Captured Event

April, 21 2006 - Families First Steppin' Out Pink Flamingo Style

What: Friends for Families First presents 2006 Steppin' Out with the Pink Flamingos

Where: Marriott City Center

When: April 21, 2006

Time: 6 pm to 12:30 pm

Ticket Prices: $150.00

Beneficiary: Families First

Master of Ceremonies: Ed Greene, CBS4 and KYGO Radio

Gala Chairperson(s): Gail and George Johnson

Honorary Chairperson(s): Toby Pippin, 2006 Recipient of the Friend of the Children Award

Corporate Chairperson(s): Barbara and Gary Reece

Executive Director: Joanne R. Blum

Committee Members: Jane Akhavan, Sandra Arkin, Nancy Bernstein, Valerie Blood, Carol Brewka, Erin Buretz, Sue Burns, Caroline Calhoun, Pricilla Calhoun, Kathy Colleran, Dee Dee Creighton, Melinda Dark, Gail Doby, Patricia Domenico, Karen Eastwood, Steve Edmonds, Karen Fisher, Elise Ford, Anne Gibson, Jody Gruben, Ginger Guiette, Karna Hall, Jan Harrison, Vicki Hattin, Barb Ingalls, Anne Klomp, Rachel Kodanaz, Debra Konieczny, Tina Larreau, Mary MacEntee, Phyllis Madden, Mary Mahoney, Tammy Marsico, Patti Maurer, Denise McClard, Cathryn McCloskey, Susan Mooney, Sally Newcomb, Gayle Novak, Cindy Oakes, Mary Margaret Palms, Brooke Parker, Cheryl Paxton, Cari Pippin, Gayle Ray, Daphyne Reiff, Lyn Schaffer, Pam Schell-Varkony, Aldona Seymour, Susan Shannon, Linda Smith, Melody Staffen, Diane Sweat, Christine Thomas, Laurie O’Hara Torres, Terry Traynor, Page Tredennick, Kacy Vahey, Karen Wheeler

President(s): Jeff Modesitt

Staff: Joanne R. Blum-Executive Director, Mary Henemann-Associate Director, Claire Poole-Clinical Director, Ann Afton-Children's Center Director, Jennifer Richardson-Director of Family Support Services, Marjean Drost-Development Director, Rachel Merkel-Volunteer Coordinator, and Emily Hencmann-Information Coordinator

Entertainment: The Pink Flamingos and Dennis Young, One Man Band

Of note: 2006 Recipients of the Friend of the Children Award: Toby and Larry Pippin

Sponsors: Silver: Chris and Tammy Marsico; Bronze: Cydney and Tom Marsico Family Foundation, Gayle and Steve Mooney and Peggy and Mike Shanahan; Major Benefactors: DEX Media, Gallagher Family Foundation, M.D.C. Holding Inc/Richmond American Homes, PBJ Reece Foundation, Pippin Family, Charlie and Carol Premone and Renaissance Design, Inc., Republic Financial Corporation, Emmett and Marsha Duemke/David L. Tandy Foundation; Corporate and Friend of the Community: Colorado Viper Club, Commercial Building Services, Greenberg Traurig, LLP, Ingalls, Parker and Smith Families, Kaiser Permanente, Merchants Mortgage & Trust Corp., Merrill Lynch, Gary and Sally Newcomb, Priest Engineering, Reynolds Cannon, Saunders Construction, Inc; Diamond Underwriters: Sue Anschutz-Rogers, George and Gail Johnson, Lange Graphics, Inc.; Emerald Underwriters: Margot and Allan Frank, Gary-Williams Energy Corporation, KB Home, KEYBANK, Red Robin International, Wagner Equipment Co.; Ruby Underwriter: Jim and Sherry Galbreath; Patrons: R.V. and Mieko Bailey, Darrel and Diane Bryant, Keith and Cindi Burge, Rich and Leslie Cohan, Jay Davidson, James J. Duran, Jack and Adrienne Fitzgibbons, Celeste Fleming, Allan and Margot Frank, Rick and Margaret Garbe, Jim and Shery Galbreath, Leland and Karen Hurst, George and Gail Johnson, Lenny and Cindie LoSasso, Jeff and Leslie Modesitt, Skip and Jane Netzorg, Ed and Gayle Novak, Cheryl Paxton, Gary and Gayle Ray; Donations: David Alexander, John and Nancy Bernstein, Mike Bookhard, Bob and Carol Brewka, Andrew and Naomi Cohan, Rich and Leslie Cohan, Bill and Kathy Magaziner, Toni Mathiasen, Frank and Sherry Sargent, Buzz and Diane Sweat, Thunder Foundation, Patrick and Kacy Vahey; Special Acknowledgments: Colleran Concepts, Tom Gargan, Ben and Julie Graebel, Barbara Greene-Graphic Designer, Ed Greene-Master of Ceremonies, Ed and Jody Gruben, Marriott City Center, National Distributors, Sally Newcomb, Daphyne Reiff, Renaissance Design, Patricia Schultz and the Children at Families First, Trice Jewelers

Auctioneer: Chuck Miller

Menu: Gourmet Bread Basket, Vintners Salad, Chicken Tuscany, and Strawberry Shortcake

Attendance: 400

Attire: Pink, pink, and pink, with a twist of flamingo flair

Special Thanks: Ed Greene, Master of Ceremonies

Information: www.familiesfirstcolorado.org. For more information please call (303) 745-0327.

Board of Directors: Families First: Jeff Modesitt-President, Tanja Alexander, Kittie Arnold, Dave Bellamy, Rich Cohan, Stan Di Cicco, Stephen Dietrich, Kevin Dilworth, Larry Donovan, Anne Gibson, Gary Givan, Suzanne Handler, Jodie Hohensee, Margo Johnson, Gail Johnson, Andy Larsen, Cindie LoSasso, Davis Moberly, Sally Newcomb, Loren Priest, Barbara Reece, Rick Seymour, James L. Smith, Jr.; Friends for Families First: Cindie LoSasso-President, Carol Brewka, Vicki Hattin, Barb Ingalls, Mary Mahoney, Mary Margaret Palms, Pam Schell-Varkony, Linda Smith, Deb Sturm, Diane Sweat, Terry Traynor, Kacy Vahey

Blacktie Photos by: Tracy E. Hoback

Event Co-Chair Gail Johnson, left, CBS4's Ed Greene, and Families First Executive Director Jo Blum
View all photos

Tracy E. Hoback

Ever wonder what a sea of pink feathers would look like? Well just ask any of the attendees at the 2006 Steppin’ Out with the World-Renowned PINK FLAMINGOS gala benefiting Families First of Colorado. Boas, hats, shirts, glasses, dresses, boots, wigs, you name it, all pink and all fabulous.

As attendees began their evening the cocktail hour was buzzing; mingling, drinking, sampling hors d’ oeuvres, and bidding on some of the best auctions items around. Dennis Miller, One Man Band, provided the background music and the Silent Auction had something for everyone.

Children’s items from doll furniture and Radio Flyer wagons filled to the brim with toys, to wine baskets, artisan glass vases, framed artwork, and still, cooking classes, horseback riding adventures, as well as spa certificates, shopping sprees, and finally sports paraphernalia for every fan. So many items to choose from and so little time, attendees placed their bids until the pens were taken right from their hands. Then it was time for another cocktail and another auction.

As the Open Board auction began, frenzy ensued. Attendees wrote their bids fast and furious, almost tossing their notes to the auctioneers. It was a whirlwind and no one really knew what to do with all his or her energy at the conclusion of the bidding.

Such fun auctions for such a great cause. Families First is a nonprofit organization that works to fulfill their vision of, “A community that welcomes the responsibility to nurture children and strengthen families.” Families First provide services such as a Family Support Line, Parent Support Groups, Parent Education Classes as well as Residential Treatment. The goal of each service is aimed at the prevention of child abuse and neglect. This very important organization relies on corporate donations, grants, fundraising events and private contributions, as well as fees for varies services to maintain and grow the organization and to help as many families as possible. What better cause to join together and celebrate success as well as hope for the future.

The ballroom of the Marriott Denver City Center was transformed into a pink paradise complete with an almost life-sized flamingo at each and every table. Guests were treated to a beautiful meal as well as a very inspirational video. Ed Greene of CBS4 and KYGO Radio was a great Master of Ceremonies as he introduced speakers, the video, and the amazing entertainment.

As dinner was being served, the Event Co-Chairs Gail and George Johnson said a few words. They thanked everyone in attendance for their love and their support for this very special organization. Joanne Blum, the Executive Director of Families First, presented this year’s recipient of the Friend of the Children Award.

This honor is bestowed to a person or family who has shown dedication to the welfare of children, families, and to Families First the organization. This year’s recipient was Toby and Larry Pippin. Mrs. Pippin accepted the award on behalf of her entire family.

Then it was time for the live auction. Chuck Miller got the crowd going before any of the items were on the table. There were beautiful items such as a trip to Mexico; a precious jeweled bracelet, as well as an amazing bench featuring hand-painted tiles by children of Families First. The most fun item was the Pool Party donated by three couples for 20 guests. The couples came to the dance floor with beach balls and inner tubes in their flip-flops ready for a day poolside. It was intense as the Auctioneer Chuck Miller kept up with the bids for all the amazing live auction items.

Just as the live auction came to a close the entertainment began. The Pink Flamingos got the crowd to their feet and out on the dance floor with their first number. As if the music was not enough fun, giant guitar balloons made the dance floor even better. Attendees took their best moves up on stage to perform with the band. The dancing and the partying continued late into the evening. All the elements of the evening such as the band, the food, the auctions, the dancing, and most importantly the people, who support this cause, came together to create one amazing event helping to ensure the success of Families First. All proceeds benefit Families First. For more information please call (303) 745-0327.