It’s a cinch Garth Brooks wasn’t referring to anyone in the audience when he sang about having friends in low places, as he did Saturday at Night Shine: An Evening for Denver Health Foundation.
In fact, the country-music superstar singled out a pal with stellar credentials when he paused midconcert to acknowledge Sharon Magness Blake for her role in staging an event whose impact stretches far beyond the glamorous goings-on at the National Western Events Center.
She played a huge role in seeing to it that Denver Health became the nation’s seventh hospital to be awarded a Child Life Zone, courtesy of Brooks’ Teammates for Kids Foundation and the Troy Aikman Foundation. And her longstanding friendship with Brooks led him to sing — for free — at the gala that raised $2.5 million.
Brooks retired several years ago to spend more time with his family but in December began a weekends- only gig in Las Vegas. His wife, Trisha Yearwood, accompanied him to Denver and joined him midshow to sing two numbers while he accompanied her on guitar.
Night Shine, chaired by Blake and her husband, Ernie, Jean and Dr. Ben Galloway and Lisa and Bruce Alexander, celebrated the 150th anniversary of Denver Health’s founding. Emcees were Denise Plante of KOSI and former Denver Bronco Reggie Rivers.
Aikman and his wife, Rhonda, also attended the gala, along with Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway and his wife, Paige; retired outfielder Larry Walker of the Colorado Rockies; Shjon Podein, a former member of the Colorado Avalanche, and his wife, Sherry; Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton, and former quarterback Brian Griese and his wife, Brook.
The evening had a zillion other special elements, and I describe more about the food, decor and the folks who were there in my Seen First blog: .
Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com; also, GetItWrite on Twitter
