Over the past 24 years, Colorado UpLift’s mentoring programs have been a godsend for thousands of Denver-area youngsters at risk for falling prey to drugs, crime and other temptations that rarely have a happy ending. UpLift staffers begin with fifth-graders, guiding them toward good decisions and lives lived with integrity, courage, compassion, responsibility and vision for the future.
A guild to assist the nonprofit agency was formed in 1994. Its members raise money, help publicize UpLift’s many services and volunteer when needed. Members also conduct after-
school craft projects for UpLift students, coordinate pool parties and cooking classes, assist with career fairs, stage a fundraising dinner, and host a Kids’ Day at Six Flags Elitch Gardens.
Recently, the guild raised additional funds by putting on Rockin’ at the Troc, a dinner with dancing to the Joe Peterson Big Band Orchestra, held at the theme park’s Trocadero Ballroom. Mary Kreutzer, who dressed as Elitch’s founder Mary Elitch, chaired the event with Lisa Yurglich. Glenda Richter was the honorary chair.
Guests included Brenda Crain and Jody Phelps, who were in charge of the 2006 Kids’ Day; Tom Gamel; Anne and Jerry Curran; Gloria and Walter Berger; Rod and Phyllis Wicklund; and Joyce and Dr. James Wilson.
What else is new?
A benefit screening of the new Jack Black comedy, “Nacho Libre,” takes place at 7 p.m. today at Cinema Latino de Aurora, 777 Peoria St. Proceeds will help send North High School’s Black Masque Theatre Company to Edinburgh, Scotland, in August, where members will perform the comic drama “Simply Maria” at the 2006 Fringe Festival. Tickets at Common Grounds, 3484 W. 32nd Ave., or at the theater.
At Escuela Tlatelolco’s Flor y Canto Festival on Friday night, Champions of Change awards will be presented to former Denver Mayor Federico Peña (politics and social action); Jose Cuellar of Dr. Loco’s Rockin’ Jalapeño Band (art, culture and music); Anna Jo Haynes, CEO of Mile High Montessori (humanitarian); Anthony Ibarra, owner and CEO of Digitron Inc. (business and community development); Tony Garcia, executive artistic director of Su Teatro (human rights and social justice); and Pierre Jimenez (education). The festival begins at 6 p.m. in the Denver Center Galleria and includes refreshments, an auction and music for dancing. Stephen Jordan, president of Metropolitan State College of Denver, and his wife, Ruth, are the honorary chairmen. For tickets, call 303-964-8993.
Society editor Joanne Davidson can be reached at 303-809-1314 or jmdpost@aol.com.
