After enjoying tremendous success in its original Stapleton location, Rare Finds Warehouse, hand-picked and custom-built home furnishings from around the world owners found their customer base consisted of many from the south suburbs. After an extensive search, they found the perfect location – a warehouse for their unique “warehouse” in Highlands Ranch. The word community was mentioned many times during the owners’ opening remarks at the official Grand Opening last week. And, community is what it’s all about. The owners became acquainted with the Home Builders Foundation (HBF) when both participated in the Shark Tank event presented by South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce. It was a match. A portion of sales on Friday and Saturday went to the nonprofit whose mission is to build independence, provide opportunities and elevate lives for individuals and families with disabilities in our community. On hand was a recipient Zoe Grisez whose mom, Lorraine explained that the family sold its home in Colorado Springs to make Zoe’s dream come true. She is a freshman at DU majoring in English and creative writing. Thanks to HBF, her apartment was refurbished to accommodate her needs and the family can rest assured she is safe. 

One year ago Gwenivere Snyder was so moved after attending an event for A Precious Child that she declared a Women’s Guild should be formed. And she did it! “I was busy, but made a site visit and met Carina Martin and it was all over,” she said. The Women’s Guild held a precious tea, for way more than two, recently at Cherry Hills Country Club – one of the best venues for tea and unique tea sandwiches. Client speaker Reine Wright gave a touching testimonial about the work of A Precious Child.

“Every time we go to A Precious Child, I feel supported and welcomed!”Attendees came laden with sports equipment in support of one of the organization’s many programs – giveSPORTS. A Precious Child provides children in need with opportunities and resources to empower them to achieve their full potential. For further information: APreciousChild.org or 303-466-4272.

At the much-anticipated, annual fall appreciation party on the patio and throughout the skinRX & Body Wellness center, guests could sip, enjoy appetizers and treats, and listen to Flamenco guitarist Gary Meyers, while visiting each of the multiple specialists offered all under one roof, coveniently located in Centennial. In addition to founders/owners Christine Ashkar Cohlmia and Paula Ashkar Aweida, Kimberly Saunders is also a clinical skincare specialist. Rounding out the unique team are: Dr. Mindy Hendick-family chiropractor, Maggie Spresser – MAcOM, L.Ac., licensed acupuncturist; Dan Ashkar – certified laser specialist – nail fungus and specialty skin laser treatments; Jason Williams – personal training/nutrition coach, Keith Reeves –optimal wellness/natural hormone specialist and Kara Turner – massage therapist. The grand prize drawing was for the popular Trilogy, a three-product system of skincare developed by Paula and Christine with the help of a local chemist/pharmacist/naturopath. 303-224-3545 or www.skinrxandbodywellness.com.  

(Continued from September 19 edition of The Villager)
“Tonight is our moment to spend a lively evening with friends, family and associates to enjoy great food and entertainment, all the while knowing that the funds we raise here benefit individuals and families living with MS, through direct care, clinical research, education and support,” stated Claudia Miller, who chaired the Rocky Mountain Multiple Sclerosis Center (RMMSC) Gala. MS is close to Claudia Miller’s heart.

Her vibrant mother was diagnosed and was one of the early patients of RMMSC. “After a week’s stay,” said Claudia, we felt a veil had been lifted because of the expert care of doctors, counselors and therapists.” In addition to direct care services, other missions include support programs, patient and community education and cutting-edge research.

Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, even in the midst of renovation, was the venue for the annual MS Gala to benefit the Rocky Mountain MS Center. The multi-faceted program was packed with information and layers of fun and entertainment. With a growing list of loyal supporters, the evening went quickly and raised much-needed funds to make the lives of patients with MS and loved ones easier.

Look for additional coverage and photos in next week’s edition of The Villager.

Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, even in the midst of renovation, was the venue for the annual MS Gala to benefit the Rocky Mountain MS Center. The multi-faceted program was packed with information and layers of fun and entertainment. With a growing list of loyal supporters, the evening went quickly and raised much-needed funds to make the lives of patients with MS and loved ones easier.

Look for additional coverage and photos in next week’s edition of The Villager.

On the darker side of humanity, there are victims of human trafficking around the world, even in America. Annually, there are 1.2 million children who are victims with horrible conditions. 80 per cent of children in orphan homes have living parents. 70 per cent of the victims are disempowered, illiterate or living in poverty. Katie Hilborn has the energy and resolve to do something about it.During a very secret undercover mission with a videographer, she was able to trace the path of at least one “missing” girl in Nepal and reveal the conditions of victims there. She is called and compelled to complete as many missions as possible and founded a nonprofit named Global Orphan Prevention – where no child is forgotten or separated because of natural disasters or impossible circumstances. The Mission: We strive to keep mothers and children together through economic development, awareness and educational opportunity. From addressing child sex trafficking to the orphan trade, we provide effective and just solutions to keep children with their families.

Currently, the nonprofit’s goal is to build a girls empowerment center and dormitory in the Nepali Himalayas. Hoping to raise $85,000 for this project, the event far exceeded the amount to the delight of Global Orphan Prevention’s team and multiple volunteers. The generosity of sponsors, a silent auction, a live auction of seven exciting items called by Libby Pollack and in-kind donations by the scores, including sponsored cocktail stations, food stations supplied by restaurants, the coffers were filled. The “paddle raise ask” was extremely generous putting the dollar goal over the top. 

Katie stood front and center through the evening expressing gratefulness to all who helped and attended. “There was something beautiful about the people in the room,” she said. She also mentioned that the organization is tenacious, dedicated and collaborative and offered the success of its model to those willing to help others. Global Orphan Prevention is a Top-Rated Nonprofit and received that designation in 2018. It also received the Seal of Transparency in 2019 and is a member of the Colorado Nonprofit Association. For further information, to volunteer or donate: www.globalorphanprevention.org. 

BY SCOTTIE TAYLOR IVERSON
COMMUNITY EDITOR

What began Tethered by Letters is now Brink Literacy Project. Founder Dani Hedlund (who is passionate about literacy and had her own novel published when she was 18 years old) promised a night of stories and intrigue to support literacy programs in Colorado. The nonprofit’s 2019 Novel Gala with a masquerade theme was held at the Brown Palace Hotel.The Novel Philanthropic Award was presented to the Daniels Fund, a private charitable foundation established by the late cable television pioneer Bill Daniels, which is dedicated to making life better for the people of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming through its grants program, scholarships and ethics initiative. Daniels Fund President and CEO, Linda Childears accepted the award. Brink had an amazing year in 2018 according to Hedlund. Four courses of the Frames Prison Program were taught to 52 students at the Denver Women’s Correctional Facility. Three journals were printed, publishing 53 writers from seven countries and 16 states. A new education initiative was launched for low-literacy youth and a beautiful new website was created and of course, the name change. Funds raised at the Novel Gala allow for expansion of programs for promoting literacy and storytelling in underserved communities across Colorado.

The American diplomat who served under numerous presidents, former Ambassador to Iraq, South Korea, Macedonia and Poland; Christopher Hill and his wife Julie opened their Greenwood Village home to dozens of supporters of Mike Coffman for Aurora Mayor. Aurora is diverse and so were those who came out to endorse and support former U.S.Congressman Coffman.