Centenial citizen 0809

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Citizen Centennial 8-9-2013

Centennial

Arapahoe County, Colorado • Volume 12, Issue 38

August 9, 2013

A Colorado Community Media Publication

ourcentennialnews.com

Teenagers serve city on board Centennial program began with 2003 council resolution By Anna Sutterer

Special to Colorado Community Media

A guest at the third annual SaddleUp! Suitcase Party poses with pilots and flight attendants outside the Mayo Aviation Hangar at Centennial Airport. The event sported a throwback aviation theme. Along with live and silent auctions, many patrons crossed their fingers in hopes of winning a private jet trip to California wine country, departing immediately after the event. Photos by Deborah Grigsby

Supporters of equine-assisted therapy packed the Mayo Aviation Hangar at Centennial Airport on Aug. 2. The annual gala event is a fundraiser for SaddleUp!, a nonprofit organization with locations in Parker and Elizabeth that provides therapy horses for children and adults with special needs.

Fifteen-year-old singer-songwriter Gracie Lawson wowed patrons at the third annual SaddleUp! Suitcase Party on Aug. 2.

SaddleUP!

gala reins in jet set

Airport event benefits equine therapy ranch By Deborah Grigsby

dgrigsby@ourcoloradonews.com

T

ravelers adorned in gauzy light summer pastels packed their bags for the third annual SaddleUp! Suitcase Party, each hoping to win seats on a private jet bound for California wine country, departing directly from the event. The popular gala filled the Mayo Aviation Hangar at Centennial Airport on Aug. 2 with patrons, prizes, fine wine, and an “A” list of local media, sports celebrities and politicians, all with hopes of helping others. The SaddleUp! Foundation is nonprofit organization that provides equineassisted therapy to adults and children with special needs. With facilities in Parker and Elizabeth,

SaddleUp! conducts supervised therapies in a family-friendly ranch environment. “Although I’ve never had need, myself, for equine therapy, I think what this organization does with kids is absolutely amazing,” said Joan Marks, of Denver. “There is just something so special in that connection between kids and horses. I just can’t explain it, but it seems to work.” Sporting a throwback aviation theme, patrons were treated to live entertainment and dancing by “American Idol” contestant Richie Law, as well as The Moderators, a Denver-based band comprised of local titans of industry, including presidents and CEOs of Colorado’s small businesses and Fortune 500 companies alike. Silent and live auction items included VIP tickets to the Solheim Cup, weekend use of a Ferrari and mountain vacation packages. Some patrons chose the “pay for hay” option, donating directly to a fund that feeds the organization’s 15 horses. “I have horses of my own and know

that it’s not cheap, SaddleUp! so this option fits FoUndation our family better To learn more about than a set of golf SaddleUp! or to pay for clubs or somehay, go online to www. thing,” said Anna saddleupfoundation.org Steele. “Besides, I or call 303-788-1666 always have a soft spot for anything Locations: that has to do with SaddleUp! at Bear’s Barn horses.” 11152 E. Daley Circle SaddleUp! Parker, CO 80134 Foundation programs provide SaddleUp! at Swift Creek therapy for mental39850 Swift Creek Circle ly, emotionally and Elizabeth, CO 80107 physically challenged individuals. Working with several established health-care providers such as Craig Hospital, Children’s Hospital and the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work, the program serves an average of 4,500 participants per year. More than 150 volunteers guide horses and spot riders, so participants can ride safely and train with therapists.

It is an established idea that the future is in the hands of our young people, and preparing adolescents in the ways of taking responsibility and charge of their surroundings ultimately points in the direction of brighter conditions for all. In Centennial, that idea is becoming more and more true. Since July 2003, the Centennial City Council has invited the area’s teenagers to take part in local government with its Centennial Youth Commission. The commission is a group of 11 teens, chosen after a competitive application and interview process, who collaborate with the city council regarding issues affecting the youths of the community. The 2003 resolution establishing the panel emphasizes the idea that youth participation in a formal structure such as this group “builds youth assets, empowers youth, and provides the city with valuable information.” The document also stresses that the purpose of the program is to “develop citizenship skills of Centennial’s youth, foster greater understanding of their concerns and contributions, and encourage greater youth participation in community issues.” The excellent students on this unique board are not only concerned with their community, but are also looking for a well-rounded and fulfilling experience. Participation in the commission involves important work such as being aware of issues in the community and being able to bring forward solutions, exciting other youths about events and issues Centennial faces, and getting involved with charities. “I like being part of a group of students who share a passion for philanthropy,” said social media and public information correspondent Lily Boettcher. “I applied hoping that I would become more involved in my community and I have surely done that. I have learned about how a city is run and I’ve enjoyed meeting city council members and making connections with people around my community. It’s cool to see what a group of 11 teenagers can accomplish together.” The youth commission volunteers with organizations such as Project C.U.R.E., the largest provider of donated medical supplies and equipment to developing countries around the world; InterFaith Community Services, which provides basic human services and enrichment programs to low-income people throughout Arapahoe County; and the SHARE project, a food drive initiative. Each fall, in time for Thanksgiving, the commission helps collect food for SHARE and puts together packages of Youth continues on Page 9

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