Byrne Urban Scholars has changed its name to and the announcement was made when 400 supporters gathered at the for the annual Class Act Auction and Dinner.
Founded in 1995 by Larry and Margaret Byrne, Denver Urban Scholars works to help students in the metro Denver area graduate from high school and “enter college with a plan for success.”
“The students we serve are those who have potential, but are at risk of dropping out or getting lost in the current system,” says executive director Patrick Byrne.
The event chaired by board member Gloria Heyer, firm administrator with , and Steve Mut, CEO at Nycn Energy Consulting, netted $160,000. The figure represents a 20 percent increase over what was raised last year.
A nice chunk of the 2012 income came from a live auction called by board member Tom Kimball, a vice president with . Among other things, he sold 11 luxury travel packages that raised $36,000.
Others enjoying the festive affair were Dr. Andrew Wolfe, whose sponsored the event; Brannon McPherson, managing executive vice president for ; and Laurel Burton of with the student she mentors, Noemi Hernandez, a freshman at .
Meanwhile, three other nonprofits that work to build better lives — , and — were the beneficiaries from Miracle on Fifth Avenue, a holiday happening hosted by Madison Carter of .
Held at the Cherry Creek nightclub , the event featured refreshments furnished by chef , who owns Jezebel’s Southern Joint and Bar. Also providing eats were ; ; and . Beats were spun by
Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314, jdavidson@denverpost.com or twitter.com/getitwrite
