Volunteers of America's Western Fantasy Announces Co-Chairs for 2016
Western Fantasy welcomes co-chairs Cindi Burge and Kay Burke
Western Fantasy returns to celebrate its 23rd year on Saturday, October 15th, at the National Western Events Center. With dynamic duo Cindi Burge and Kay Burke at the helm, the 23rd year will continue the tradition of raising money for Volunteers of America and having a fabulous gala with amazing entertainment.
Cindi Burge is a Denver philanthropist and community leader. With a background in public relations and marketing, Burge stepped away from the corporate world in 1996 to raise three sons and support various community organizations. Her philanthropic endeavors include committee or board positions for Denver Center Alliance, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Fine Arts Foundation, Volunteers of America, American Heart Association, Arapahoe House, Kempe, Children's Diabetes Foundation, Cancer League, Rocky Mountain MS Center, National Foundation for Fertility Research, and Invisible Disabilities. Burge brings with her a wealth of experience, having previously served as chair of the Fine Arts Foundation Summer Ball and co-chair of the American Heart Association Heart Ball. She is heavily involved with the Denver Center for Performing Arts (DCPA), serving as president of the Denver Center Alliance from 2007 – 2009, Saturday Night Alive event chair in 2006, and Saturday Night Alive patron co-chair in 2015.
Kay Burke retired from the financial industry and decided to make good use of her free time. Since 1998 she has volunteered in some capacity at various organizations, including Volunteers of America's Meals on Wheels program, Denver Hospice Development office, and Children's Hospital. She has served as a committee member of the Denver Center Alliance, Global Down Syndrome Foundation, Dominican Home Health Agency, Cherish the Children, Central City Opera, National Foundation for Fertility Research, and Newborn Hope. Most recently, Burke served as immediate past president of the Denver Center Alliance in 2015, and, together with Burge, co-chaired the Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Network 60th Anniversary Celebration. Burke resides in the Denver area and has two adult daughters, one son-in-law, and a soon to be son-in-law coming summer 2016.
"We are excited to have both Kay and Cindi as our leaders for the 23rd annual Western Fantasy," said Dianna Kunz, President and CEO of Volunteers of America Colorado Branch. "The two of them create an unstoppable force, and that is exactly what we need to continue the tradition of fundraising for those most vulnerable in our community."
In 1994 founders Sharon Magness Blake and Jean Galloway conceived this event, a Western-style elegant gala featuring top country music entertainment for Denver's country music fans. The event is the signature fundraiser for Volunteers of America.
Past Performers include: Sara Evans, Lone Star, The Oak Ridge Boys, Rodney Atkins, Dierks Bentley, Leann Rimes, Trisha Yearwood, Lee Greenwood, Randy Travis, Jo Dee Messina, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Brooks & Dunn, George Jones, Wynona Judd, ALABAMA, Barbara Mandrell, Kenny Rogers and John Denver.
ABOUT VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA
Volunteers of America is a national, nonprofit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping those in need live healthy, safe and productive lives. Since 1896, our ministry of service has supported and empowered America's most vulnerable groups, including the frail elderly, people with disabilities, at-risk youth, homeless individual, veterans, and women and their children. For more information about Volunteers of America, visit www.voacolorado.org
ABOUT WESTERN FANTASY
Western Fantasy is an annual fundraiser benefitting Volunteers of America Colorado Branch and all of its programs, including Meals on Wheels, Head Start, and The Brandon Safe Haven, and homeless Veterans and their families. The evening includes cocktail reception, elegant dinner and lively auction culminating with entertainment by a leading Country performer.
Contact: Jordan Kellerman
Volunteers of America
2660 Larimer Street
Denver, CO 80205
jkellerman@voacolorado.org
######