![The presidents of Friends of Arapahoe House, <B>Kathy</B> and Dr. <B>James Crapo,</B> welcome Dr. <B>Drew Pinsky,</B> center, the host of VH1's "Celebrity Rehab." <!--IPTC: [CUT1]The presidents of Friends of Arapahoe House, Kathy and Dr. James Crapo, welcome Dr. Drew Pinsky, center, the host of VH1’s “Celebrity Rehab.” [CREDIT]Photo by Steve Peterson, Special to The Denver Post-->](/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/20100930__20101003_E15_FE03DAVIDSONp1.jpg "20100930__20101003_E15_FE03DAVIDSON~p1.JPG")
The staff at Arapahoe House is skilled at helping substance abusers shake their addictions and get their lives back on track. Recovery is a tough and painful process, but when it works, it’s cause for celebration.
Which is what Friends of Arapahoe House are doing today after putting its signature event into fundraising rehab, an effort that transformed a worn-out model — the black-tie awards dinner, Pillars of the Community — into something fresh and fabulous.
The first Arapahoe House Luncheon, starring the host of VH1’s “Celebrity Rehab,” Dr. Drew Pinsky, raised $200,000 and had 620 guests, a figure that’s almost double that for the final edition of Pillars.
Arapahoe House is Colorado’s largest nonprofit provider of substance abuse treatment, and Pinsky had good things to say about the comprehensive services it offers. “Addiction is the epidemic of our time,” he reminded the audience. “Do you know how extraordinary it is to have an organization like this? I wish I had something like Arapahoe House to offer my patients.”
Judy and Charlie McNeil chaired the event held in the Donald R. Seawell Grand Ballroom. Kathy and Dr. James Crapo, the co-presidents of Friends of Arapahoe House, had Pinsky join them at their Premier Sponsor table.
David Murphy, the agency’s chief executive, and his wife, Cheri, were hosts to a group that included former state legislator Norma Anderson, LaVoy and Karen Robison, and state Rep. Cheri Gerou.
Others enjoying Pinsky’s remarks were David Kikumoto, LaFawn Biddle, Perla Gheiler, Frances Owens, Adrienne and Jack Fitzgibbons, Jeanne and Dick Saunders, Walt Imhoff, Helen and Warren Hanks, Rachel Scott, Alex Levin, Patti Robinson, Ralph and Anne Klomp, Jacque Beaver, Jaylene Smith, Cindi Burge, Louise Richardson, Linda Goto, Kristina Davidson, Gail Johnson, Vickie Dow and Sharon Kamen. CBS4 meteorologist Ed Greene was master of ceremonies.
Coming right up.
Friends of Warren Village (303-320-5052) hosts a membership-appreciation party from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at Mary Fran and Bob Allen’s loft in the Central Platte Valley; Emmy-winning TV journalist Stephanie Riggs is the special guest. … Michael Coughlin is having his annual harvest dinner for Hospice of St. John on Oct. 10. Interior designer Lila Bellamente chairs the 6 p.m. event at 240 Union in Lakewood; former Denver Bronco Reggie Rivers is the emcee. Call 303-232-7900. … 7News anchor Theresa Marchetta, Denver City Councilwoman Judy Montero and United Way chief Christine Benero are among the Women of Distinction being honored at an Oct. 14 reception chaired by John Ikard and Elbra Wedgeworth as a benefit for Girl Scouts of Colorado. Tickets: 303-778-8774.
Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com; also, and GetItWrite on Twitter
