PREMIERE EVENTS

Where Non-Profits Get Noticed!TM Experience our $70 million transformation Blacktie photojournalists have professionally covered hundreds of events from benefit runs, walks, and thrift store openings to intimate and enormous fund raisers and of course, blacktie galas. Here you will find the events that our members wanted covered. Many of the over 100,000 pictures from the thousands of covered events from the last seven years are here for all to enjoy and share

Incoming Friends of Arapahoe House President and Gala Chair Helen Hanks, left, with 2006 Pillars of the Community Don and Arlene Johnson View Pictures View Slide Show PROVIDE YOUR EVENT FEEDBACK

“A pillar is a column, a vertical cylindrical structure standing alone and not supporting anything, a super structure. It is also defined as a prominent supporter; ‘he is a pillar of the community,’” said Arlene Mohler Johnson, as she spoke for herself and her new husband Don Johnson, referring to the Pillars of the Community honor that they were accepting at the 2006 Pillars of the Community Gala, a fundraiser put on by the Friends of Arapahoe House, a benefit for Arapahoe House, Inc. and the Colorado Rockies Charity fund, a fund of the McCormick Tribune Foundation.

The Johnson’s spoke about their community involvement and being viewed as chief supporters in the community. "We both have achieved and accomplished because of the community support we get.” Though not married for three months yet, the Johnson’s are already making a big impact on Denver’s philanthropic community. They have begun to mesh their charitable interest as well as they have meshed their families.

A longtime Denver resident, Don has made his mark in a variety of entrepreneurial ventures, including moving and storage, banking, restaurants and real estate. His philanthropic involvement includes serving on the board of the Colorado Neurological Institute, Denver Social Registry and the American Heart Association. Arlene is a self-described “doer” and enjoys the opportunities she has to give back.

“Thank you to Don and Arlene and all the former Pillars of the Community honorees whose commitment makes a difference in the lives of so many,” said David Murphy, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Arapahoe House. He continued on to thank the Ruston award recipients, Gala Chair Helen Hanks, President of the Recovery Foundation Board Lynn Miller Doyle and Christine Powers, President of the Arapahoe House Board.

Previously honored as Pillars of the Community…Hank Robinson (’94), the late Ed Tynan (’95), Eddie Robinson (’96), Helenn and Joe Franzgrote (’97), Dick Saunders and Roselyn Saunders (’98), Walt and Georgia Imhoff (’99), Jay and Kristina Davidson (’00), LaFawn Biddle and the late Dusty Biddle (’01), John and Debi Medved (’02), Bob and Gerri Sweeney (’03), Darby and Lorraine Smith (’04), Leo and Linda Goto and Carl and Lisa Williams (’05).

Over $240,000 was raised to fund the child and adolescent programs of Arapahoe House, a nonprofit corporation, serving more than 17,000 individuals and families per year. Arapahoe House is dedicated to providing an array of accessible, affordable and effective services for individuals and families with alcohol, drug and other behavioral health problems. Services in more than 14 metro locations range from detoxification to residential programs for women with young children and specialized programs for adolescents and adults.

The Friends of Arapahoe House, formerly known as the Arapahoe House Society, was founded by Florence Ruston, Linda Goto, Kristina Davidson and Sharon Whiton Gelt, as a supportive fundraising arm of Arapahoe House.

In memory of Harry Ruston and in honor of Florence Ruston’s dedication and service, Arapahoe House created the Ruston Award, to be given to those who exemplify the Ruston’s philanthropic spirit. Greg Gulley, a Recovery Foundation Board Member, was honored as the 2006 recipient of the Ruston Award. Greg, Owner and President of Omni Properties, raised $30,000 for the gala and has helped to raise a quarter of a million dollars since his involvement with Arapahoe House.

"Thank you for this honor. I know that she, (Florence) has had wonderful success and we are all very grateful to her," said Ruston Award Honoree Greg Gulley, as he accepted the Tiffany & Co. glass bowl from Adrienne Ruston Fitzgibbons, Florence's daughter. “I even ‘Googled’ her to see what all she has been involved with and after six pages…well, I can tell that she has done a lot for the community!” Past honorees of the Ruston Award include Lou Jahde and Marcella Rapp.

Aaron and Sandee LaPedis, Presidents of the Friends of Arapahoe House, were among the gala attendees, along with the incoming Presidents Warren and Helen Hanks. Six hundred guests gathered to bid on the silent auction items, including a 1.12 diamond pendant, provided by gold event sponsor Jay Feder Jewelers. The stunning diamond went to Arapahoe House Board Member Laura Romero.

Dan Hinote and JW Berrett, Director of Hinotes Heroes were in attendance, mingling with the guests and posing for photos. Dan is supportive of the community and for Arapahoe House; he lends his name to the annual Arapahoe House Sports Legend Golf Tournament. Stan Sena and Vic Sulzer will be chairing this event at the Ranch Country Club in Westminster on July 10, 2006.

According to statistics from Arapahoe House, 30 percent of high school students report current marijuana use. There are good facts also about substance abuse treatment. Hospital admissions and emergency room utilization decrease by 50 to 68 percent following substance abuse treatment and following treatment, patients have shown a 67 percent increase in employment.

What can the community do? Become acquainted and involved with community-based substance abuse treatment providers, join or volunteer there. Advocate for treatment and learn the facts, contact elected officials and tell them that treatment works, it has demonstrated savings to both the state budget and society, and ask them to increase funding for treatment.

Lives are transformed and miracles do happen when people are given the opportunity to begin a new life, unencumbered by the need to consume alcohol or drugs in order to survive. Awareness is very important and talking about a private matter is difficult but it is important to share how alcoholism and drugs can destroy lives and families. The miracle of recovery from substance abuse and dependence can be witnessed all round us.

Community leaders are honored at Arapahoe House as “vertical cylindrical structures” (being pillars), however; they are quick to point out, that they are able to stand with the constant support and structure of the community. That support is saving and transforming lives at Arapahoe House, one ‘structure’ at a time.