If the goal of Tribute 2007, the annual fundraising dinner for Mental Health America of Colorado, was to Bring Wellness Home, organizers can sum up the occasion by saying, “Mission accomplished.”
Everyone who spoke — Gov. Bill and Jeannie Ritter, former Washington Post reporter Pete Earley, president/CEO Jeanne Rohner — had facts and anecdotes about how widespread mental illness is and how Colorado is fast becoming “a tipping point” among states in combating and destigmatizing it.
The Ritters received special praise from David Shearn, MHA’s national president. “Coloradans are lucky,” he declared “because your governor gets it. He understands, but more important, he takes action.” Shearn, who is based in Washington, D.C., grew up in Pueblo and attended the University of Colorado.
The dinner was the occasion to pay tribute to psychologist Nancy Gary for a career devoted to the well-being of children. She was introduced by husband Sam Gary‘s partner in the Gary Williams Cos., Ron Williams and his wife, Cille.State Sen. Moe Keller and Rep. Debbie Stafford also were recognized for their leadership in getting SB 36, which calls for mandatory mental health insurance, signed into law.
Cody and Seth Belzley chaired the event with Patty Cook. The 1,000 guests included Phil and Linda Dispense; Dyana and Dr. Bert Furmansky; Irene Ibarra from The Colorado Trust; Tom Flanagan from Presenting Sponsor City Banks; Sarah and Nate Schnabel; and Marcy Benson with Mary and Don Elliman and Debbie Schmerling, whose husband is the new chief executive at The Children’s Hospital.
Amy Boymel, MHAC’s vice president of development and marketing, was seated with two couples who are longtime advocates for the well-being of children: attorney Larry Atler, his wife, former Miss America Marilyn VanDerbur Atler, and their good friends, Carol and developer Howard Torgove.Also, Marilyn and Dr. Jules Amer; Dick Saunders; Molly Broeren and Bill Mosher; Janalee and Morris McDonald; LaFawn Biddle; Alice and Leonard Perlmutter; Millie and Del Hock; Leigh Sinclair and Arlen Preblud; Adrienne and Jack Fitzgibbons; Arlene and Barry Hirschfeld; and Carmen Carillo, who has stepped down as executive director of Mi Casa Resource Center for Women to become deputy manager of the Denver Department of Human Services.
Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com; also .
