When , who had spent 40 years as executive director of the , died in 1987, his family and friends knew that the best way to honor his memory would be to establish a charitable foundation that would fulfill Cheley’s dream of enriching the lives of kids from low-income families by sending them to summer camp.
In 1989, the John Austin Cheley Foundation was born. Since that time, it has awarded to 800 high-potential young people from 31 states and one foreign country.
To celebrate the foundation’s 25th anniversary, Amy Blevins, secretary of the 13-member board of directors, and longtime supporter Will La Bahn organized “Starry Nights,” a camp-themed fundraiser held at Denver Botanic Gardens.
Special guests at the sold-out event were actor Jason Ritter, known for his recurring role as Mike Cyr on NBC’s award-winning dramedy ” ,” and Rue Mapp, founder of the . Ritter was the master of ceremonies and Mapp was the keynote speaker.
“I loved camp,” Ritter recalled. “It shaped my character and helped me become the man I am. I met my best friends at camp.”
Foundation board chair Debbie Leibold underscored Ritter’s thoughts. “We are here tonight because camp matters.”
“Will and Amy knocked this one out of the park,” remarked Lois Paul, who was part of a group that included Denise and Ray Bellucci, Alison Tomlinson, Julie Wilson, Naji Ghorayeb, Ann Mosso and Patricia Mosso.
The evening started with cocktails and appetizers in a small garden adjacent to the UMB Amphitheater Tent where dinner — deconstructed chicken pot pie followed by such camp favorites as S’mores, cherry pie and chocolate-covered marshmallows on a stick — was served under a web of twinkling lights that played to the “Starry Nights” theme.
Centerpieces were circular pieces of wood surrounding Mason jars filled with water and a floating candle.
Other guests were Buffie Berger, the foundation’s executive director; Virginia Stafford, Jack Challender and Pat Touhy, who were among those starting the John Austin Cheley Foundation; camp counselor Mike Adler and camper Luis Ochoa; trustees Chris Bovard, Kirstin Sullivan, Jennifer Tipton and Martha Livingston; and representatives from Cheley camps in Maine, Minnesota, Arizona and Colorado.
Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314, jdavidson@denverpost.com or twitter.com/joannedavidson
Western fantasy patron party
The 21st annual Western Fantasy, starring country music star Trace Adkins, is right around the corner, and patron-level supporters were thanked when Ralph and Anne Klomp hosted a reception at their Trice Jewelers in Centennial. Joanne Davidson has details in the Mile High Style blog: blogs.denverpost.com/style
