The Hope Center 5th Annual Community Carnival

Posted: ML Chavez

On a bright Saturday morning kids and families ignored the scorching 95-degree heat and enjoyed several hours of pony rides, assorted toss games, and several huge bouncy castles featured at the 5th Annual HOPE Center Community Carnival in Clayton/Cole Neighborhood. This year’s event, held Saturday, July 16, brought neighbors together to chat, relax and enjoy snow cones, cotton candy and other refreshments.

Established in the 1960s, HOPE Center is a community-based non-profit agency focusing on Early Childhood Education and Care and Vocational Training for adults with developmental disabilities. The Center also provides education for at-risk and gifted children, and kids with developmental disabilities for Denver families. This year the organization celebrates 54 years of service and serves some 200 students, of which 65 percent are African- American and 20 percent Hispanic.

The event attracts local families and businesses and hosts a dozen tents with representatives from local health and family non-profit groups and city government agencies. Fortunately, some tree shade was plentiful for Denver Zoo volunteer Patti Wells who showed off one of her larger lizards while around the corner Solome Morales patiently spinned some cotton candy.

Among the informational booths were the Denver County Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), The Center for African American Health, Lupus of Colorado, Mental Health Center of Denver, Connect for Health Colorado, Kids Choice Dental, Clothes to Kids of Denver, and Denver Health, to name a few.

President/CEO Gerie Grimes has led the organization for nearly 10 years, but has been with HOPE Center since 1982 rising through the ranks first as a bookkeeper and later Deputy Director before becoming Director in 2007. A Denver native, Grimes earned degrees in non-profit administration and non-profit management from Metro State College of Denver and Regis University, respectfully and currently working on her PhD

President/CEO Gerie Grimes with Ashia Grimes

. Her grandchildren and several nieces and nephews are HOPE Center alumni and they can often be found serving as volunteers as well.

Besides the summer carnival event, the HOPE Center also hosts a highly successful Vintage Vegas Casino Night every spring. To volunteer, donate or learn more visit their web site at www.HopeCenterInc.org

: Fun in the sun

: The Hope Center was established more than 50 years ago

: Brad Swank and son, Elias

: Solome Morales makes cotton candy

: Patti Wells from the Denver Zoo

: Roxy on a pony

: Vanessa Nguyen and Joanne Butler

: Doria Barajas

: Ruby, Sophia, Grace, and Faith

: Jalaya, Shiata, Sayla, Jaime with kids-Jacora and Brandon

: Lizzie Cook

: Mark Hocker

: Kristen Noonan

: Kindall Jackson, Kesha Dan, Paige Tate

: Taliah Abdullah

: This the 5th Annual Community Carnival

: Enjoying the bouncy playhouse

: Michael Knapp, Sonia Agosto

: Several inflatable playhouses kept kids busy

: Rhian Johnson with a winning toss

: The pony rides were a big hit with families

: Prize cards

: Berkley Webster, Mechelle Salley

: Berkley Webster, Mechelle Salley, Joshalynn Green, Ryan Finley

: Charlie Cherrington with Joel and Leslie

: Lauren Crane with Selah

: Lauren Crane with Selah

: Cynthia Newsome with Eden

: Kids could choose from toys and candies

: Tickets went briskly

: Lejeune family: Ellen, Louie with Leo and Francis

: Kids had more than a dozen games to play

: Berkley Webster oversees a game

: It’s not summer without grilled hot dogs

: President/CEO Gerie Grimes with Ashia Grimes

: Lejeune family: Ellen, Louie with Leo and Francis

14 Nov

Bright by 3 - Goodnight Moon

Posted: Jan McNutt

Over the Moon

For twenty years Bright by Three (formerly Colorado Bright Beginnings) has been helping parents and other loving caregivers of babies and toddlers ages 0-3.

This year’s 20th Anniversary Goodnight Moon Gala was a celebration to recognize the success in the community and the on-going efforts of Denver’s bright babies who benefit from Bright by Three. The Denver organization has strived to make parenting less stressful and small children happy since 1995.

Thanks to many in the last 25 years, especially Brad Butler and Roy & Bea Romer, who believed that learning begins on the first day of life. Children throughout Colorado have been set on a path to successful learning and living as their parents learn the importance of good nutrition, health care, developmental stages and language development; talking and reading, beginning at day one. The funds raised through donations have reached nearly 250,000 families annually. Bright by Three works through visits bringing parents books, resources and support to succeed in the most important job they will ever have.

Dr. Christopher Ott received the Community Leadership Award for his dedicated goal of working with at-risk families

Dr. Stephen Berman, known for his contributions to pediatric education, has been an integral cog in the wheel of Bright by Three since its beginnings, formerly known as Colorado Bright Beginnings.

The evening was a dreamy event for the hundreds of supporters who gathered at the Seawell Ballroom. The ballroom created a Peter Pan moment with twinkling stars, a full moon backdrop with subtle lighting to recreate a time-for-bed closeness for a little one’s sweet dreams.

Auctioneer Don Martin lead the live auction while guests planned their next vacations and outings with exciting auction items such as the Dr. Scott Dinosaur Tour, Weekend at Bernie’s, Italian Evening of Eight, the Wine Cellar (stocked with wine from the Board of Directors), A night at the Four Seasons Hotel with Colorado Symphony tickets, Nuggets Tickets, Aspen Weekend Package, Log Home Retreat, Vail Summer Escape and many more.

The evening wrapped with music and dancing by Homeslice – after all the children were put to bed.

Bright by Three is a Colorado-based nonprofit organization that provides parents and caregivers of children aged 0-3, with the tools needed to promote a child’s readiness for lifelong learning and success. To learn more about BB3, visit their website, http://brightbythree.org

: Dr. Stephen Berman accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award

: Dr. Christopher Ott received the Community Leadership Award

: President & CEO, Jean McSpadden

: Dr. Stephen Berman

: Here’s to you….

: Polly & Russell Cohen

: Pat Sterner, Jim Brownell

: L to R: Standing, Darlene Silver, Nancy Schulein, Mike Waterman, Lou Raders, Phil Johnson

: Anne & Sean O’Rielly

: L to R: Kevin Garrett, Matt McNeill, Rick Palicio, Graham Kaltenbach

: The most beloved children’s book

: Happy was happy with her sister and mother

: L to R: Paul Mesard, Brian & Debby Ross

: Liz O’Connor, Joan Wells

: More, wine, jewelry, dinners to bid on

: Silent Auction

: Nancy Accetta & Paul Mesard, Co-Chairs

: Emcee Jim Benemann

: Dana & Brady Alshouse

: L to R: Margo Rhyme, Ron Frager, Jim Garcia

: Auctioneer, Don Martin

: John Berger, Beth Barbee

: Alana & Zeik Smart

: Jim & Anne Comstock

: Nancy & Tony Accetta

: L to R: Katherine Gold, David Trautenberg, Elaine Gantz-Berman, Tony Accetta

: L to R: Eric Anderson, Anna Alejo, Shepard Nevel

: L to R: Julie Earnest, Annie Moore, Mark Earnest

: Chatting and snacking

: Will & Dana Ricketts

: L to R: Greg Geissler, Darlene Silver, Mike Waterman

: L to R: Eric Anderson, Nancy Accetta, Happy Haynes

: Sue & Jack Pfeiffer

: Jim & Ingrid Dibiase

: Sue & Rob Penner

: Hmmm, which one?

: L to R: Mike Kappy, Ed Goldson, Theresa Schiavone

: L to R: Daniel & Margaret Dekove, Susan Geissler

: L to R: Jim & Sharon Butler, J.B. Hewetson

: Anna Jo Haynes, Mary Haynes

: Dreamy night at the Seawell Ballroom

: Governor Roy Romer and wife, Bea Romer

: Bernie Buescher, Nancy Accetta

: Dr. Stephen Berman, Christopher Price, Alexandria Hellrung

: L to R: Hazel Price, Douglas Price, Elaine Gantz-Berman, Dr. Stephen Berman

: L to R: Bernie Buescher, Alana Smart, Zeik Saidman

: Nancy Accetta, Ernie McSpadden

: L to R: Ernie & Jean McSpadden, Benjamin Warren, Elaine Kelton

: L to R: Paul Mesard, Margaret & Mark Berzins, Mike Waterman

: Dr. Adam & Jill Barkin

: L to R: Kelly Reese, Robert L. Ott, Robert Ott

: Jeff Julin, Rick Kramer

: David Alexander, Sue Alexander Simos

: L to R: Eric Anderson, Renate Robey, Marty & Laura Zeller

: L to R: David Wagner, Mary Ott, Rick Palacio, Graham Kaltenbach

: Chris Ott, Christie Isenberg

: L to R: Robert, Chris, Bob, Mary Ott

: David Keller, Julie Meyers

: L to R: Brandon Thall, Elizabeth Schultz, Heidi Baskfield

19 Jul

3rd Annual HOPE Center Community Carnival

Posted: Lisa Perry

Pony rides or the Denver Fire Department fire truck? It’s tough to say which was more popular with the kids at this year’s HOPE Center Community Carnival. No surprise, the biggest congregation of adult females was seen around the firefighters. There definitely was something for everyone at the third annual event held on Saturday, July 19, at the HOPE Center venue in Denver.

Hot dog and a snow cone…life is good!

Guests munched on popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones and grilled hot dogs, while water and soft drinks helped folks cool off on a hot, summer day. The grounds were full of activity, with carnival games, ponies, bouncy houses and the Denver fire engine on display. Organizers also invited nonprofit organizations to talk with guests about their community services.

Kids flocked to see Denver firefighters and tour their fire truck.

When asked if this was a fundraiser, CEO Gerie Grimes simply said, “It’s a friend-raiser.” She explained that while guests paid very modest fees for games and food ($2 could get you a hot dog and beverage), overall the event was a thank-you to HOPE Center’s volunteers, participants and supporters. And with no admission charge, it was also a chance for neighbors to check out the organization while enjoying the carnival games and atmosphere.

HOPE Center is a community-based agency dedicated to meeting the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities, developmental delays and persons in need of specialized educational or vocational services, from ages 2-1/2 years to adulthood. These services are provided in order to develop, maintain and enhance the functioning of each enrollee. The philosophy of service is to admit individuals to programs within the agency which meet their needs and requirements as specifically as possible. For more information, please visit: www.HopeCenterInc.org.

: (l to r): Semaj, James Jr., and Ruby

: HOPE Center’s CEO, Gerie Grimes (far right), with friends

: Sherry Jackson, with twins Laney and Lila (who have no time for photos–they’re in the pony rides line!).

: Mia Diaz enjoys the pony ride.

: HOPE Center’s CEO, Gerie Grimes, with husband Kenneth Grimes

: Terron Hutt and Ruby Newsome–enjoying freshly made popcorn.

: (l to r): Chessa Hallman, Deronn Turner and Sonny Jackson

: (l to r) Hope Center’s Vanessa Nguyen – Business Manager and Cassandra Johnson – Chief Operating Officer

: Athilla and Jamari Sayers

: At the bouncy house (l to r): Shawn, Angela and Brightyn Marzan

: Bianca Grimes, with daughters Eli’Ana and Sa’Marri

: (l to r): Jim Rose, Kathy Bancroft, Jacob Marsh and Doug Grove…with Snoopy on the dash.

: Volunteers Mechelle Salley (left) and Alisha Powell

: Sarah, with baby Anniyah and Antanette

: (l to r): Cherrelyn Napue, Collinus Newsome, Cynthia Newsome and baby Eden Harris

: Grill master Kiko Grimes, with Deloris Butler (center) and Joanne Butler

: Micah Cook receives the finishing touches from Ambition

: 7-Eleven and UPS manned cotton candy and snack stations (l to r): Robert Poteraj, Sembi Turner, Lacie Pachas and Mary Coven

: (l to r): Aija, Tomi and Janette

: Writing down opinions and feedback for future events

: (l to r): Ashante, Sandra Garcia – Business Support, Aaliyah Hernandez, Natasha, HOPE Center’s Bruce Duran – Development Director and Imani

: Carolyn, with dad Chuck

: Shemsu and Shepsira Turner: Hey, you’re interrupting story time!

: (l to r): volunteer Senobi Turner, Deronn Turner, Miss Bobby and Jangi Kaur

: Gerie Grimes – CEO, with (very popular) Denver firefighters

: Baby Eden inspects the fire truck.

: Kids flocked to see Denver firefighters and tour their fire truck.

: CEO Gerie Grimes, with grandson Kiko Grimes

: Let the facepainting begin!

: Facepainter Ambition adds some detail to his design.

: Miss Ruby says she doesn’t like photos and her kids can’t get her to pose. But even she liked this one…and we do too!

: Yvette Sayers cradles baby Italy, clearly indicating “nap time.”

: Robert Hernandez and JordanHallman. Vendor booths focused on community services.

: (l to r): Marjorie Bellaire, Chessa Hallman and Glenda Mitchell

: Justice and Jordan Hallman

: Cherrelyn Napue, watches Ian Napue and Sembi Turner make snowcones.

: (l to r) Darnell West, Sandra Garcia, Victoria West, Janette West, and Jayce West

: Sun hat, sunglasses, shade and a book of puzzles. Pure bliss!

: Hot dog and a snow cone…life is good!

: (l to r): Shanika, Raina, Lauren, Kennedi and Takiya find some shade.

: Idong Ekiko (left) and Mechelle Salley

: Fun or scary? We’re coming around to the fun side.

: Catching a pony-ride photo

: Yeah, we’re liking the pony.

: Angelina and camera-shy Taliah

: Mary, Larry and little Jessica are enjoying the day.

: Board member Gerri Howard (left) with CEO Gerie Grimes

: (l to r): Amaya, Miguel, Angelina and Taliah Martinez

10 Sep

3rd Annual HOPE Center Run/Walk-a-Thon

Posted: ML Chavez

Early morning runners and walkers for Hope Center’s 3rd Annual 1K/5K Walk-a-thon were met with crisp clear weather Saturday morning September 7th at Stapleton Central Park.

Registration began early at 7:30 a.m. with a start time around 8 a.m. President/CEO Gerie Grimes welcomed some 100 runners and walkers, including young families and children to the event benefiting HOPE Center’s Vocational and Early Childhood Education programs. Established in 1962, the community-based agency has a daily enrollment of more than 200 children and 35 adults with developmental disabilities/delays and requiring specialized educational or vocational services.
Mrs. Grimes has served for more than three decades with the organization and seven years as President/CEO. She thanked the crowd for their support and recognized many sponsors and donors including premier participants Harvest Meat Company managers Matt Ryan and John Rosasco.

Apparently 60 plus is the new 40 because runner Jim Martin seemed rather relaxed after the 5K around the park. Meanwhile, runner Ayelen Verdié and her competitive siblings, Claudia and Marvin, also participated in the event.

Chief Operations Officer Cassandra Johnson and Development Director Bruce Duran and Business Manager Vanessa Nguyen helped coordinate the event, while Grimes’ sisters Deloris, Lorraine and Joanne Butler participated and showed their support throughout the day. A dozen vendor booths were represented by the Colorado Rapids, Denver Zoo, Denver Health, Donut Angel, Menchi’s Frozen Yogurt, On the Move Studio, Sam’s Club, the Zone Healing Center, Denver Preschool Program, Kids Choice Dental, Stapleton Fire Department, and Redline. The Colorado Rapids soccer team mascot–Edson the Eagle–entertained the young and old alike with his quiet but expressive antics.

For more information about HOPE Center visit www.hopecenterinc.org