Captured Event

October, 10 2008 - Capuchin Province Presents "Fishers of Men"

What: Fundraiser for the Capuchin Franciscan Friars

Where: Grand Hyatt Denver

When: Friday, October 10, 2008

Time: 5 - 11 p.m.

Beneficiary: Capuchin Franciscan Friars

Mistress of Ceremonies: Adele Arakawa

Honoree(s): Pat & Annabel Bowlen

Music: The Gerry Porraz Band

Sponsors: Presented by: Citywide Banks, Martin Family Foundation; Title Sponsors: Queen of Peace Catholic Church; Stewardship Sponsor: Diocese of Colorado Springs, Mission Yogurt, Inc., The Priester Foundation, Turnkey, LLC; Partner Sponsor: Archdiocese of Denver Mortuary & Mount Olivet Cemetery, Jerry Roth Family, St. Joseph Hospital Foundation/Exempla St. Joseph's Hospital, St. Jude Catholic Church; Service Sponsors: All Souls Catholic Parish, Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Denver, Gerken's Religious Supplies, Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, Paul & Chris Duncan, Roy Jackson Electric, Inc., Spirit of Christ Catholic Community, St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers, Tony Capra Plumbing & Heating Co.; Underwriting Sponsors: Table Wine: Republic National Distributing Company; Invitation Printing Assistance: Morrell Printing Solutions; Graphic Design Assistance: Mason Design; Corkage: Paul and Chris Duncan; Raffle Sponsor: St. Patrick Catholic Church and the Capuchin Poor Clare Sisters of Denver

Auctioneer: Gary Corbett - Auctioneer

Board of Directors: 2008 Brown Robe Benefit Leadership Committee-- Volunteers: Penny Bishop; Fr. Blaine Burkey, OFM Cap; Linda Capaldo-Smith; Barb Capra; John Carmody; Bro. Joseph Elder, OFM Cap; Fr. Gene Emrisek, OFM Cap; Mike Holder; Michele James; Debbie Kado; Don Kado; Fr. John Lager, OFM Cap; Rose Lane; Marian Learned; Loretta Miller; Joan Moran; Kate O'Bryan; Stephanie Pedersen; Ginny Riegel; Linda Sarmo; Dan Schafer; Norma Schafer; Michaelle Seeman; Rose Selenke; Jeff Smith; Diedre Versluis; Nancy Weaver; Michelle Wessling; Bernie Zeromsky; Beverly Zeromsky

Blacktie Photos by: T. DeVolder

Deacon Michael Bunch, left, and Laura Bunch
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On Friday, October 10, 2008, approximately 500 generous guests gathered at the Brown Robe Benefit to celebrate the lives and ministries of the Capuchin Franciscan friars at the Grand Hyatt. This year’s theme was the “Fishers of Men.”

Denver Broncos’ owner Pat Bowlen and his wife, Annabel, served as the event’s honorary chairpersons; and Adele Arakawa, anchor for KUSA 9NEWS, served as the mistress of ceremonies at the Brown Robe Benefit. Citywide Banks and the Martin Family Foundation served as the event’s presenting sponsors.

The program and dinner were highlighted by the singing of the Ultima by the Capuchin friars – a tradition of the Brown Robe. The evening's music was presented by the Gerry Porraz Band. This entertainment was followed by a live auction, raffle and Capuchin Cafe. This finale was a special feature of the Brown Robe Benefit that featured coffee, desserts, and conversation with the Capuchin friars.

The Capuchin Franciscan friars are a community of religious men who live and work in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. Capuchins dedicate their lives to caring for the poor, the sick, the elderly, the homeless, the forgotten and those in conflict. While their work vitally impacts our community, their humble lifestyle prefers little public recognition. When the Capuchins arrived in Denver over 35 years ago, they were an unknown entity to most people; to many, they remain the same today. The friars prefer to keep low profiles, both in their ministries and in their fraternal lives. They choose to remain free of personal material possessions. Their governing rules challenge them to live in fraternity with three or more brothers. In Denver, there are three friaries (residences): St. Francis of Assisi Friary in northwest Denver (also home to the Provincial Headquarters), Fraternidad San Antonio near Five Points and San Damiano Friary in downtown Denver.

For information about the Capuchin Franciscan friars, visit either of the following websites: www.capuchins.org or www.brownrobe.org or call 303.433.0296.