He’s been on the cover of Sports Illustrated and helped lead the Colorado Rockies to the World Series. But nothing that Clint Hurdle has done on the baseball diamond can even come close to what he has done for children with health challenges.
Which is why Denver Ronald McDonald House is going to honor him at its 2008 Storybook Ball — and why he was given a $20,000 check at the March 15 gala’s patron party.
Don’t worry, the money’s not for him. It’s for the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association of Colorado, in which Hurdle and his wife, Karla, became active after their daughter, Madison, was diagnosed with it shortly after her birth.
“Part of our mission is to support other worthwhile children’s charities within the community,” says Ronald McDonald House director Pam Whitaker. “And this year we’ve chosen to honor Clint for his excellent work with this very worthwhile cause.”
Patrons, including former board president Tony Taddonio and his wife, Pam, gathering at Ron and Diane Lessnau’s home in Cherry Hills Village were reminded that the gala will be at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, with dance music by Opie Gone Bad. They also were updated on the construction of a second Ronald McDonald House, near the new Children’s Hospital in Aurora. The house is expected to open in late February. Tickets to the ball can be purchased by calling 720-382-7201.
And, what’s more
What’s an Ish Party? It’s when Nancy and Ira Sherman, 4240 Architecture, Mary Mackey and a few dozen other creative types make art objects based on words ending in “ish” (think foolish, boyish, girlish, anguish) and then put them up for bid at Design After Dark. This Friday event is a benefit for the Denver Art Museum and begins at 8 p.m. at the Exdo Event Center, 1399 35th St. Call 720-913-0046. … The 2008 Le Bal de Ballet debutantes and Young Men of Distinction are guests of honor at a Ruby Jubilee dinner- dance taking place Feb. 10 at the Westin Tabor Center. … Attorney Michael Carrigan, a partner at Holland & Hart, has received the Richard Marden Davis Award for outstanding leadership in civic, cultural, educational and charitable affairs. A University of Colorado regent, Carrigan is the son of retired U.S. District Judge Jim Carrigan. … The Public Education and Business Coalition is celebrating its 25th anniversary by moving to new quarters in the “glorious and historic” Creswell Mansion, 1244 Grant St. … Dana Rinderknecht has been elected president of the Junior League of Denver for 2008-09; Molly Ostarch WeissHao-Jiang Tian in the title role. Tian, a former Denverite, will be here for Saturday’s Nathan Yip Foundation dinner.
is president-elect. … Charity Navigator the nation’s largest independent evaluator of charities has given its highest rating of four stars to the Colorado branch of the Volunteers of America. It’s the third time in seven years that VOA-Colorado has received the honor. … “Poet Li Bai” which had its world premiere last summer at the Central City Opera House opens in Rome in May and once again stars
Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com; also, davidson
