Volunteers of America
2660 Larimer Street
Denver, Co · 80205

Call: 303-297-0408

VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA GUILD WELCOMES DENISE BROWN  GUEST SPEAKER FOR MAY 1ST BENEFIT

(Denver, CO.,--- Feb. 7, 2008) Myrna Mourning, president of the Volunteers of America Guild and Susan Barnhill, Guild Ways and Means chairman, announce today that the speaker for the May 1st Chance to Believe benefit luncheon at the Grand Hyatt Denver is Denise Brown, sister of Nicole Brown Simpson. For the past twelve years, since the tragic murder of her sister on June 12, 1994, Brown has traveled, speaking on the epidemic of domestic violence. She has worked arduously to raise awareness and has helped pass a variety of legislative issues on this important social matter.

“With the May 1st event benefiting a shelter for women and children who are themselves victims of domestic violence, we thought it appropriate to remind ourselves and others of the devastation such acts can cause,” commented Barnhill. “Denise is a moving and engaging speaker and we look forward to welcoming her on behalf of those left homeless in the face of such danger.”

More than 500 people are expected to attend with proceeds benefiting the Volunteers of America Brandon Center and the Theodora House, both homeless shelters for women and projects of the Volunteers of America Guild. Founded more than a decade ago, The Guild has raised over $1million for these worthy causes. The day includes the popular ‘Wishing Well’ drawing and a gourmet luncheon prepared by the Grand Hyatt’s Executive Chef John Treusein. Tickets are priced at $75, $100 and $150. Corporate tables of ten are available for $2500, $5000 and $10,000. Reservations for the Chance to Believe luncheon may be made by calling 303.317-2263 or on-line at www.voacolorado.org and click on “Events”.
 

Volunteers of America’s Western Fantasy Announces
2008 Co-Chairs

(DENVER) – Volunteers of America announced today that Gail Johnson and Dick Saunders will act as Event Co-chairs for the 2008 Western Fantasy gala. The annual event will be held at the National Western Events Center on Saturday, October 25, 2008.

Western Fantasy was founded 16 years ago by Sharon Magness Blake and Jean Galloway to benefit The Volunteers of America Colorado Branch. Since its inception in 1994, Western Fantasy has raised over $16 million to support VOA’s human service programs designed to help the community’s most vulnerable individuals achieve self-sufficiency. Western Fantasy is Denver’s premier fundraising event featuring top names in Country Western entertainment, including Leann Rimes, Trisha Yearwood, Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney, Wynona Judd, and John Denver.

Gail Johnson has been exceptionally active in charitable organizations over the past decade. Most recently Ms. Johnson served as President for the Denver Center for Performing Arts Alliance (2006-2007), and is now President-Elect of the Children Diabetes Foundation Guild. She currently serves on several non-profit boards, including the Kempe Foundation and Dr. Rob Clyman's Advisory Board (Executive Director, Kempe Center). Ms. Johnson has chaired numerous, high-profile fundraising events since 2001.

In 1972 Dick Saunders founded Saunders Construction, the well respected commercial construction company serving Denver and Colorado’s Front Range. Mr. Saunders is also Chairman of the Board and Treasurer for Saunders Construction. For years Mr. Saunders has shown a deep commitment to serving the community and currently serves on several boards including Chairman of the Board – Colorado Uplift, Board Director of Citywide Banks, and President’s Council of Colorado Christian University, to name a few. He is also a longstanding Trustee of Denver Area Council of Boy Scouts of America and ACE Scholarships.
 
“We are elated to have Gail and Dick heading up the 2008 gala. They each bring a great deal of experience to the committee and are prepared to make this an incredible event. With their leadership, this year's Western Fantasy is bound for success." stated Sharon Magness Blake, Western Fantasy Co-Founder and Volunteers of America Board Member.
 

News4’s Ed Greene to Appear as Celebrity Reader For Denver Preschoolers

(DENVER, CO – January 28, 2008) - CBS weatherman Ed Greene will appear as the celebrity reader for a Volunteers of America and Scholastic Literacy Event on Wednesday February 13th, 2008 from 10:15 a.m. -10:45 a.m. The “I Love to Read” Literacy Event for 200 Denver preschool children will be held at the Blair Caldwell African-American Research Library, 2401 Welton Street, Denver. Clifford the Big Red Dog will be joining Ed Greene to entertain and engage the children.

Scholastic regularly donates thousands of books through Volunteers of America’s Colorado Branch for distribution to low-income children. Local celebrities read to the large audience of preschoolers with the help of a life-sized Clifford the Big Red Dog. After the reading, Scholastic books are given to each child in attendance.

Ed Greene is the senior weatherman and news anchor for Denver’s News4, KCNC. Mr. Greene shares a great deal of his time and talent to local non-profit organizations and feels giving back is an important part of his life.

There is ample and free parking at the Blair Caldwell African-American Research Library.
 

Volunteers of America Colorado Branch Appoints Three New Officers to Board 

(DENVER, CO – January 28, 2008) -  Volunteers of America Colorado Branch today announced the appointment of three new members to the Board of Directors.

Martin D. Litt is an attorney with Holme Roberts & Owen LLP, specializing in commercial litigation. Mr Litt has more than 15 years of experience in a wide range of areas, including antitrust, securities, real estate, and employment. He joined HRO in 1993 and has authored several publications in his field.  

William T. McCallum is now retired and the Vice Chairman of the Board of Great-West Life & Annuity since January 2006. He served in many roles with Great West Life Assurance, Great-West Life & Annuity, Great-West Lifeco, including President, Chairman, and CEO. Mr. McCallum and his wife Yvonne have been supporters and friends of Volunteers of America for several years.  

Lary M. Weintraub is Vice President and Senior Director of New Business Development for BNY Mellon Wealth Management in Denver, Colorado. He has an extensive background in the financial services industry and has been volunteering his expertise to numerous charitable organizations for many years. Mr. Weintraub also serves on several boards including the Mizel Center for Arts and Culture and Opera Colorado.   

“Volunteers of America has been incredibly blessed to have a talented and compassionate Board of Directors to lead our organization,” stated Dianna Kunz, President and CEO of the Colorado Branch. “The extensive experience and proven leadership skills of our Board of Directors will enable us to carry out our mission in Colorado and reach the most vulnerable populations in our communities.”

The 23rd Annual “Dinner For Those Who Hunger”

WHAT? The twenty-third annual dinner in commemoration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This event epitomizes Dr. King’s belief that we are all one family and that as a family we should come together in fellowship and eat from the same table. Over 1,200 meals of ribs, green beans, cheesy potatoes, dessert and more will be served to all participants All wishing to attend the event are welcome; there is absolutely no charge for the meal. Live jazz/blues and gospel music will be featured throughout the entire meal. This year’s artists that have already volunteered their time and talent to capture the feeling of the event include Lisa Bell, Rene Marie, Jo Myers, Jake Schroeder (Opie Gone Bad), Erica Brown, and members of the Colorado Street Choir.

WHO? The Volunteers of America is hosting the event. KUVO Jazz89.3 radio is a sponsor for the celebration. Kaiser Permanente is paying for all of the food. ALL ARE WELCOME!

WHEN? Monday, January 21, 2008 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

WHERE? Volunteers of America, Sunset Park, 1865 Larimer,
Denver, CO 80202

OTHER In addition to dinner, health screenings, and music, ARC THRIFT STORES will be handing out free coats and warm clothing. Anyone needing free transportation to and from the celebration can call Metro Taxi at (303) 333-3333 and let them know they need a ride to the event.

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”      -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
 

The Anschutz Foundation donates to Volunteers of America’s Meals on Wheels

(DENVER, CO) – The Anschutz Foundation has awarded $400,000 to Volunteers of America’s Colorado Branch. The donation is specified for use over a three year period for the Meals on Wheels program in the Denver Metro Area. Mr. Nolan Knox, Director of Volunteers of America’s Nutrition Services stated, “This grant from The Anschutz Foundation is a Godsend. Thanks to the funds provided, we will be able to feed 85 additional seniors every day for the next three years. These isolated and homebound seniors will receive a nourishing meal and a well-being check from caring volunteers.”

Meals on Wheels delivers hot, nutritious meals to homebound seniors Monday through Friday in eight Colorado counties.All meals received are on a voluntary donation basis.
 

Volunteers of America Colorado Branch Honors 2007 Awardees

On Wednesday, October 17, 2007, the Volunteers of America Colorado Branch honored the following Award Recipients for their exemplary philanthropic contributions to the organization at the 2007 Annual Report Reception. The award recipients below have all gone above and beyond to fulfill and promote the Volunteers of America mission to help those most vulnerable in our community.
Colorado Health Foundation
Outstanding Foundation

The Integer Group
Outstanding Corporation

Housing & Neighborhood Development
Office of Economic Development
Excellence in Government Award

Jackson’s Sports Rock Denver Restaurant And Steve Blechschmidt and Richard Larson, the VOA Mission Band
Special Friend Award
 

St. Mary Land & Exploration Company donates $20,000 to Volunteers of America’s Meals on Wheels


(DENVER, CO) – St. Mary Land & Exploration Company has made a charitable contribution of $20,000 to Volunteers of America’s Colorado Branch. The generous donation was specified for use in the Meals on Wheels program in the Denver Metro Area. Mr. David W. Honeyfield, Senior Vice President and CFO, of St. Mary Land & Exploration Company stated, “We are pleased that we can make this gift and we hope it encourages others to make similar gifts toward the program.”

Meals on Wheels Program delivers hot, nutritious meals to homebound seniors in several Front Range counties throughout Colorado. These seniors receive a nourishing meal and equally importantly, receive a caring visit from a volunteer driver. The average age of a Meals on Wheels recipient is 86 years old.
 

Volunteers of America Colorado Elects 3 New
Directors to Board  

(Denver, CO) Volunteers of America Colorado Branch will announce 3 new Board Members at the VOA Annual Report Reception on Wednesday, October 17^th, 3:30p.m. at The Lexus Club in Pepsi Center, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver, CO. 

New Directors 

Larry R. Martinez  is an attorney with Berenbaum, Weinshienk & Eason, P.C. where he chairs its Litigation, Labor and Employment Group. Mr. Martinez is BWE’s representative to the Colorado Pledge to Diversity Law Firm Group, the (CU & DU Law Schools) Deans’ Diversity Council, is a member of the Thompson G. Marsh Inn of Court and was a founding Board Member and Secretary of the Denver Soccer Club, Inc., a twenty-seven hundred player youth soccer club.

Marjorie M. Mauldin is President and owner of EXECUTIVE FORUM Inc. providing expertise in organizational design and development. Since 1986, Ms. Mauldin has served as a consultant, advisor, and personal coach to presidents, senior executives, executive teams and managers throughout the Rocky Mountain region and nationwide. In 2000, Ms. Mauldin received a “Colorado Entrepreneur of the Year” Award and currently serves on a number of Boards and Forums in Colorado.  

Daniel Michael Scherer is a General Manager for CBS Outdoor, one of the world’s largest out-of-home media companies providing media opportunities worldwide. Since 2005, Mr. Scherer has managed the Utah and Colorado markets in the Outdoor Advertising Industry. He and his family reside in Golden Colorado.

Rockies Pitcher LaTroy Hawkins Celebrity Reader For
Denver’s School Children

WHO: LaTroy Hawkins, Colorado Rockies relief pitcher, along with Clifford the Big Red Dog, will read children’s stories to more than 100 Denver preschoolers and first graders.

WHEN: Friday, September 28th, 2007, 10 a.m. - children arrive and greet LaTroy Hawkins and Clifford,
10:15 a.m.-10:45 a.m. celebrity reading followed by a book giveaway.

WHERE: Blair Caldwell African American Research Library,
2401 Welton St, Denver CO 80205
(720)865-2411 (on the Northwest corner of Welton and 24th Street)
in the Five Points Neighborhood of Denver. Free parking is available next to the building.

WHAT: Special reading presentation by LaTroy Hawkins and Clifford the Big Red Dog, followed by a Scholastic book give-away to children from the Five Points neighborhood.

WHY: Celebrity readers and Clifford provide positive role models to promote reading to Denver’s low and limited income children. Mr. Hawkins is very involved in the Denver community and participates in several projects with the Volunteers of America. Scholastic donates thousands of books through Volunteers of America, enabling children to choose a book and then take it home.

Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books and a leader in educational technology. Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children's books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, film, videos and toys. The Company distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs, school-based book fairs, and school-based and direct-to-home continuity programs; retail stores, schools, libraries and television networks; and the Company's Internet site, www.scholastic.com. Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books and a leader in educational technology. Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children's books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, film, videos and toys. The Company distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs, school-based book fairs, and school-based and direct-to-home continuity programs; retail stores, schools, libraries and television networks; and the Company's Internet site, www.scholastic.com
 

Daniels Fund Scholars assemble 5000 hygiene kits
for Denver’s homeless
Homeless shelters include the Volunteers of America Mission

(Denver – Friday, July 13, 2007) For the second year in a row, the Daniels Fund welcomed their freshmen scholars with a full-scale community service project. 230 scholarship recipients came together and assembled 5000 hygiene kits to be distributed to several community non-profits addressing the problem of homelessness, including Volunteers of America’s Mission. The Daniels Fund purchased the items, the students assembled the kits, and staff members made the deliveries throughout Denver.

The students will leave to accredited colleges in the coming weeks but convened for the Daniels Fund week long transitional program that prepares the scholarship recipients for their college experiences. Each year this orientation includes a community service project that embodies the Daniels Fund’s philosophy of positively impacting the community.

Recipient organizations included Volunteers of America Mission on Lawrence and 29th Street in Denver. Tamela Dabney, the VOA Mission’s project manager, expressed her gratitude by saying “This is such an incredible gift for our clients who are lacking the most basic necessities.” The kits include soap, a razor, toothpaste and a toothbrush, shampoo and conditioner.
The Mission supports homeless individuals and families by providing daily meals, emergency food provisions, a rehabilitation program focused on regaining self-sufficiency and employment, a clothing bank, and daily worship services.
 

LeAnn Rimes to Perform at Western Fantasy Gala
August 3, 2007

Two time Grammy Award Winner and country music star LeAnn Rimes will be the featured entertainer at the Volunteers of America’s 2007 Western Fantasy Gala to be held on Saturday, October 27, 2007 at the National Western Events Center. The Annual Gala Event is the premier fundraising event benefiting the human service programs of Volunteers of America’s Colorado Branch.

Frances Owens, Colorado’s former First Lady and Chair for the Steering Committee, announced today, “LeAnn Rimes is an extremely talented performer with an amazingly rich voice. Her appeal extends to all ages. Aside from her singing, she spends much of her time helping the less fortunate. From my perspective, she is the perfect entertainer to please a crowd, as well as to support the programs of Volunteers of America. We are extremely excited to have her join us this year.”

Exploding onto the country music scene at age 13, Ms. Rimes was the youngest performer ever to win a Grammy Award and has sold 37 million records. LeAnn Rimes has earned an American Music Award, two Grammy Awards, 12 Billboard Awards, and three Academy of Country Music honors. In addition to her impressive talent as a vocalist, LeAnn Rimes has matured into a gifted songwriter and is currently promoting her latest album, “Family.” She is currently touring throughout the United States. For more information on LeAnn Rimes, visit www.leannrimesworld.com.

For more information or to reserve your seat at the
Western Fantasy Gala, call Michael James at 720.264.3322
or visit www.westernfantasy.com

The evening will include cocktails, dinner, dancing, and a live auction.

Daniels Fund Scholars assemble 5000 hygiene kits for
Denver’s homeless - Friday, July 13, 2007

Homeless shelters include the Volunteers of America Mission

For the second year in a row, the Daniels Fund welcomed their freshmen scholars with a full-scale community service project. 230 scholarship recipients came together and assembled 5000 hygiene kits to be distributed to several community non-profits addressing the problem of homelessness, including Volunteers of America’s Mission. The Daniels Fund purchased the items, the students assembled the kits, and staff members made the deliveries throughout Denver.

The students will leave to accredited colleges in the coming weeks but convened for the Daniels Fund week long transitional program that prepares the scholarship recipients for their college experiences. Each year this orientation includes a community service project that embodies the Daniels Fund’s philosophy of positively impacting the community.

Recipient organizations included Volunteers of America Mission on Lawrence and 29th Street in Denver. Tamela Dabney, the VOA Mission’s project manager, expressed her gratitude by saying “This is such an incredible gift for our clients who are lacking the most basic necessities.” The kits include soap, a razor, toothpaste and a toothbrush, shampoo and conditioner.
The Mission supports homeless individuals and families by providing daily meals, emergency food provisions, a rehabilitation program focused on regaining self-sufficiency and employment, a clothing bank, and daily worship services.


Volunteers of America is a national, nonprofit, faith-based organization that is dedicated to helping those in need rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. In Colorado, the Volunteers of America administers 30 different human service programs in addition to subsidized housing and health care. The Volunteers of America Colorado Branch helped over 196,000 individuals during 2006 including the frail elderly, at-risk youth, victims of domestic violence and homeless individuals and families.

The Daniels fund, founded in 1997 by Bill Daniels, is largest foundation in the Rocky Mountain Region and provides grants and scholarships to enable disadvantaged members of the community to fulfill their unique potential. Among the many programs funded by the foundation, efforts include helping the homeless, physically handicapped and elderly individuals, as well as those suffering substance abuse and mental handicaps.

Pinnacol Assurance donates 75 Birthday Boxes to Volunteers of America’s Brandon Center  - July 25, 2007

Pinnacol Assurance assembled and delivered 75 gift wrapped birthday presents for the residents of Volunteers of America’s Brandon Center, Colorado’s largest overnight shelter for battered and homeless women and their children. Approximately 30 Pinnacol employees purchased items to be given to those individuals in crisis on their birthdays. Boxes included items for children such as toys, games, stuffed animals and women will receive gifts such as jewelry, bath products, sandals, and purses.

This service project is only one of the many programs Pinnacol performs for VOA and reflects the insurance company’s corporate philosophy of giving back. Pinnacol employee Alesia Gillis commented on the purpose of their enterprise, “We think about the kids and hope it puts a smile on their faces. The team really likes to come together to do things like this.” Pinnacol also participates in Volunteers of America’s Meals on Wheels program, Rake-Up Colorado, Runnin’ of the Green 7K race, and the upcoming Stuff for Students School Supply Campaign.

Volunteers of America Brandon Center provides emergency shelter, meals and support services to approximately 1,000 women and children each year. Brandon Center is a 90-bed facility located in metro Denver. Each resident family at Brandon receives an individual sleeping room; three meals and snacks a day; and enrollment in a children’s program. There is individual counseling and case management; group support and educational sessions on domestic violence, parenting and other vital issues; and on-site GED tutoring. The center provides the opportunity for each woman to develop short and long-term goals that will assist her in taking steps toward self-sufficiency.

Volunteers of America is a national, nonprofit, faith-based organization that is dedicated to helping those in need rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. In Colorado, the Volunteers of America administers 30 different human service programs in addition to subsidized housing and health care. The Volunteers of America Colorado Branch helped over 196,000 individuals during 2006 including the frail elderly, at-risk youth, victims of domestic violence and homeless individuals and families.

DoubleTree Hotel Denver donates linens, towels, and hygiene kits to Volunteers of America’s Family Motel - July 2, 2007

The DoubleTree Hotel Denver provided the Volunteers of America’s Family Motel with several hundred towels and sets of sheets, and 66 hygiene kits for the individuals and families to use while staying at the Volunteers of America Family Motel. The hotel has recently replenished its supplies of sheets and towels and wanted to donate the older linens to the deserving, non-profit organization.

Working in conjunction with the city of Denver, Volunteers of America’s Family Motel is a short-term emergency shelter for homeless individuals and families, homeless youth and chronically homeless individuals requiring respite care. Located at 4855 West Colfax Avenue, Denver, the Family Motel provides shelter, meals, and case management for up to 110 homeless men, women and children every night.

The DoubleTree Denver formed The CARE Committee, an employee team of volunteers who bring DoubleTree’s philosophy of comfort and hospitality to the Denver community in need. Brenda Payne, the Family Motel’s program manager expressed her gratitude, “We desperately need items like this because we run at 85% capacity year round. Our guests are going through a very difficult period of time in their lives and these donated items help make a brief stay here as comfortable as possible.” Along with the essential items to be delivered to The Family Motel, the DoubleTree Denver added a box of the hotel’s signature chocolate chip cookies.

(Denver) – The McCormick Tribune Foundation, through CW2 Gives and Post-News Charities – both funds of the foundation, has awarded Volunteers of America’s Brandon Center two grants of $140,000 each. Volunteers of America’s Brandon Center is an emergency shelter for women and children who are homeless or escaping domestic violence. Brandon Center provides counseling and support services to its residents so they may seek permanent housing and self-reliance. Brandon Center is one of the many residential services provided by Volunteers of America throughout Colorado.

Western Fantasy 2006 was a fundraiser for CW2 Gives, Post-News Charities and Volunteers of America. Funds raised by CW2 gives and Post-News charities are matched by the McCormick Tribune Foundation and granted back to local non-profits making a difference in the community. Both funds support numerous non-profits including Volunteers of America.

DENVER – The 24th Annual Affordable Housing Management Association (AHMA) has awarded Volunteers of America’s Ms. Anna Strobl, Director of Affordable Housing Services, the “HUD Manager of the Year” Award. The honor was presented to Ms. Strobl in recognition of her outstanding accomplishments and professionalism in the real estate management industry. Ms. Strobl has devoted a majority of her time toward housing hurricane evacuees and overseeing a major renovation project at a Section 8 subsidized high-rise in downtown Denver. Marcie LaPorte, Director of the Denver Multifamily Hub presented the annual award with HUD’s appreciation for “Ms. Strobl’s dedication and commitment to keep the best interests of the resident in mind and to go beyond the responsibilities of a property manager.”

Anna Strobl has been the Director of Affordable Housing for Volunteers of America since June 2004. She oversees more than 1000 units at seven different VOA properties throughout the state. She is an integral part of the Volunteers of America Colorado organization.

DENVER – On Friday, April 27, 2007 Felipe Lopez, Volunteers of America Head Start Worker, was honored by the Mayor’s Office. Maria Guajardo, Executive Director of the Office of Education and Children, awarded Lopez with the Heavy Lifter Award recognizing significant contributions to the lives of children in Denver. It is intended to honor those individuals who ‘do the heavy lifting’ in their communities by making children and youth a top priority. Lopez chuckled to discover Guajardo and her staff included a 5 lb. barbell with the award, signifying Felipe’s hard work. Recipients of the award are dedicated to the development, education, and well-being of Denver’s young people.
Lopez has been working for Volunteers of America and the Head Start Program for the last three years. Most recently he initiated the Head Start/Colorado Ballet partnership, providing preschoolers the opportunity to enroll in 10 week ballet classes. The partnership will be expanded in the next year to include the children of Rainbow House, a Volunteers of America program for children and young people with HIV/AIDS.
Lopez has also worked to encourage the Latino community and parents, especially fathers, to participate in their children’s events. Lopez was moved and honored by the recognition, “I love to work with these families; it gives me such joy. The families of the Head Start children are the ones that deserve an award; they have often had to overcome so many obstacles yet they continue to focus on getting their children a good education.” Volunteers of America is proud to have Felipe as part of the organization.

The Daniels fund, founded in 1997 by Bill Daniels, is largest foundation in the Rocky Mountain Region and provides grants and scholarships to enable disadvantaged members of the community to fulfill their unique potential. Among the many programs funded by the foundation, efforts include helping the homeless, physically handicapped and elderly individuals, as well as those suffering substance abuse and mental handicaps.