Fight Cancer, Invest in Brighter Futures
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Let’s Invest in a Brighter Future Together.
WELCOME
For more than 110 years, the American Cancer Society (ACS) has been a leader in the fight against cancer. There are currently more cancer survivors than ever before, thanks in part to our work. Yet, there is still work to be done to fulfill our vision of ending cancer as we know it, for everyone.
Cancer is a complex problem, so it takes a comprehensive approach to make progress. As the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support, we continue to work tirelessly to fund research and provide support for all types of cancer, and we are working to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.
Together, we are leading the fight for a world without cancer — from what causes it to how we end it. These breakthroughs start with researchers who rely on your donation to fund progress. This year, your donation through the Mission Paddle Raise will help us fund research for rare and general cancers nationwide.
Thank you for joining us this evening. We hope you will be inspired to invest in our mission.
Sincerely,
Kelly Moran
Senior Executive Director, Colorado & Utah American Cancer Society
2024 EVENT CO-CHAIRS
Irma Lockridge Chief People Officer CoorsTek
GALA BOARD OF AMBASSADORS
Erica Ferris
Director of Marketing
Monarch Casino Resort Spa
Carmon Hicks
Senior Managing Director
JLL
Paulo Santos
Vice President
ECLAT Health Solutions
Ghislaine Torres Bruner Partner & Attorney
Squire Patton Boggs LLP
GALA EXPERIENCE PLANNING COMMITTEE
Cynthia Batchelder , Volunteer Lead
Sarah Gleichenhaus , Transamerica
Lauren Kvamme , MidWestOne Bank
Hannah Rossi , ExxonMobil
Kelly Stewart , Raymond James
Kristen Weber , Hunter Douglas
Dean Woodward , PNC Bank
THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS
Title Sponsor
Mission Sponsor
Presenting Sponsor
Gift of Hope Sponsors
Light of Hope Sponsors
Table of Hope Sponsors
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
Bruner Family
DaVita Inc.
Eisai
JLL
Johnson & Johnson Oncology
Lockridge Family
Lockton Companies
PCL Construction
Personify Health
Professional Case Management
Reuter Family
Seth Rich Foundation
Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies
Wine Pull Sponsor
Republic National Distributing
Beer Sponsor
Denver Beer Company
Afterparty Entertainment
Bruner Family
Creative Services Sponsor
Defy Them All
Departure Gifts
Eldorado Natural Spring Water
Mission Moment CoorsTek
Mobile Bidding Sponsor
MidWestOne Bank
Photo Booth Sponsor
Lockton Companies
Tribute Trees
Raymond James
Casino Entertainment
Monarch Resort Casino Spa
PROGRAM OF EVENTS
6:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
8:00 p.m.
COCKTAIL HOUR & PASSED HORS D’OEUVRES
• Silent Auction, Experience Enhancers (Golden Ticket, Tribute Trees, Wine Pull)
• Live Entertainment with Mariachi Sol De Mi Tierra
WELCOME & DINNER
PROGRAM
• Co-Chair Welcome
• Community Honoree: Jim Reuter
• Corporate Honoree: Marc Neely
• Live Auction
• Mission Speaker: Irma Lockridge
• Mission Paddle Raise to Fund Research for Rare and General Cancers Nationwide
• Closing Remarks
9:15 p.m.
AFTERPARTY (LAST CALL AT 10:30 P.M.)
• Casino Entertainment
• Music by Look Both Ways Band
• Silent Auction Closes
• Auction Check-Out
DINNER MENU
STARTER
Baby Greens Salad
Manchego Cheese, Radicchio, Almonds, Pear Vinaigrette (V) (GF)
MAIN
French Chicken Breast
Baby Vegetable Ragout, Parsnip Purée, Natural Chicken Jus (GF)
VEGETARIAN/VEGAN
(available upon request)
Roasted Wild & Exotic Mushrooms
King Trumpet, Portobello, Lemon Scented
Carrot Purée & Mushroom Jus (VGN) (GF)
DESSERT STATION
Black & White Brownies
Decadent Milk Chocolate and White Chocolate Brownies
Biscotti
Traditional and Chocolate-dipped Biscotti Italian Cookies
Fresh Fruits
Assortment of Seasonal Fruits (VGN) (GF)
CHAMPIONS OF HOPE HONOREES
Each year, the Champion of Hope Award recognizes an outstanding medical, individual, or corporate partner of the American Cancer Society. The award is a prestigious local honor for an individual or organization that has made extraordinary contributions to the fight against cancer through humanitarian work, distinguished service, and leadership. Please join us as we honor this year’s Champions of Hope Honorees.
JIM REUTER
Incoming President and CEO First Interstate Bank Community Honoree
Jim Reuter is
the Incoming CEO and President of First Interstate Bank. He retired as the former CEO and President of FirstBank in 2024, where he currently remains as a board member. Jim has extensive banking experience, starting his career at FirstBank in 1987 and holding several different roles within the organization. He previously served as FirstBank’s COO where he oversaw many of the bank’s divisions, including: loan/mortgage operations, IT, online banking, payments, contact center, online account/loan acquisition, and treasury management. FirstBank has attributed many of the bank’s products and IT innovations over the years to Reuter’s leadership and guidance. Prior to his roles in operations and IT, Reuter served as a loan officer in FirstBank’s Palm Desert location.
He has received multiple awards and honors for leadership and social impact, including the 2020 Denver Business Journal Most Admired CEO, and the 2023 DEI Leader Award. Throughout his career Jim has been sought out for industry
leadership roles with the American Bankers Association, Federal Reserve Bank, and the Midsize Bank Coalition of America.
Jim has been a champion of the American Cancer Society for many years. As a driving force behind the CEOs Against Cancer - Colorado Chapter for more than 10 years, serving in leadership roles including co-chair and recruitment chair. Through the chapter, he has helped to raised $1.1 million for the American Cancer Society. Jim is a leader in promoting health and wellness through the American Cancer Society’s Fit2Be Cancer Free since 2021, increasing employee engagement and participation at FirstBank as well as being named a “Top Stepper” annually in the national CEO step challenge. Jim is a fierce advocate for the Future Executives Program, aimed at supporting young professionals in their career development.
Jim is highly regarded in Colorado for his philanthropic efforts, which includes activating FirstBank as a founding partner of Colorado Gives Day, which has raised over $450 million for nonprofits since the program’s inception in 2010. He is a member of the Women’s Foundation of Colorado, Special Olympics of Colorado, Blind Institute of Technology, and Cerebral Palsy of Colorado Legacy Foundation.
MARC NEELY President and CEO
UnitedHealthcare of Colorado and Wyoming
Corporate Honoree
Marc Neely is President and Chief Executive Officer of UnitedHealthcare of Colorado and Wyoming’s commercial businesses. Marc is responsible for the health plan’s overall strategic plan, business development, operations, community and regulatory relationships in Colorado and Wyoming. The organization’s coverage serves the needs of more than 725,000 commercial members and enhancing relationships with many of the 110 hospitals and more than 38,000 medical providers contracted with UnitedHealthcare in the Centennial state.
Marc brings nearly four decades of healthcare industry experience to his oversight of UnitedHealthcare’s operations serving small, mid-sized, large commercial and public sector organizations for the health plan. Over his impressive career, Marc has collaborated with employers, brokers, consultants, health technology companies and care delivery systems, always working to find ways to deliver better health and a better consumer experience at a more affordable cost. Since assuming the CEO role in 2017, Marc’s focus has been on building
innovative, collaborative partnerships with key Colorado healthcare systems and providers to achieve the quadruple aim: lower medical costs, increased quality outcomes, positive patient experiences, and healthcare provider satisfaction.
Marc has been a corporate leader for the American Cancer Society in Colorado for many years, getting involved with various initiatives including the CEOs Against Cancer - Colorado Chapter, Champions of Hope Gala, Fit2Be Cancer Free, Denver Golf Classic, and Future Executives Program of Colorado. At UnitedHealthcare, he has implemented workplace health promotions to generate awareness around cancer screening through the Fit2Be Cancer Free program.
After becoming involved with the American Cancer Society CEOs Against CancerColorado Chapter in 2018, Marc served as the co-chair of the chapter in 2021 and 2022. Under Marc’s leadership, in 2023, UnitedHealthcare of Colorado supported the Chapter with a $200,000, two-year colorectal screening project at Federally Qualified Health Centers throughout Colorado.
Marc is involved in several other charitable and community organizations, including the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce Board; and leading fundraising efforts in Colorado for UnitedHealthcare’s Children’s Foundation and other local events benefiting Colorado’s youth.
LIVE AUCTION
Thank you to our amazing donors who are providing tonight’s Live Auction packages. Details below were available prior to the event and may have changed. For full details and restrictions, please visit COH24.givesmart.com , or text COH24 to 76278 .
DENVER NUGGETS GAME-DAY SUITE
Donated by Leo Tokar
Treat yourself and your guests to a premium experience with 20 tickets to a private suite for the Denver Nuggets–Memphis Grizzlies game on April 11, 2025. The private suite is decked out with a flat-screen television, a kitchenette, and comfortable leather seating that will have you and your guests watching the game in style. This package also includes five parking passes.
Restrictions: Excludes food and beverages. This package applies to the game on 04/11/25 and cannot be exchanged or rescheduled for any other game.
STK STEAKHOUSE CHEF’S TASTING FOR 10
Donated by The ONE Group Hospitality, Inc.
Enjoy a private chef’s tasting for 10 guests hosted by STK Steakhouse in downtown Denver. This unique opportunity features the greatest hits from STK’s menu, including a four-course tasting (lil’ BRGs, tuna tartare, steak, and more); assorted dessert platter board; and beer, wine, bubbles, or a signature cocktail per course). Items can be substituted based on dietary restrictions. Winner chooses a date and time at least two weeks in advance.
Restrictions: Based upon availability. Certificate does not carry cash value. Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply. Gratuity is not included.
SANCTUARY GOLF COURSE FOURSOME
Donated by Dave and Gail Liniger
An exclusive opportunity to play at Colorado’s private Sanctuary Golf Course. Sanctuary is played exclusively by invitation or through one of the approximately 25 charity events hosted annually. It is known for its elevated tees, towering pines, and 180-degree mountain views encompassing Pikes Peak to the south and Longs Peak to the north. Because of the dramatic terrain, a foursome typically feels the entire course is theirs — even when play is at capacity. Five sets of tees invite every level of play.
Restrictions: Must be booked within the calendar of open play dates during 2025.
INSTANT WINE CELLAR
Donated by Republic National Distributing, Irma Lockridge, Shay Kerman, and Kelly Stewart
We’re excited to present our Instant Wine Cellar! That’s right — this isn’t just any collection of wine; it’s a curated selection of exquisite bottles, each chosen to take
your wine experience to the next level. You’ll be the go-to host, impressing your friends with your well-stocked selection and expert recommendations! This collection includes top-shelf champagne, an excellent selection of reds suitable for any occasion, and private reserve bottles from Tuscany, including Casa Emma and Gundlach Bundschu.
Restrictions: Wine is prohibited from being consumed at the Denver Art Museum.
TAYLOR SWIFT GUITAR
Donated by Cynthia Batchelder
Attention, Swifties and music lovers! Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of music history. We are thrilled to present a Taylor Swift–signed acoustic guitar. This beautiful instrument isn’t just a stunning addition to any collection; it’s a chance to connect with the magic of Taylor’s music. Imagine strumming your favorite songs while holding a guitar that she has personally signed — a true collector’s item for any fan!
FIVE-STAR FRENCH OPEN EXPERIENCE
Donated by Rob Kinas & Cancer Research Racquet
Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience to attend the French Open at Roland-Garros in Paris, France! This experience includes two tickets to either Court Chatrier or Court Lenglen on opening day, Sunday, May 25, 2025, along with two passes to the five-star hospitality chalet, which includes a full bar, free champagne, and a five-course lunch. You will be joining an elite group of corporate donors who love tennis, have a passion to fight cancer, and have funded eight cancer research grants through the ACS’s Pay-If program.
Restrictions: Funds raised for this package will support the Pay-If program directly. Travel and hotel accommodations are not provided. To secure the best available flight during this busy time, please book your travel and hotel stay as soon as possible.
STAY IN ASPEN AND FLY WITH JET LINX MEMBERSHIP
Donated by Nick Cherney & Jet Linx
Treat a group of four to a jaw-dropping property in Aspen Valley with incredible views up and down the valley. Enjoy private access to over 2000 feet of Gold Medal fly fishing on the Roaring Fork, perfectly situated in the mid-valley for convenient access to everything this mountain paradise has to offer. This property is tranquil and meticulously maintained, a real jewel in the Colorado Rockies, ideal for all seasons with easy access to skiing, biking, boating, etc.
The Aspen trip comes along with a Jet Linx Jet Card Membership. Jet Linx has over 25 years in service and safety, 110+ aircraft in fleet, and 22 base locations to fly you with the highest standards of safety and professionalism in the industry. Unlike other private aviation programs, Jet Linx offers private terminals nationwide, where you can enjoy an executive lounge, snacks and beverages, outstanding customer service, meeting space, Wifi, and the ability to be in the air within minutes. Jet Linx also offers international flights serving Canada, Mexico, Bahamas, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and more!.
Restrictions Must Book Aspen Valley VRBO within 12 months, during available dates, and not within blackout dates. Jet Linx membership is valid for one year after purchase, membership does not include the cost of each flight, excludes fuel surcharge & federal excise tax, and rates depend on the service area.
MISSION PADDLE RAISE
By raising your paddle this evening, your donation will support ACSfunded research for rare and general cancers nationwide.
Nationwide, we are investing $47 million across 79 ACS-funded research grants targeting 15 rare cancers.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Glioma/Glioblastoma
Hodgkin Lymphoma
Osteosarcoma
Pediatric Thyroid Cancer
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Multiple Myeloma
Esophageal Carcinoma
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Germ Cell Tumor
Chronic Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Ewing Sarcoma
Small Bowel Adenocarcinoma
Four of these grants are being researched by the leading healthcare systems in Colorado.
With your generosity, we will raise money to fund progress for future cures. Thank you for your investment.
IN-KIND DONORS
The following donors made generous donations of products, services, or a combination thereof. We are very grateful to these partners for their generous donations that helped make this evening possible:
Alchemy Face Bar
Alila Marea Beach Resort
Amy Burkman
Amy Venturi
Branch & Barrel Distilling
Bruner Family -
Look Both Ways Band
Byron West –
New West Images
Cynthia Batchelder
Call Me Pearl
Capitol Grill
Carmon Hicks
Colorado Ballet
Comedy Works
Dashing Maids
Denver Art Museum
El Dorado Water
Erica Ferris
Estes Park Lake Lodge
FIRE Restaurant
Gaylord Rockies Resort
Hai Hospitality –
Uchi Denver
Hotel Sante Fe
Hyatt Downtown Denver
Ignite Your Aura
Iron Mountain Hot Springs
Jax Fish
Jay’s Valet
Jim Slavik – Do Good Art
Kelly Stewart
Kendra Scott
Kroenke Sports Charities
Lauren and Eric Kvamme
Leo Tokar
Leopold Bros Distillery
Lockridge Family
McNeil Designer Portraits
Meow Wolf
MKR Photos
Monarch Casino Resort Spa
Narrative Restaurant
North Italia
Oxford Hotel
Pelican Bay at Cherry Creek
Rally Hotel
Republic National
Distributing Company
Rejuvaskin
Rockstar Music Hall
Tito’s
The Art Hotel
The Clayton Hotel
The Edible Beat
The Jacquard Hotel
The ONE Group
The Surf Hotel & Chateau
The Tea Spot
Top Golf
Yeti
Makin g healthy moves.
Makin g healthy moves.
Cigna HealthcareSM is committed to helping every individual live a life of health and vitality. That’s why we ’ re proud to suppor t the American Cancer Society Gallery of Champions.
Cigna HealthcareSM is committed to helping every individual live a life of health and vitality. That’s why we ’ re proud to suppor t the American Cancer Society Gallery of Champions.
All Cigna Healthcare products and ser vices are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of The Cigna Group. 969926 01/24 © 2024 Cigna Healthcare. Some content provided under license.
All Cigna Healthcare products and ser vices are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of The Cigna Group 969926 01/24 © 2024 Cigna Healthcare Some content provided under license
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