When the economy takes a dip and folks start paying extra attention to their discretionary spending, one might think that an art auction would be the last thing a nonprofit organization would have for its major fundraiser.
Guess again.
For the 12th year, the Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado made a ton of money from its Memories in the Making art auction. The Denver edition raised $200,000; add proceeds from similar offerings in Colorado Springs, Fort Collins/Loveland and Pueblo and the grand total is $473,350.
The money is used to support chapter programs and services and to fund the research that may eventually find a cure for this disease impacting 5 million people in the United States and 64,000 in Colorado.
Denver’s Memories in the Making, sponsored by the Hughes Law Firm and Sunrise Senior Living, brought 550 supporters to the Donald R. Seawell Grand Ballroom for an evening that also included hors d’oeuvres and desserts from Epicurean Catering and entertainment by vocalist Danny Showers and the Denver Marching Knights.
Seventy-two pieces of art created by those with Alzheimer’s were auctioned during both the silent and live auctions; 33 of the pieces were paired with works by such professional artists as Anne Aguirre, Norm Cable, John Fielder, Judy Gorsuch Collins and Cheryl St. John.
The highest bid ever received at the Denver auction was made by Rick Miller from Olinger Mortuaries and Cemeteries. Miller paid $6,600 for Susan Dickson’s “Girl Talk” and its companion piece, “Sunday Dresses,” by Alzheimer’s artist Mary Duffy.
Alzheimer’s artist Jim Lash proved popular for the second year in a row. His “Four Men: Two with Wives and Two Without,” went to Doug Reese for $4,000.
The auction also featured the sale of 45 palettes painted by Colorado artists. They brought in $5,950 with the highest offering ($450) going to “Toulouse’s Dreams,” by Nancy Priest. In addition, a quilt made from Alzheimer’s art transferred onto squares and embellished and embroidered by quilters from Firehouse Quilts was auctioned for $4,700 to Dr. Karen Moreau.
The Denver City Marching Band surprised guests by leading them into the theater for the live auction, dessert and a drawing for a Lexus GS350 from by Stevinson Lexus and Memory Bridging.
For information call the Alzheimer’s Association at 303-813-1669 or 800-272-3900, or visit
Society editor Joanne Davidson can be reached at 303-809-1314 or jdavidson @denverpost.com. She also contributes at
