In anticipation of the April 4 home opener, about 150 fans gathered at Churchill Bar in the last week to lift a toast to the team’s 21st season while raising money for the .
The 28 hosts included Mayor Michael Hancock; Joe Ellis; attorney Steve Farber; Barry Hirschfeld; Maj. Gen. (ret.) ; Tom Marsh, ; former Colorado State University chancellor Joe Blake; and Roger Hutson, .
Special guests were two of the Rockies’ biggest fans, Gov. John Hickenlooper and former Gov. Bill Owens, whose daughter, Monica, coordinated the fundraiser.
The agenda called for “appetizers, drinks and baseball banter,” which was an easy — and enjoyable — task for folks like Bradley Joseph, president of ; Adam Daurio, executive director of the ; Ellen Robinson of ; Jean and Dr. Ben Galloway; and vice president Vince Abrue.
Cindy Starks, the GRPF’s executive director, was there to thank those who had paid up to $500 each to attend. The GRPF, she said, was established in 2008 to fund the ongoing preservation of the former Boettcher Mansion.
Guests snacked on goodies like beef Wellington, crab cakes with Cajun remoulade and shrimp cocktail while bidding on baseball memorabilia that included a bat signed by shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and a baseball bearing outfielder Carlos Gonzalez’s autograph.
sponsored the “Whiskey on the Rocks” toast (shots of bourbon) that was led by Hickenlooper.
Those wishing to smoke could purchase cigars; however, they were asked to refrain from lighting up until after the program ended at 6 p.m.
Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314, jdavidson@denverpost.com or twitter.com/joannedavidson
Rachel B. Noel honors given
Tulane University professor Melissa Harris-Perry, who is also an author and MSNBC commentator, spoke at an event where former Denver first lady Wilma Webb and Gloria Neal received the Rachel B. Noel Hope for the Future awards. Joanne Davidson has details in the Mile High Style blog: blogs.denverpost.com/style
