Building Better Lives, the motto for Lou Jahde’s Palace Construction Co., also was the theme for a dinner at which Jahde and his wife, Pat, became the Arapahoe House Pillars of the Community for 2009.
The event chaired by Helen and Warren Hanks raised $80,000 for the 22 substance- abuse recovery programs that Arapahoe House offers at 12 locations statewide. The not-for-profit agency headed by David Murphy serves 22,000 clients annually.
The Jahdes have supported Arapahoe House for the past 15 years. He is a past president — and current vice president — of its Recovery Foundation board; a past chair of the gala’s corporate committee; and, with his wife of 48 years, a leader in other fundraisers that have raised $750,000 for such Arapahoe House programs as Aspen Center, which offers substance abuse treatment for women who are pregnant or have recently given birth, and New Directions for Families, where children can stay with their mothers as the women work to overcome substance abuse, mental health and trauma issues.
“Tonight is a big night for us both,” Lou Jahde said, “But the fact of the matter is that whatever we have given to Arapahoe House we have received back many times.”
Another highlight of the evening came when LaFawn Biddle, a 12-year Arapahoe House volunteer, was given the Ruston Award. It is named for the late Harry and Florence Ruston, and has been presented annually by their daughter, Adrienne Ruston Fitzgibbons, since 2003 to one who exemplifies their philanthropic spirit.
Four hundred people were at the Marriott City Center for the gala, a night that began with a silent auction and finished up with entertainment by the Pink Flamingos.
Among the guests: Hank and Bobette Robinson, whose Argonaut Wine & Liquor Store was the Penthouse Sponsor; Paul and Bonnie Zueger, who’d hosted the kickoff party at their Masters Gallery; last year’s honorees, Charles and Judy McNeil; patron party hosts Kevin and Mary McNicholas; Steve Edmonds; Mort and Edie Marks; Artemis Khadiwala; George and Gail Johnson; Doug Tisdale; Joe and Angela Alexis; Brenda and Dr. David Schrier; Steve and Sharon Cooper; Terry and Dr. Elaine Scholes; Ed and Gayle Novak; Ernst and Jill Behr; Louis and Ginny Messina; Robert and Paulette Brody; Paul Esserman and Kathy Volker; Jay and Kristina Davidson; Peter and Margrit Aeby; Keith and Cindi Burge; Andy Levy and Keri Christiansen; Greg and Karen Gulley; and Kathleen and Dr. James Crapo.
Society editor Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com; also, and GetItWrite on Twitter
