Denver Rustlers Pre-Fair Brunch: Head ’em Up, Move ’em On

Denver Rustlers Pre-Fair Brunch: Head 'em Up, Move 'em On

Posted: Lisa Perry

The checklist for Denver Rustlers’ annual road trip to the Colorado State Fair starts with the exclusive Rockmount Ranch Wear shirt. Add the cowboy hat. Check. Snacks. Double check. Commitment to rustle up the best bids for all the students at the Junior Livestock Sale. Definitely! But first, gather the herd for some chow and the chance to catch up with friends, old and new. It’s pretty inspiring to see elected officials of all political viewpoints, plus sponsors and business leaders, gather together with one agenda: to support 4-H kids and the livestock sale. And as Denver Mayor Mike Johnston joked: It’s really powerful when the Rustlers can get 200 people to all wear uniform Western shirts and cowboy hats.

(l to r): Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg; Rep. Meg Frielich; Angie Paccione, Exec Director, Colorado Dept of Higher Education

On Tuesday, Aug. 29, everyone gathered at Shanahan’s Steakhouse to enjoy a delicious brunch and organize for the Rustlers’ 39th annual trip to Pueblo. Among those spotted in the noteworthy crowd: Colorado Gov. Jared Polis; U.S. Representatives from Colorado: Diana DeGette, Joe Neguse, Lauren Boebert, Brittany Pettersen and Ken Buck; Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold; Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg; and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. Denver Rustlers principal organizers and managers are: Larry Mizel, Tim Schultz, Josh Hanfling and Katie Kramer.

Tim Schultz, Denver Rustlers organizer and former Colorado commissioner of agriculture

Denver Rustlers writes: “As was the custom when this event began four decades ago, support of this event is almost completely donated by Denver Rustlers as well as other notable organizations and foundations, allowing nearly all money raised to go directly to our young participants…The Grand Champion and the Reserve Grand Champions typically sell for tens of thousands of dollars. The Rustlers use most of their pooled funds to make sure the other young exhibitors get a fair price for their animals, staying until each and every animal is sold. Made up of Colorado’s most prominent business leaders and elected officials (from both parties) – the annual trek of the Rustlers has become the can’t-miss event of the summer. The Denver Rustlers continue to be the largest buying group at the Colorado State Fair.” To learn more about the organization, donate and plan for next year, go to: https://www.denverrustlers.org/.

: (l to r): Charlie McNeil, Kathie Barstnar, Doug Tisdale

: (l to r): Jason Gallardo, Sam Bailey, Stephen Fullerton

: Lane Stockey, Milli King

: (l to r): Rep. Ryan Armagost, Rep. Lisa Frizell, Andres Carerra

: Matthew McConaty (left), Shane Frazier

: Patty Salazar (left), Flor Alvidrez

: (l to r): Janine Davidson, Chrissy Winkler, Kathryn Severns, Sen. Barb Avery Kirkmeyer

: Brunch bunch

: (l to r): Owen Brigner, Logan Fry, Juan Sipion

: (l to r): Darin and David Tandberg, Amy Parsons

: (l to r): Rep. Meg Froelich, Denver DA Beth McCann, Karen Middleton

: Denver City Council member Chris Hinds (left) and Josh Hanfling

: Kate Siegel Shimko, CSU vice chancellor for community engagement; with Andrew Feinstein, CEO EXDO Development

: (l to r): Liz Concordia, UCHealth CEO; Kathie Bartsnar; JJ Ament, CEO, Denver Chamber of Commerce; Jena Griswold, Colorado Secretary of State

: (l to r): Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg; Rep. Meg Frielich; Angie Paccione, Exec Director, Colorado Dept of Higher Education

: (l to r): David Mandarich, MDC Holdings CEO; Clare Wilson, VP Treasurer, MDC Holdings; Bob Martin, Rick Thomas, VP Real Estate, MDC Holdings; Charlie Smith

: (l to r): Justin Cumming, Stanton Dodge, Roger Hutson

: (l to r): Chantell Taylor, U.S. Rep. Brittany Pettersen, Rep. Anthony Hartsook

: Dawn Patillo Exum (left), Meg Dubray

: The brunch crowd continues to grow.

: Congressman Joe Neguse (left), Andrew Feinstein

: (l to r): Steven Foster, Denver Rustlers principal Katie Kramer, Justin Cumming

: (l to r): Josh Hanfling, Larry Mizel, Rick Sapkin

: Shanahan’s buffet looked as good as it tasted.

: (l to r): Kacie Sallee, Taylor Szilagyi, Joe Miklos, Melissa Sampson, Mike O’Connell, Ashley House

: Victor Sulzer (left), Dan Schibler

: Shanahan’s…a place to hang your cowboy hat

: U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette and Charlie White

: Style at Shanahan’s

: (l to r): Meg Dubray, Colorado Sec. of State Jena Griswold, Alex Goddard, Dawn Patillo Exum

: Emily Teiffel

: (l to r): Bert Vescolani, Dan Gibbs, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis

: Brunch at Shanahan’s

: (l to r): William Browning, Sen. Chris Hansen, Kait Schwartz

: (l to r): Andrew Feinstein, Rep. Leslie Herod, Jason Gallardo

: Rep. Leslie Herod, Josh Hanfling

: Sam Bailey (left), Glenn Plagens

: Some members of the Colorado Cabinet, with friends

: Event sponsors

: Barry Hirschfeld (left) and Mark Truax

: Denver Rustlers principal Josh Hanfling and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston

: It’s all smiles and laughs with this group.

: Kaycee Gerhart (left) and Crysta Rivera

: Lisandra Gonzales (left), Tisha Pierters

: Jerome Davis, Lindy Eichenbaum Lent

: (l to r): Dave Young, Treasurer of Colorado; Adams County Commissioner Emma Pitner; Heidi Williams, Civic Results; CU Regent Ilana Spiegel

: Larry Mizel (center) and friends

: Denver Rustlers organizer Larry Mizel

: Colorado Gov. Jared Polis

: Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (left) and Josh Hanfling

: Denver Mayor Mike Johnston

: Tim Schultz, Denver Rustlers organizer and former Colorado commissioner of agriculture

: (l to r): Josh Hanfling, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, Larry Mizel, Rick Sapkin, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston

30 Aug

Denver Rustlers Breakfast Fuels Livestock Bidder$ For Trip To State Fair

Posted: Lisa Perry

The principal organizers and managers of the group don’t have official job titles and they’re 100 percent unpaid. The organization’s annual signature event doesn’t even have a proper name. And aren’t rustlers supposed to be bad-guy livestock thieves? Denver Rustlers defy convention on every front in a good way, existing solely to help hard-working Future Farmers of America and 4-H youth earn money for college by bidding on showcase animals at the Junior Livestock Sale at the Colorado State Fair.

Denver Rustlers at the breakfast reception

The premise is simple: Bidders comprised of prominent business leaders and elected officials meet in Denver for breakfast, mix and mingle, board buses to Pueblo and open their wallets at the sale. And in addition to getting the satisfaction that comes from supporting some great kids, they have a lot of fun along the way.

On Tuesday, Aug. 30, members met at Shanahan’s Steakhouse wearing a traditional cowboy hat and the group’s signature Rockmount Ranch Wear shirt to get in a Denver Rustlers frame of mind for the 100-mile trip to Pueblo. After enjoying a brunch buffet, a short program included remarks both serious and light-hearted from: Josh Hanfling, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, Gov. Jared Polis, Larry Mizel, Tim Schultz and U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet.

Denver Rustlers principals (l to r): Larry Mizel, Josh Hanfling, Katie Kramer and Tim Schultz

The Denver Rustlers began 38 years ago during an economic downturn, when a lack of bidding threatened to shut down the Junior Livestock Sale at the State Fair. At the urging of the late Representative Tom Farley, Tim Schultz (then Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture) approached Dick and Eddie Robinson, as well as Larry A. Mizel, asking them to step in and make sure the hardworking 4-H and FFA youths could continue to participate and raise money for their future education. The three rallied their friends and colleagues to invest in these kids by supporting their livestock sale.

Lisa Roy and Rick Garcia

After two decades of courageous leadership, in 2016 Pueblo native Frances Koncilja passed the reins of the Denver Rustlers to Josh Hanfling. Hanfling brings almost three decades of experience in business and philanthropy to this role and continues Koncilja’s great work on behalf of the Rustlers. Hanfling works alongside Laura Teal, Chief of Staff to Larry A. Mizel, to plan and execute the Denver Rustlers in a manner honoring the work of the many great Coloradoan philanthropists who continue to support 4-H and FFA. Learn more at: https://www.denverrustlers.org/. To see coverage at the State Fair by photojournalist Pam Cress, go to: https://photos.blacktie-colorado.com/event/denver-rustlers-continue-to-support-junior-livestock-sale/ .

: Denver Rustlers volunteers at the registration table

: (l to r); Gloria Schoch, Donna Upson, Lynnea Hutton, Kasia Iwanicko-MacLeod

: Bert Vescolani (left) and John Fabbricatore

: Mizraim Cordero (left) and Rep. David Ortiz

: (l to r): Chip Taylor, Totsy Rees, Lynn Baca

: Jennifer Mello and Sen. James Coleman

: Greeting Rustlers at the registration table

: (l to r): Kasia Iwanicko-MacLeod, Leanna Clark, Bradley Joseph, Steve Weil and Debbie Jessup

: Debbie Jessup and Tim Schultz

: Preparing for the Denver Rustlers

: (l to r): Chantel Taylor, Liz Concordia and Jim Cole

: Denver City Council member Amanda Sawyer and Bert Vescolani

: Emma Pinter and Sam Bailey

: (l to r): Kelsey Olson, Mike O’Connell, Mark Truax, Tricia Oakes, Tim Schultz

: David Oppenheim and Laura Clellan

: Morgan Medlock and Rick Garcia

: Bradley Joseph (left), Kasia Iwanicko-MacLeod, Charles Gilford

: Michelle Barnes and Dan Gibbs

: (l to r): Glenn Plagens, Sam Bailey, Nicole Ament, JJ Ament

: (l to r): Gloria Schoch, Angela Lieurance, Jocelyn Hittle, Sen. Chris Hansen, Megan Mahncke

: Paul Lundeen (left) and Brian Roth

: (l to r): Matt Hopper, Steve O’Dorisio, Bert Vescolani

: (l to r): Matthew Grooves, Dave Davia, Todd VonLintel

: Jaime Gardner (left) and Harold Smethills

: (l to r): Monica McCafferty, John Kim, Sean Tonner and Steve Weil (member shirts sporting 1950s design created by his father)

: Hearty food with a pretty setting at Shanahan’s.

: Tim Jackson (center) and friends

: Adam Frisch (left) and Rick Sapkin

: (l to r): John Fabbricatore, Jacob Wager, Wayne Williams

: (l to r): Wayne Williams, Sen. Kevin Van Winkle, Josh Hanfling

: (l to r): Celia Dietrich, Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, Megan McIver

: Lisa Roy and Rick Garcia

: Inside Shanahan’s Steakhouse

: Katie Behnke (left) and Megan Mahncke

: Jaime Gardner and Harold Smethills

: (l to r): Mary Kay Hogan, Sean Tonner, Rep. Mike Lynch

: Mike O’Connell (left) and Mark Truax

: Tisha Pieters with Carlo Ferreira (center) and Matt Hopper

: (l to r): RD Sewald, Dave Davia, Todd VonLintel

: (l to r): Phil Weiser, Lynn Granger, Mary Kay Hogan, Dave Davia

: Paul Aylmer with Barry Hirschfeld

: (l to r): Robert Kenny, Steve Weil, Lynnea Hutton, Tyler Smith

: (l to r): Alec Garnett, Rep. Naquetta Ricks, former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb

: (l to r): U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse, Rep. Naquetta Ricks, Wayne Williams

: Melanie Pearlman and Larry Mizel

: (l to r): U.S. Rep. Ken Buck, Joe and Katie Kramer, Sean Tonner, Mike Kopp

: (l to r): Patty Salazar, Shoshana Lew, Kate Greenberg, Eve Lieberman, Kara Veitch

: Robert Kenney and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock

: Shanahan’s Steakhouse provided a hearty breakfast buffet in stylish digs.

: Catching up on the terrace

: Deryn Sousa and Sam Peyton

: Denver Rustlers at the breakfast reception

: Denver Rustlers principals (l to r): Larry Mizel, Josh Hanfling, Katie Kramer and Tim Schultz

: Gov. Jared Polis (left) and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock

: Denver Mayor Michael Hancock (left) and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis

: Denver Mayor Michael Hancock speaks to the crowd.

: It’s not karaoke, but reaction to a comment by Larry Mizel (l to r: Gov. Jared Polis, Larry Mizel and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock).

: Colorado Gov. Jared Polis

: U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet

: Josh Hanfling (left) and Tim Schultz

: Larry Mizel (left) and U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet

: Larry Mizel (left) and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock

: Let’s ride!

10 Nov

2015 MPMSDC Bus Tour Builds Minority Business Relationships

Posted: Lisa Perry

Talk about good fortune from the weather gods. Representatives and prospective members of this year’s Mountain Plains Minority Supplier Development Council annual bus tour were able to enjoy a rare, 67-degree November day—just before a major snowstorm—to visit a spectrum of certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) around the Denver metro area.

A pull-up fitness bar in the office? You bet!

The genial business gurus boarded the bus at 8:30 a.m. and traveled to locations where member businesses were able to show off their success as well as their personality. At Campos EPC in LoDo, owner Marco Campos even added an impromptu demonstration of pull-up bar and Swagway skills to his site tour.

Participants were rewarded with mementos at each stop, enjoyed a hearty lunch, and the day ended at Society Sports and Spirits, where they were able to kick back and talk about their experience. The common thread of post-event comments? Building relationships…as well as planning on attending next year’s tour.

The group relaxes with food, beverages and good conversation.

The mission of the Mountain Plains Minority Supplier Development Council is to provide Corporate America and government entities with greater access to the goods and services of minority-owned business in order to develop lasting and mutually beneficial business relationships. As an affiliate regional council of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) serving Colorado, Kansas, Western Missouri, and Nebraska, the organization provides a direct link between Corporate America and Asian-, Black-, Hispanic- and Native American-owned businesses.

Today there are over 130 local corporations and government entities involved with the council, and over 500 minority-owned businesses certified with the Mountain Plains MSDC. Several of these certified MBEs have grown to the level of Fortune 500 companies and achieved Corporate Plus status with the NMSDC. Through the extensive certification process, corporate member support, free networking events, educational programs and supplier diversity initiatives MPMSDC strives to develop minority-owned businesses to their full potential. For more information, please visit: www.mpmsdc.org

: Chloe Capin, of Campos EPC, gifts Reggie Gamlin (and the rest of the tour members) with a set of earphones.

: Heather, of Society Sports and Spirits, with Marco Campos

: Garrett Reynolds soaks up some sun.

: (l to r): Angela Schwartz, Belinda Hooks, Marco Campos and Jennifer Malpiede

: Belinda Hooks (left) and Jennie Malpiede

: Enjoying happy hour at Society Sports and Spirits

: Conversation was animated at happy hour.

: Marco Campos

: The group relaxes with food, beverages and good conversation.

: Lakeshia Hodge and David Cowell

: Reggie Gamlin and Michelle Campbell

: Brad Ammon and Doris Crim

: Jyona Slay and Megann Arnett

: Jennie Malpiede and Garrett Reynolds

: Mountain Plains Minority Supplier Development Council staff (l to r): Angie Schwartz, Belinda Hooks, Jennie Malpiede

: Vern Howard and Belinda Hooks, market president for Colorado and Nebraska

: Denise Christopher and Robert Kenney

: Michelle Campbell and Peter Castillo

: The group adjourns to Society Sports and Spirits for an informal happy hour.

: Angela Norris-Hawkins takes a quick break.

: Checking out an amazing view from the top floor

: Guests enjoyed the presentation at Campos EPC.

: The group tours Campos EPC.

: A pull-up fitness bar in the office? You bet!

: The group tours the executive level of Campos EPC.

: Robert Kenney and Denise Christopher

: Marco Campos, of Campos EPC, talks about his historic building in LoDo.

: The 2015 MPMSDC bus tour participants

: Group members pay close attention.

: Marcos Campos, of Campos EPC, describes his business.

: Marco Campos (right) welcomes the group.

: The group enjoys a sunny, 67-degree November day.

02 Oct

Get Leadership Fit!

Posted: Danielle Corriveau

This year’s Women’s Success Forum: Get Leadership Fit! delivered something for everyone, from insightful speakers to amazing auction items to awe-inspiring awards. It was an energizing, engaging day for the more than 1,100 women and men who attended.

Johns Manville CEO Mary Rhinehart opened the event with the story of how her company began: a tale of ingenuity and partnership. Next, award-winning author, speaker and executive coach Debra Benton boiled down the attitude all effective leaders possess into two words: expect acceptance.

“They always expect to be accepted,” explained Debra Benton. She emphasized the need to always expect to be accepted and, in turn, accept everyone. “Children learn what they live, so live like you expect acceptance,” she explained.

New York Times best-selling author Curt Coffman started his talk with a joke and then went on to share brilliant insights about culture and its crucial role in strategy and performance. Next door, career-fulfillment expert and success coach Tama Kieves began her presentation with guided meditation, which proved a popular way for guests to prepare to sink into becoming inspired and unstoppable. One room down from soothing music Jan Rutherford, former U.S. Army Special Forces soldier, coach and author, shared concrete solutions to getting past over-managing and under-leading to become courageous, humble and disciplined leaders. Gaye Woods, Group Director Community Health Improvement at Centura Health, busy in another room, spoke about how quality leadership calls for emotional intelligence, adaptability, body wisdom and compassion.

“We’ve had it all wrong: It’s not your bank accounts, titles or lack of access that’s holding you back. It’s your health,” shared Gaye Woods. She went on to explain how each person could increase his or her body wisdom and improve their health.

The event’s “Auction it Forward” section included oodles of items. Guests could bid on anything and everything from spa treatments to a day on the lake to Broncos games to team building retreats.

The afternoon session included an executive panel discussion. 9News Anchor and Business Reporter Gregg Moss facilitated the talk. Panelists included Executive Vice President, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and President, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Colorado Donna Lynne, CoBank President Mary McBride and Johns Manville CEO Mary Rhinehart.

This year, The Leadership Investment presented an award not given every year. It is one bestowed upon a woman who has distinguished herself as an exceptional leader in her workplace and community, an activist for change, a role-model for tomorrow’s leaders, and a person committed to the advancement of women. Merrill-Lynch Wealth Management Market Executive Jodi Rolland proudly accepted the 2014 Stephanie Allen Woman of Vision Award. The loudest cheers came from her husband and two sons who proudly came to the event.

The Leadership Investment also honored nine outstanding individuals as finalists for its 2014 Success Awards for Woman, Man and Rising Leader of the Year. The finalists included Brocade Senior Engineering Manager Renata Colitti O’Day; President, ANB Bank, Investment Management & Trust Carolyn Paul; Cummins Rocky Mountain Chief Financial Officer Caroline Slider Asimakopoulos; IQNavigator President and CEO Joe Juliano; enVision Vice President & Client Partner Alain Paolini; Comcast West Division President Steve White and Cisco Systems Strategic Account Manager Jennifer Chang; Covidien Director, Quality Assurance, Todd Hansell; and Johns Manville Manager, Produce Engineering Zeb Sukle. Finalists for company of the year included Charles Schwab, IMA and New Belgium Brewing.

Colorado artists Michelle Manquen and Board Emeritus member of The Leadership Investment Linda Bedinger each created lovely, unique art awards and thank you gifts for the winners and panelists.

The mission of The Leadership Investment is to focus on supporting and advancing women in their careers by developing leaders, connecting people and inspiring action. The Leadership Investment recognizes the vital contribution of men and acknowledges that engaging men is critical to the success of its mission.

: Ready to greet the 1,100 registered attendees

: Kay Cowling, left, and Leah Harris enjoy the event

: Heidie Garrigan, left, and Jill Marce are looking forward to a day of inspiration

: Amy McDonough, left, and Katy Uhl are proud to support the Forum

: Abasi Baruti, left, with Delores Marquez

: Susan Trunde, left, with Kelly Wagner

: Nancy Patton, left, and Susan Allard are all smiles

: It’s a day of success for Debra Benton, left, and Mary Rhinehart

: Debra Benton and Mary Rhinehart connect before the opening program

: Smiles before the opening program: Elizabeth Cross, left, Debra Benton, Meredith Roque and Susan Baldwin

: Team Trouble-Shooting is doing a perfect job: Christine Daspro, left, Mary Turek, Barbara Hunter, Connie Blakeman and Jessica Blakeman

: Pretty smiles at the registration desk: Betsy Orton, left, Wendy Miles-Boykin and Katy Ayers

: Rachel DeLoach, left, and Nicole Yue are pleased to be at the Forum

: Alison Rice, left, and Andrea Andrews get ready for a super sessioin

: Tama Kieves, left, gets ready for her introduction

: Tama Kieves gets ready to wow the crowd

: Curt Coffman gets ready to share his wisdom

: A crowded breakout session

: Curt Coffman amuses the crowd

: NY Times best selling author Curt Coffman speaks to the crowd

: Team IMA: Sandra Chavez, left, Kim Gately and Sandra Harvath

: Carolyn Paul, left, smiles with Kelly Paolini and Alain Paolini

: Sheri Marrujo, left, and Shannon Powell are ready for a great day

: Heidi Krapfl, left, takes a moment for a photo with Sherri Oddo

: Gorgeous auction items

: Tables and tables of auction items

: Jane Everhart, left, with Grace Abbott

: Stunning jewelry displayed at the Women’s Success Forum

: Tattered Cover brought books upon books

: It’s a super event for Holly Leiker, left, and Delores Marquez

: Meg Rau, left, and Kelly Fullerton smile at the success of the event

: Tiffany Blackwell, left, and Michelle Lankford

: Rachel Vanderploeg, left, and Maryann Mercer enjoy a comfortable spot

: Diane Felton, left, smiles with Christine Daspro, Denise Jaworski and Dara Bassock Marvel

: Board members Ann Ayers, Kelli Robinson and Nancy Sullivan are proud to be a part of The Leadership Investment

: Beautiful tables ready for guests

: Rob and Jodi Rolland celebrate the forum with their sons Keaton and Connor

: Celebrating mom Jodi Rolland are her husband Rob and sons Keaton and Connor

: Emily Corlett, left, smiles with Caroline Slider Asimakopoulos, Renata Colitti O’Day and Dee Dukehart

: Cathy Kilstrom, left, with Steve White and Kate Oravez

: Happy co-chairs: Tanya Bradby, left, and Kamela Pancroft

: Lots to smile about: Co-chairs Tanya Bradby, left, and Kamela Pancroft

: Lynne Craig, left, has fun catching up with Ruth Rohs

: Smiling on-stage: Ruth Rohs, left, Rob Cohen and Robin Heller

: Big smiles: Ruth Rohs, left, with Rob Cohen and Robin Heller

: Ruth Rohs and Rob Cohen take time for a photo

: Sandra Harvath, left, with friends Ruth Rohs and Lynne Craig

: Emily Gehrmann, left, smiles with Rachel Lord, Ginny Wilson and Kathy Miks

: A toast to a great event

: Abby Masenheimer, left, smiles with Brandi Duncan

: Kelly Neary, left, takes time for a photo wtih Scott Singer, Heidi Baughman and Donna Feehan

: Horacio Aviles catches up with Dara Bassock Marvel

: The co-chairs take the stage

: Kamela Pancroft, left, and Tanya Bradby welcome guests

: Kamela Pancroft shares about her favorite part of the day

: Kamela Pancroft speaks on stage

: The ballroom was packed with people ready for an inspiring day

07 Jun

United Way 6/7/14

Posted:

Saturday, June 7, marked the annual Mile High United Way Emerging Leaders Council fundraiser and the United Ways Day at the Rockies.

The Emerging Leaders Council is a collective of young professionals who donate time and money to help make these programs successful and meaningful to the community.

The 14 United Ways of Colorado are committed to improving the well-being of individuals, families and children in our communities. Collectively, they are a catalyst for social change across Colorado.

The Emerging Leaders Council pre-game event is held to support Mile High United Ways’ work in the community to improve the lives of children, families and individuals. .

Donors, friends, and family members attended the rooftop gathering at Workplace Resources to celebrate the continued success of many of Mile High United Way’s programs, such as Bridging the Gap, which serves foster youth as they transition into adulthood.. Victoria Black gave an inspirational account of how Bridging the Gap helped her at this pivotal moment in her life.

Emerging Leaders guests then walked over to Mile High Stadium for the Colorado United Way Day at the Rockies. This annual event provides a way for supporters, board members, volunteers and staff to join in representing the work of United Ways across Colorado.

: Daniel, left, Matthew, and Michelle take the beanbag toss game vertical with a smile.

: Meredith Blanchard inspects the Jenga situation.

: Meredith makes her move.

: The choice results in fun for all on watchers.

: Matthew takes his best aim.

: Despite an overcast day, shade was appreciated.

: The beanbag toss hints toward the day’s main activity.

: Families convene for a quick snack.

: The patio provides opportunities to catch up.

: The Little Man Ice Cream stand was a popular stop.

: Patrick of Little Man Ice Cream, right, explains the tasty options.

: Nathan Ariano, left, and Daniel Collins put Erin Koksal on the clock to make a decision.

: Katie Doyle, left, confers with Katie Ferguson on the winning number as DJ Lo keeps the music going.

: Katie Ferguson announces the winning number.

: Katie Doyle, left, and Katie Ferguson award one of several prizes given.

: The apparatus of fun awaits guests.

: Guests inspect the conditions over Coors Field in anticipation of the game.

: Gretchen Gilliland, left, assures everyone gets checked in for the fun.

: Prizes await winners.

: Families gather and games are surveyed strategically.

: A hopeful toss land home.

: “Live United” was the theme of the day.

: Guest hit the street.

: More guests head to Coors Field.

: “We’ll see you there!”

: The crowd stands for the National Anthem.

: Abraham Lincoln, left, Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington make a grand entrance.

: Section 328, the Live United section, cheers a home run.

: Refreshments arranged to look out on the final destination, Coors Field.

: A hopeful toss lands home.

: Long-range fun is in the air.

: Gretchen, center, greets every guest.

: Name badges await claiming.

: DJ Lo, right, provides the entertainment.

: Guests mingle on the balcony.

: Even the smallest join the fun.

: Everyone is included in the activities.

: Natalie Liff, right, is cheered on.

: Watching the games while enjoying a chat.

: Picking up a snack on the way to the game.

: Opportunities for diversion are all along the way.

: One family views the stadium and heads to the game.

: A shining light draws toward Coors Field.

Saturday, June 7, marked the annual Mile High United Way Emerging Leaders Council fundraiser. This event is held to support work in the community that assists 40-50 young people each year in transitioning from social services to independence through their Bridge program. The Emerging Leaders Council is a collective of young professionals who donate time and money to help make these programs successful and meaningful to the community. Donors, friends, and family members attended to celebrate the continued success of the program. Victoria Black, Tory, gave an inspirational account of how the Council and associated programs helped her at a pivotal moment in her life. A rooftop gathering with fun and food proceeded The Colorado United Way Day at the Rockies. This annual event provides a way for supporters, board members, volunteer, and staff to join in representing the work of United Way in every community it serves.

04 May

May the 4th Be With You

Posted: Danielle Corriveau

May 4 is officially Intergalactic Star Wars Day. In Denver, the place to be for the celebration is Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. Count on it like wisdom from Yoda, each year the site will host Star Wars Day at the Hangar. This year 2,500 people came out — many in costume — to honor the saga, take a few cuts with the event’s own version of a light saber, blast a few shots at a storm trooper, and take their place behind the controls of an authentic X-Wing Fighter.

“The first year we hosted a thank you event for 30 people. It’s now grown to thousands coming through the door today,” confirmed Mathew Burchette, curator for the museum.

He then gave all the credit for the success of the day to three groups: Rocky Mountain FanForce, The Rebel Legion and 501^st Legion. The first is a social group for Star Wars fans to collectively share their affinity for the series. The other two are official Lucasfilm approved costuming groups. The Rebel Legion is recognized as the world’s premier “Good Guy” Star Wars costuming organization. The second, well, as you can guess, represent the “the dark side.”

One dedicated parent braved the 80-degree day to come as Chewbacca, the gaint hairy Wookie from the movie. This was his second time attending with his son. “It’s a super father-son thing to do. We did it last year and this year we decided to dress up. It’s a lot of fun,” smiled the man as he hugged his miniature Hans Solo partner.

One mother, son duo took in all the sights and beep-beep sounds. “He’s a huge Star Wars fan. He has posters in his room from when he was very, very young.” Her now full-grown son even took a lesson from an X-Wing pilot on how to stun the character.

The whole Wasinger family came out decked for the day. “We look forward to this each year,” replied the costumed-clad mom.

Rocky Mountain FanForce, the guiding organizers of the event, generously gave out “play” light sabers to fans only after they successfully answered a trivia question.

“I’ve watched Star Wars since the day I was born,” expressed 10-year-old Kyala, in between casting questions to those wanting to earn the saber. “My dad still collects Star Wars action figures.”

Maureen Kiefer explained her two girls, Lucy and Kate, were set for all photos with pre-defined movie scene poses. “They are obsessed with Star Wars. One day we watched and they’ve been hooked ever since.”

“How many people can say they worked on a real X-Wing?” said Jeff Rodriguez referencing the rare and rewarding opportunity of maintaining the craft. He, along with 10-15 other volunteers, donate hours to keep the craft in top shape. His group works to preserve the space vehicle along with keeping it up-to-date with electronics.

As Yoda would say, “Patience you MUST HAVE my young padawan.” The event will come back around next year and when it does, entertain your inner Storm Trooper with a trip to Wings Over the Rockies.

May the 4th Be With You.