What is being described as a “new day for Kempe” continues to take shape as new leaders step into top-level jobs at the Anschutz Medical Campus-based agency that is an international leader in child abuse prevention and treatment.
Dr. Des Runyan, an expert in helping children recover not only from physical abuse but from what that abuse does to their mental health, is to begin his tenure as director of the Kempe Center in August. He comes to Colorado from the University of North Carolina, where he was a professor of social medicine and pediatrics.
Patricia Peterson became president and chief executive of the Kempe Foundation seven months ago, succeeding Jesse Wolff, who left to take a similar position with Goodwill Industries of Denver. Investment bankerJon Kruljac’s term as chair of the Kempe Foundation board has ended, and Andy Boian, head of dovetail solutions, is its new leader.
Last but not least, at a luncheon held at Japoix, Sandee Walling, John Farnam and Paul Heitzenrater were installed as co-presidents of the Kempe Alliance.
The Alliance supports Kempe by raising money and educating the public on issues relating to child abuse. Its two major events are Salt on the Rim, a garden party held in the summer, and a springtime gala.
Gregory Sargowicki and Lawrence French are chairing Salt on the Rim 2011 and announced that it will be on Aug. 20 at Kent Denver School. Jack and Adrienne Ruston Fitzgibbons are chairing the gala and will announce a theme for the April 21 event soon.
“This is going to be a year of new ideas, energy and vision,” Farnam said. “A lot of wonderful things are going to happen.”
Coming right up
Deer Creek Animal Hospital’s 25th annual dog wash, a benefit for the Prescription Pet Program at Children’s Hospital Colorado, runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at 10148 W. Chatfield Ave. Fees are determined by the size of the dog, and range from $7 to $15. . . . Families First is having its Country Fair this evening at Four Mile Historic Park. Chairwomen Tracy Donovan, Sonya Peterson and Daphyne Reiff say that the fun starts at 5 and includes a barbecue supper and activities for the children. Register at . . . . Colorado’s Helping Hands Foundation is hosting a cocktail reception to offset the costs of nursing back to health Diamond, a pup stabbed repeatedly by its owner. Dollars for Diamond begins at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Max Gill and Grill, 1052 S. Gaylord St. Admission is $15 by cash or check at the door and includes two drinks and a brief program by Diane Balkin of the Animal Legal Defense Fund. . . . You can run, walk or roll the 5K or 10K routes at E-Race Loneliness, a July 31 fundraiser for Bessie’s Hope. It’s at Denver’s City Park and to sign up, visit .
Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com; also, and GetItWrite on Twitter
Whee! Going “Over the Edge” for Cancer League
Rapelling down the 31-story skyscraper 1600 Glenarm Place isn’t for the faint of heart; it takes guts. But for those who took the plunge at this benefit for Cancer League of Colorado, the courage they had to muster was small potatoes compared with the brave fight so many of their friends and family are waging against the insidious disease. The adrenaline-fueled fundraiser chaired by Scott Richardson and Dr. Katie Richardson was a great success, netting $250,000 for research and patient services. Steve Peterson, Special to The Denver Post
