The Aurora Mental Health Center annual holiday party was held at the Red Lion Inn on Friday, December 2.  Guests were regaled with music during the cocktail hour by the Original Dickens Carolers, dressed in period costumes and singing traditional holiday carols.  A photo booth from Red Eye Photo Booths allowed guests to put aside their holiday elegance for a few moments while they dressed up in reindeer ears, boas and fake mustaches.    

Guests enjoyed a sumptuous holiday dinner buffet, beginning with the Red Lion Inn's signature salad, followed by a selection of beef and salmon, sided by a baked potato bar, steamed vegetables and rolls.  Assorted holiday desserts served with iced tea and coffee ended dinner on a sweet note.

Following dinner, Dr. Randy Stith greeted the Aurora Mental Health Center staff, thanking them for their hard work and dedication over the past year.  Larry Davila, President of the Board, then kicked off the door prizes drawing, which was led by Debbie Stafford. 

The Aurora Mental Health Center was founded in 1975 by a group of concerned Aurora residents, led by Ellin Mrachek.  The goal for the center was to provide mental health services for the city of Aurora.  Since then, the Center has grown into a full-service community mental health center with more than 400 employees, 50 interns, and 80 volunteers.  The Aurora Mental Health Center has been honored as one of the very best providers of mental health services by the Colorado Division of Mental Health, and currently services are provided by 16 specialty clinics, located in seven counseling and specialized service centers, six residential facilities, public schools, two county departments of human services, in homes and foster homes, and at other community locations.