Invest in Kids 10 Year Anniversary Celebration 

 

Since 1999, Invest in Kids has served over 23,000 children and families with our research-based, proven programs.  On May 9, 2009 the staff and Board of Invest in Kids joined with hundreds of community members to celebrate Invest in Kids’ 10 year anniversary.  While many individuals have helped us over the years, we are particularly indebted to eight individuals whom we honored at our event: The Honorable Norma Anderson, our legislative champion, and our seven founding Board members: Robert Hill, Eric Hilty, The Honorable Cathy Lemon, Gregory Kanan, William Rosser, James Scarboro, and John Walsh.

Event co-chairs Catherine Goodwillie, Lindsey Gutterman, and Dean Prina pulled off the event with true panache.  Instead of a traditional “rubber chicken dinner”, the evening featured rotating food stations with cuisine from around the world, dancing, and a fabulous live auction.  In addition, attendees heard from Lt. Governor Barbara O’Brien, Colorado State Treasurer Cary Kennedy, Board Chair John Walsh, Executive Director Jennifer Atler, and Incoming Executive Director Lisa Merlino. 

While all of our speakers had important thoughts to share, the most inspiring words of the night came from a client of Nurse-Family Partnership, one of Invest in Kids’ three programs.  Amanda, with her nurse Val alongside her, told the story of how she broke a generation-long cycle of abuse and poverty with the help of Nurse-Family Partnership.  Amanda recently graduated college and raises her son in a loving and stable home.  Listening to her story reminded everyone as to why this work is so important.

When all was said and done, the event raised over $230,000 for Invest in Kids’ programs!  We offer our humble thanks to our sponsors and to the many people who donated their resources, time, and talent to make this event such a success!

Many thanks to our tremendous sponsors:

Premier Sponsor: The Colorado Trust
Platinum Sponsor: MBH Enterprises
Gold Sponsors: The Anschutz Foundation, RHR International, Guaranty Bank and Trust Company
Silver Sponsors: Rothgerber Johnson & Lyons, Spinnaker
Catering Sponsor: Occasions by Sandy
Live Auction Sponsor: Betteridge Jewelers and Van Cleef & Arpels
Print Sponsor: Colorado Expression
Television Sponsor: Comcast
Event Design: Lucas Hughart
Photography: Kimberly Jacoby