The bond that sorority sisters enjoy is deep and lasting, and in the Denver area, one of the strongest and most special is the one shared by the women of Delta Delta Delta.
In the early 1970s, not long after an alumna’s child was diagnosed with cancer, the members rallied to make a meaningful contribution to The Children’s Hospital in honor of the first-rate and compassionate care the youngster had received. They set a $1 million goal.
They raised the money by staging a fashion show that would continue until the goal was met. It’s A Child’s World quickly grew to become a premier spring event, raising $1.2 million for treatment, research and program development at the hospital’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.
The Denver-Boulder Alumnae Chapter spearheaded campaigns to establish Colorado’s first volunteer blood-donor network, which includes a center at Children’s, and started the Tri-Delta Endowment Fund for Children’s Cancer. For 11 years, the fund sponsored the neuro-oncology program director at Children’s and in 2002 helped establish the adolescent oncology program at the hospital’s cancer center. The chapter also has contributed some $140,000 to the patient- and family-support fund.
With the original goal surpassed, the chapter has retired It’s A Child’s World. The grand finale took place earlier this month at Belmar Event Center in Lakewood. The dinner, dance and auction were chaired by Cara Warren, Karen Parry, Gretchen Astone and Heather Pool. Hospital Ambassador Galen Batson was a special guest.
Galen was diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphocytic leukemia, a genetic form of leukemia that is less responsive to chemotherapy, in March of 2002. He received a stem-cell transplant from his brother, Sean, on Aug. 7, 2002, and was treated at Children’s for the next 18 months. He is now a thriving and energetic 13-year-old.
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Five hundred women are expected for Denver’s second Go Red for Women event, which begins at 8:30 a.m. Thursday at the Adam’s Mark Hotel. There will be exhibits, informational programs about heart disease and stroke, and “circle of life” screenings until 1 p.m., with a break for a heart-healthy lunch and keynote address by Mary LoVerde at 11:30. Go Red for Women is presented by the American Heart Association and Exempla Healthcare; chairwomen include Mimi Roberson, Janette Durham, Carole Hemmelgarn, Roxanne Marati and Mary Verity. For tickets ($100 each) call Clem Connolly, 303-369-5433.
Salsa & Soul, a food-and-music extravaganza benefiting the Inner-City Health Center, begins at 6 p.m. Thursday at Mile High Station. Co-chairs Scottie Iverson and Joyce Paloma say that things kick off with Latin food, salsa dancing lessons and music by Conjunto Colores. Following a break to present Dr. Gary VanderArk with the Founders’ Award, there will be soul food and music by Hazel Miller and her band. In addition, there will be an auction called by former District Attorney Norm Early, an ethnic art gallery and game area. 9News anchor Bazi Kanani is mistress of ceremonies, and Lt. Gov. Jane Norton is the honorary chair. Call 303-291-3729.
Rainbow Bridge is having its annual Intergenerational Idols talent showcase Thursday evening at Teikyo Loretto Heights University Theater, 3001 S. Federal Blvd. A silent auction, chaired by Mary McNicholas, and reception are at 5:30 p.m., followed by an awards program and performances by specially selected young people and elders at 7. Audiologist Marion Downs will receive the Golden Rainbow Award and there will be a surprise performance by LaFawn Biddle. Mark McIntosh is the master of ceremonies. For tickets, call 303-623-1176.
Clinical psychologist Ray Garendi, the father of 10, is the keynote speaker for Hope Springs Eternal, a luncheon benefiting the Seeds of Hope Charitable Trust. Lisa Corrigan and Cynthia Wax are chairing the fundraiser and note that registration begins at 11:15 a.m. Friday at the Hyatt Regency Tech Center. Honorary chairmen are Archbishop Charles Chaput and U.S. Rep. Bob Beauprez. CBS4 anchor Jim Benemann will emcee. Proceeds go to Catholic school scholarships for children from low-income families.
The seventh annual Family Extravaganza, dedicated to the late Bill Roberts, founder of Lift Every Voice Inc., and a prominent member of Denver’s business and civic circles, begins at 6:45 p.m. Friday at New Hope Baptist Church’s Family Life Center, 3701 Colorado Blvd. Call Robbie Bean, 303-321-3995.
Society editor Joanne Davidson can be reached at 303-809-1314 or jmdpost@aol.com.
