No pain, no gain? So not true.
When nonprofit organizations fall on hard times, supporters are encouraged to “give til it hurts.”
Colorado Ballet Auxiliary apparently didn’t get that particular memo, because its signature fundraiser, the Jan. 23 Balletto di Gala, made giving fun.
The 220 guests had a fabulous dinner at the Westin Tabor Center, then danced to The Tripping Griswolds, and at evening’s end, Colorado Ballet was $170,000 richer.
Proceeds from the event chaired by Jean Armstrong and Erin Asborno and emceed by 7News morning meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo may not have erased the company’s $500,000 deficit, but it was a big step in the right direction, said board chairwoman Denise Sanderson. “These are challenging times, and like many other nonprofits, we are hurting. But next year is our 50th season, and we plan on being here to celebrate.”
Board members Raydean Acevedo, Dave Ramsay and Dick Saunders certainly did their part by stepping up in the paddle-raiser that auctioneer Gary Corbett conducted following the live bidding. Acevedo gave $25,000; Ramsay and Saunders kicked in $10,000 each.
Colorado Ballet’s new generation of supporters weighed in too. Monica Owens, co-founder of the Colorado Ballet Young Professionals, obtained the live auction item that was so popular it sold twice: a reception for 50 at the Governor’s Residence. And banker Vince Abrue, who headed the young professionals ticket committee, made a $1,000 donation during the paddle-raiser.
Mayor John Hickenlooper stopped by during the silent auction/cocktail hour to express his support and if you want to know what he said — and a little more about who was there — put down the newspaper and log on to my Seen First blog: blogs.denverpost .
So many names
Four of Jesse Ogas’ best friends — Pat Cortez, Lisza Gulyas, Cleo Parker Robinson and Sandy Wolf — helped the actor and ARC Thrift community relations honcho celebrate his 50th birthday by hosting a party at Quebueno restaurant in Westminster. . . . Hairstylist to the stars Oribe visits Luxe Salon, 1720 Wazee St., on Feb. 8 to introduce his product line to clients and staff. . . . The Latin American Educational Foundation honors longtime benefactor Lola Salazar by adding her name to its Student of the Year Award. The recipient will be introduced at LAEF’s annual gala on March 13. . . . Bonnie and David Mandarich and Nancy and John Sevo are chairing the May 1 Mask Project Gala. It’s a benefit for The Denver Hospice and takes place at Cherry Creek Shopping Center. . . . Nancy Sevo also is chairing, with Loretta Kelce, the May 15 Beacon Center Gala. The Casablanca theme will be brought to life by Marc Roth and Jim Pfister; Layne Fleischman is coordinating the live auction; Vance and Becky Wagner head the corporate committee and Jamie Angelich is handling invitations.
Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com; also, and GetItWrite on Twitter
