Denver has the distinction of hosting the nation’s largest Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, and there’s still time to register for the 2007 edition, which takes place Sunday.
Those who sign up for it at Runners Roost, 1685 S. Colorado Blvd., on Friday afternoon or all day Saturday have the opportunity to meet Aurora resident Ellen McVicker, who’ll be signing “Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings,” a book she wrote to help children understand a loved one’s battle with cancer. McVicker, a teacher and mental health professional, was inspired after her cousin, a young mother and award-winning artist who illustrated the book, was diagnosed five years ago.
Five dollars from each book sold goes to the Komen foundation. The author will be at Runners Roost from 3 p.m. to closing on Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Later this month, McVicker will travel to New York to present a copy of the book to the Ralph Lauren Co. during its Pink Pony campaign for cancer research.
Bly’s doing his part
In March, when Detroit dealt its Pro Bowl cornerback Dre Bly to the Denver Broncos, sports bloggers were burning up the Internet with claims Bly was none too happy with the trade.
Shows what they know. It seems he has settled in quite nicely, so much so that at 1 p.m. today Bly will be at Place Middle School to announce that his charitable foundation is “adopting” the school at 7125 Cherry Creek North Drive, in cooperation with the Denver Public Schools’ Schools Partner Program.
Bly will announce that his foundation will be behind an after- school tutoring program and will offer incentives for students who get good grades and show exemplary citizenship. The foundation also will sponsor a Thanksgiving turkey drive for Place families in need.
In a related matter, 80 Applebee’s employees are donating their time today and Wednesday to give Grant Middle School a much-needed facelift.
Congratulations, all
Gov. Bill Ritter is the keynote speaker for the 16th Bernie Valdez Awards Luncheon, which begins at 11:30 a.m. Friday at the Denver Merchandise Mart. Honorees are state Reps. Edward Casso and Terrance Carroll; Willie Montoya; the Rev. Leon Kelly; Sheldon Steinhauser and the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado.
Jared Polis is the presenting sponsor of this benefit for the Latin American Research and Service Agency; Luis Canela emcees.
Tickets are $75 and can be reserved by visiting .
