Words like “joy” and “celebrate” wouldn’t seem to have a place in a story about an organization dedicated to teen suicide prevention. Unless, of course, the subject is the Shaka Franklin Foundation’s Love Our Children Luncheon.
When Les Franklin’s 16-year-old son, Shaka, committed suicide in 1990, the grieving father vowed to help other parents avoid such an unspeakable tragedy in their own lives. With his wife, Marianne, he started the Shaka Franklin Foundation for Youth to provide counseling and activities that would guide young people to healthier, happier lives.
Much of the funding would come from an annual luncheon, an event that after 15 years has become one of Denver’s most popular feel-good events. The Franklins use the occasion to honor outstanding individuals and companies, and to bring in speakers who deliver uplifting and inspirational messages to the 1,000 or so guests.
This year’s keynote address came from Tim Gill, who parlayed a $2,000 loan from his parents into Quark, the world’s leading page layout software. Every year, his Gill Foundation and its offshoot, the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado, donates millions to causes ranging from gay and lesbian rights to the arts, health care and teen suicide prevention.
“The reason the Shaka Franklin Foundation is so important to me is because I have friends who have either killed themselves or attempted suicide,” Gill explained. “I’ve known all my life that I am gay, and fortunately my parents were always there for me. But when a child doesn’t know where he fits in the world, when other kids are telling gay jokes or your parents can’t accept that you are gay, it implies that you are flawed, and serious problems, like depression and suicide, can result.”
Because so many depressed people turn to the Internet for socialization or support, Gill said that is the logical place for professionals to go to offer help. “We need to develop Internet technologies that will enable us to find kids who are at risk for suicide. The world has changed, the way kids do things has changed and we need to adapt and provide them with the resources they need.”
During an awards ceremony preceding his talk, Gill was given the foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the Gay & Lesbian Fund was honored as Foundation of the Year. Denverite Thierry Smith, the nation’s first African-American radio sportscaster, also was given a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Retired educator Ruth Denny was given the Service to the Community Award for contributions of time and money that she has made to numerous causes, including the Urban League, Styles Cultural Center, the Beckwourth Mountain Club, Denver Rescue Mission and the Denver Public Schools. She was the first individual to donate $1,000 to the Shaka Franklin Foundation and continues to make that gift annually. Tony and Jan Sdao were hailed as Volunteers of the Year; Colorado State University was named Outstanding Colorado Citizen.
The Gill Foundation’s executive director, Rodger McFarlane, chaired the luncheon with Mary Lou Makepeace, executive director of the Gay & Lesbian Fund. He also served as master of ceremonies.
Thelma Gash, whose son, Kent, is directing the play “Crowns” at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, was at Ruth Denny’s table, along with Denny’s daughter, attorney Dianne Briscoe; granddaughter Ruthie Sullivan; and attorney Dan Muse.
Amy and Rod Dupays coordinated the corps of volunteers who helped make sure all ran smoothly.
Society editor Joanne Davidson can be reached at 303-809-1314 or jmdpost@aol.com.
