade.
- All dressed up for the Pet Parade
- This cute chihuahua was a crowd-pleaser at the Pet Parade.
- Kitty ears and a smile during the Pet Parade
- A well-earned bow from a high-bidder
- Emcee Britt Moreno gets a little help with some prize drawings during the dinner program.
- MaxFund co-founder Nanci Suro
- Architect Pete Pappas discusses MaxFund’s proposed additions and enhancements.
- Nanci Suro holds her number high during the paddle-raiser.
- This generous bidder donated $500 for each of four tablemates.
- Lannie Garrett interacts with guests as her alter-ego Patsy DeCline
- Big finish as Patsy DeCline (aka, Lannie Garrett) sings: “If you’ve got the money, honey, I’ve got the time.”
Freedom Service Dogs' Annual Diamonds in the Ruff
It seems there wasn’t dry eye in the house after watching the video at the “Diamonds in the Ruff” fundraiser, depicting the bond between a service dog and its owner. The amount of love, dedication and completion that comes from both sides is a forceful, beautiful thing.
A packed house of supporters at the Infinity Park Events Center concurred. Just under $90,000 was raised in the paddle raiser alone ($30,000 coming from avid supporter Gilda Kaplin). President and CEO Michele Ostrander and Board Chair Tom Scanlan voiced their appreciation for the commitment of advocates, whether it be in time, money or other volunteer efforts.
Emcee TaRhonda Thomas of 9News and auctioneer/funny guy Reggie Rivers made the program fast-paced and lively. There was a demonstration from special service dogs Blade, Yahtze and Otto and their trainers that again brought home the point of why this program is so successful. The event was concluded by a moving “Thank You” rendition by high school songstress Ramya Sinha.
Freedom Service Dogs is a nonprofit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by rescuing dogs and custom training them for individual client needs. Clients include children, veterans and active duty military, and other adults. Their disabilities include autism, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The waiting list can be up to a year and a half for a Freedom Service Dog and that can be an eternity for someone in need of a special partner. Log on to www.freedomservicedogs.org and learn how you can help.
Oh yes, and a very happy 7th birthday to Cargo!!
- Bobbin, Eddie and Michael Holtvluwer with Fender
- Diana Lonergan and Decker
- Louie and Mitsue Gratz
- Brian and Rachel Collie
- Shirley Shinefeld, left, and Katherine Madden with Pike
- Nick and Twyla Major
- Ryan and Michelle Godsil (he’s on the board)
- Carisa Wilson, Shon Wilson and Shirley Masterson with Rommy (Shon and Rommy were featured in the video and their story was heartwarming)
- Brenda and Scott Lamer
- Julie and Doug Arnold
- Heather and John Knutson, left, with Martha and Greg Kessler
- Erin and Jeff Leeper
- Sharon Calahan and her guest
- The Millers family
- Cheryl and Scott Stinson
- Julia and Nakota–their story was also featured in the video
- Maria and John Tweed
- Maria and John Tweed with their friend Holly Engelken
- Ray and Sue Kohinos
- Tom and Lisa Krowl
- The Niveiros
- Lisa Krowl and Cargo
- Vicki Quiroz, left, and Alyce Matlock with Cargo
- Nancy Guerre and Thea Necker with Cargo
- Sheryl and Tom Stefaniak with Walter
- Karen Trott, left, and Jean Henry with Cargo
- Lisa Schaffer and Mike Hewelshamp with Cargo
- Shannon Schulz, left, and Cat Rigle with Cargo
- Gilda Kaplin, left, with Michael and Lani Kessler
- Rob and Melanie West with Cargo
- Lindsey, Cargo’s “mom” and trainer, with Cargo
- Lindsey and Erin with Cargo
- Steve and Shannon Avis and Cargo
- Denny and Allison Friederichs and Cargo
- Will McCollum and Cargo
- Tiffany and Leslie with Cargo
- The Baileys and the Granings with Cargo
- TaRhonda Thomas says hi to Cargo
- Andrea Hill and Rob Liess with Cargo
- Pat Robinson and Roger Armstrong with Cargo
- Cindy and Leif Wichforst with Cargo
- Lee and Robert Roper with Cargo
- “Hal” clowns around with stuffed dogs
- Linda Kennedy and Mike Cetinich with Cargo
- Volunteers helped to greet everyone at check-in
- The silent auction offered lots of great packages
- Chelsea and Yahtze
- Dr. John Hardy and Terri Sajbel
- Kate Keaten and Coop
- Cliff Baumer played the piano during the reception
- Cathy Kennedy, left, Jeanette Huevelman and Stephanie Swift manned the champagne flute diamond contest
- Nicole Eubanks, left, Betsy and Devin Brown
- Lynn Kennedy, left, Patti Rowe and Rex Kennedy
- Stuffed dogs awaited new owners as part of the fundraiser
- Presenting sponsor VISA table guests
- The Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits table
- The A-1 Security Systems table
- The Mercedes Benz of Littleton table
- TaRhonda Thomas of 9News was the emcee
- TaRhonda Thomas talks to the crowd
- Cargo got a cupcake for his 7th birthday
- Mary and A Ralph Reed, major supporters
- President and CEO Michele Ostrander welcomes everyone
- Michele Ostrander talks about FSD history
- Board Chair Tom Scanlan talks to the crowd
- Tom Scanlan thanks everyone for their support
- A Ralph Reed stands as he is acknowledged for all the volunteer time he puts in
- Blaze, Otto and Yahtze did a service dog demonstration
- The crowd loved the service dog demonstration
- Service dogs can help with providing comfort, picking things up, and many more tasks
- Blaze, Yahtze and Otto finish their show
- Reggie Rivers and TaRhonda Thomas on stage
- Reggie Rivers is an avid supporter of FSD
- Reggie Rivers gets ready to give the stuffed dogs to the first group of people who pledge $200
- Reggie Rivers offers a Steve Atwater signed football
- Participants in the auction
- There’s nothing like a dog’s love.
- Additional guests at the Mercedes Benz table
- Tom and Sharon Scanlon clap after the results of their donated Kauai condo (Michele Ostrander in back)
- The paddle raiser
- Gilda Kaplin smiles as the crowd applauds her $30,000 donation
- REbecca wins the diamond!
- Ramya Sinha did a beautiful rendition of the song “Thank You.”
- Ramya Sinha has a beautiful voice and everyone loved that she shared it to close out the amazing program.
Pawpurrazzi! You're a Star at Puttin' On the Max
Denver’s party animals were out in full force at this year’s Puttin’ On the Max gala to benefit MaxFund…and it went beyond the furry, four-legged participants in the pet parade. With a “Pawpurrazzi” Hollywood theme, 350 fun-loving guests hit The Brown Palace Hotel on Saturday, Nov. 7, for a glitzy gala to support Denver’s respected no-kill animal shelter and adoption center.
The 27th annual fundraiser began with a red-carpet cocktail reception and an extensive array of live- and silent-auction items amid splashy décor worthy of any star-studded celebration. Guests were equally as stylish in black-tie attire, with some taking up the “dress as your favorite movie star” suggestion.
The evening’s dinner program was emceed by Denver’s favorite CBS4 weather and news anchor Ed Greene. MaxFund co-founders Bill and Nanci Suro told the crowd about the organization’s successes and monetary needs and thanked supporters, singling out Dr. Edward Eisner, vet tech Mario Alba (and Hercules the cat). With help from his grandson, Bill presented a tribute to sponsors with a series of skits. The program continued with a costume contest followed by a witty comedy set from veterinarian-comic Kevin Fitzgerald. The grand finale: a short pet parade featuring a group of MaxFund’s adorable, adoptable residents. Naturally, felines were the cat’s meow and canines were all top dog.
MaxFund is a true no-kill animal shelter and adoption center that challenges the traditional methods of animal sheltering by leading the no-kill movement in Colorado. The organization strives to give animals—including the injured, abandoned and abused—a second chance at life. MaxFund is committed to develop and implement education programs pertaining to animal care, with emphasis on the importance of spaying and neutering…and to be a voice for the animals on issues of animal welfare. The organization cooperates with other animal facilities and shelters to accomplish these goals. For more information, please visit www.maxfund.org.
- Denise and Marc Mathias
- Leslie Lobojko (left) and Kristina Payne
- (l to r): Lynn DeJohn, Guy Ohl and Gina Zaro
- (l to r): Nef and Colleen Vargas, and Susan and Mark Sewald
- The cocktail reception was held just outside the ballroom at The Brown Palace.
- Tables are set for 350 guests.
- The silent auction and cocktail reception
- Chatting before dinner
- Julianna and Jerry Malman
- (l to r): Kathy and Bruce Elsey, Aaron WEtcott and Cynthia Zarlengo
- John Howard and Carey Ribley
- (l to r): Cliff and Judi Cantrell, with MaxFund co-founder and director Nanci Suro (center)
- Jim (aka, Indiana Jones) and Jamie Dixon
- Mario and Yesenia Alba
- (l to r): Doug and Heather Gray, Dave Zwart and Mike Whisker, of Straitline Roofing
- (l to r): Jennifer Adams, Eric and Anna Henriksen, and Ann Svec
- Checking out the silent auction
- Renee and Noel Custer
- Mauzies Mays and Egin Bresnig, Jr.
- (l to r): Paul Brooke, Stephen Ward, and Rachella and Mike Seeley
- Capturing the moment
- Rosemary and Ryan Evans, with Linda Viray (right)
- Enjoying the decor with a fun pose.
- Sisters Debra Boehm (left) and Cynthia Telsey, of Parties Extraordinaire, provided the star-studded reception decor
- The Charlie Hugo table
- Ed Greene, CBS4 weather and news anchor, served as a genial emcee.
- FirstBank reps
- The Shawna Quartet
- Bobby Bunker group
- Thunda from Down Unda
- Tami’s table
- Bev Blamby (left) and Karen Baum
- (l to r): Carey Ribley, John Howard and Jen Smith
- The Potpourri Table
- MaxFund co-founders Bill and Nanci Suro got some on-stage assistance from their grandson.
- Bill Suro
- Nancy Suro
- Nancy Suro welcomes the crowd.
- The sponsors-appreciation skit included costumes.
- Showing sponsor appreciation with a fun skit.
- Table decor was the cat’s meow.
- The men’s “favorite Hollywood star” costume contestants
- Costume contestants await the outcome.
- “Johnny Depp” and “Audrey Hepburn”
- Auctioneer John Rinderknecht introduces the first item at the live auction.
- “Sold!” says auctioneer John Rinderknecht.
- Paige Curry and John Neville
- Comedian-veterinarian Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald marvels at his big-screen video image.
- Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald enterained the crowd.
- “…and the Oscar goes to…” Kevin Fitzgerald entertains.
- Volunteers await the arrival of pet-parade dogs and cats.
- Preparing for the pet parade
- Daisy, a gentle one-eyed chihuahua, is ready for her closeup.
- Dora awaits her red-carpet appearance.
- This pretty kitty meows a greeting to a friendly MaxFund volunteer.
- The purr-fect pose
- Ed Greene, emcee and CBS4 anchor, with MaxFund co-founder and director Nanci Suro











































































































































































































































































































