Colorado Expression-magazine-October-November 2020

T H E

B E S T

Holiday Gift Guide

O F

C O L O R A D O

Women

at the Top of Their Game

L I V I N G

Entertaining at Home

O COLORAD expression WOMEN ABOUT TOWN OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 FOUR DOLLARS

A N O T H E R

S U C C E S S F U L

P A R T N E R S H I P

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CONTENTS

In this Issue

64

38

28

Out & About 12

Features 38

Holiday Gift Guide 54

Shot in the Dark

Holiday Entertaining at Home

We’ve rounded up ideas for everyone on your seasonal gift list this year.

By Cynthia Pasquale

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Organizations have been getting creative with virtual gatherings.

Check out these events that raised funds for local nonprofits.

18 Calendar

By Becky Grupe

Two of Colorado’s top caterers share how you can throw successful, delicious and socially distanced cocktail and dinner parties this fall, including the recipes that will be sure to please your guests.

This fall, celebrate Frida Kahlo at the Denver Art Museum, attend food and wine festivals, go on a tour of a historic cemetery and more.

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These four outstanding women representing business, nonprofits, media and law talk about their journeys and commitment to community.

Bits & Pieces

By Joy Lawrance

Check out ideas on locations for a fall picnic, take a cooking class, read about Colorado’s Fourteeners and sign up for an enrichment class at the University of Denver.

36 Business Spotlight

By Elizabeth Kosar

His family has been in the banking business for more than a century, and Jay Davidson continues the legacy with First American State Bank, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

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Women of Substance

By Colleen Smith

The Season’s Gifts

By Marge D. Hansen and Elizabeth Hamilton

In this most challenging of years, with our 2020 Holiday Gift Guide and Nonprofit Giving Guide, we hope to inspire, excite and showcase special items for everyone on your list, curated from area businesses. We also feature a number of deserving nonprofit organizations that are finding their resources stretched and the need great for their services.

80 Nonprofit Wish Lists

By Joanne Davidson

COLORADO EXPRESSION (ISSN # 1070-5066) is published bi-monthly by New West Publishing Inc., 3600 S. Beeler St., Ste. 100, Denver, Colorado 80237, Elizabeth Hamilton, owner, 303-694-1289; fax: 303-694-6939; e-mail: info@coloradoexpression.com; website: coloradoexpression.com.

Annual one-year subscription rate is $22.00, cover price is $4.00. Periodicals postage is paid at Denver, Colorado and additional entries.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Colorado Expression, c/o New West Publishing, 3600 S. Beeler St., Ste. 100, Denver, Colorado 80237.

Copyright© 2020, New West Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020

Organizations that serve the needy have been especially hard hit this year.

We share their holiday wish lists.

Cover Photography by Jensen Sutta From left, Kasia Iwaniczko MacLeod, Dr. Nita Mosby Tyler and Elaine Torres Makeup by Michael Moore/Moore for Life Check out Jensen’s new book, Five Feet From Greatness publishing on Nov. 1.

Details at jensensutta.com

CONTENTS

In this Issue 42 Art Scene

By Joanne Davidson

With the economy taking a major hit from the coronavirus, Deborah Jordy, executive director of the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, has been focused on what lies ahead for the 300 cultural organizations supported by the SCFD.

50 Enterprise

By Jordan Martindell

Platypus Papers and its paper-addict owner Laney Hall can be counted on to come up with creative invitations, gifts and décor.

52 Body & Soul

By Danielle Yuthas

For four decades, Edit Viski-Hanka has devoted her efforts to beautifying clients at Edit EuroSpa. 50

Departments 20 Public Persona

Don’t miss out

By Suzanne S. Brown

Stay up to date on news and happenings exclusively for Colorado Expression readers by signing up for our monthly newsletter at coloradoexpression.com

As executive director of Denver Arts & Venues, Ginger White Brunetti manages a $60 million budget and five of the city’s key cultural facilities.

24 Nonprofit Profile

By Danielle Yuthas

The Impact Finance Center educates investors on how to make their philanthropic efforts align with their values.

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Instagram

Curated

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One of the region’s most talented garden designers and retailers, Annie Huston, shares how to keep outdoor décor lively in the fall and winter months.

Pinterest

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From the Publisher

COLORADO expression OWNER/PUBLISHER

Elizabeth Hamilton

Resilience and Hope From women who impact communities to entertaining during our new normal, we are learning how to adapt and thrive

MANAGING EDITOR

Suzanne S. Brown

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Becky Grupe

T

his is absolutely my favorite issue of the year. First, we

are able to share the inspirational

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

lives of four amazing women who tell

Lisa Buscietta

what they experienced growing up, how their careers developed and the

DESIGN/PRODUCTION

contributions they’re making to

Connie Robertson

Colorado’s communities. I also love

Andrea Späth

this issue because it includes our philanthropic gift guide. This year,

PHOTOGRAPHY

Joanne Davidson Jensen Sutta

more than ever, these organizations need our support to continue what they do best: helping the underserved,

Misti Mills

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Joanne Davidson Marge D. Hansen

and other support. The holiday season is always the perfect time to reflect on what we are grateful for.

During this global pandemic, we’re

Photo: Jensen Sutta

those needing health care, education DIGITAL/SOCIAL MEDIA

reminded to treasure our health and to work at staying well for those close to

Elizabeth Kosar

us—and for ourselves. And to nurture our connections, to take the time to

Joy Lawrance

stay in touch with family and friends, which is why we share ideas about

Jordan Martindell

holiday entertaining and gift giving. I’m so proud of the team that makes up

Cynthia Pasquale

Colorado Expression to bring you beautiful stories during this uncertain time.

Colleen Smith

I cannot think of a single individual who hasn’t been affected in one way or

Danielle Yuthas

another, so it is a true honor to showcase good things and people. We are dedicated to keeping it local and hope you’ll also support Colorado businesses

CONTRIBUTOR

so they too can remain healthy. Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay kind.

Michael Moore

Elizabeth Hamilton

President and publisher, New West Publishing ADVERTISING AND SALES

sales@coloradoexpression.com FIND THE VERY BEST OF COLORADO INQUIRIES AND SUBMISSIONS

info@coloradoexpression.com

Stay in the know so you can plan your next outing with our monthly newsletter. Sign up at coloradoexpression.com. And for the latest happenings around our state, follow us on Facebook (@ColoradoExpression), Instagram (@coloradoexpression) and Twitter (@ColoExpression).

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COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM JUNE/JULY 2020

JUNE/JULY 2020 COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM

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CONTRIBUTORS

Insider’s Guide

Our contributors share their favorite things

Photo: amarosy

“My favorite Thanksgiving tradition is football. Both watching the NFL games on television and playing games outside, especially with family!”

Jensen Sutta, photographer

What’s your favorite...

Perry, left, and Easton Sutta

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Danielle Yuthas, writer for stories on Impact Finance Center and Edit Euro Spa

...Thanksgiving tradition?

Photo: Jensen Sutta

“Thanksgiving is full of tradition in our house!

I’ve been making Nonna’s Spinach Soufflé for over 20 years. Everyone loves the cheesy, delicious side dish that our Nonna introduced so many years ago!”

Misti Mills, digital/ social media editor

COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020

I love to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade every year before all of the food and family festivities begin. The best was the year I got to see my favorite float, Tom Turkey, in person in NYC.

“Thanksgiving was my first American holiday coming one week after my immigration to the U.S. The large gathering of friends and family, the football frenzy, the huge bird… all so exotic. It is still my favorite American holiday!”

Andrea Späth art director

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SHOT IN THE DARK

All for a Good Cause

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Urban Beets, a series of 11 socially-distanced, masksrequired dinner parties, were held simultaneously at private homes throughout Denver on Aug. 6.

They helped replace income that would have been generated at Urban Peak’s signature fundraiser, Urban Nights. (Those pictured without masks removed them for the photos only.)

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More photos for these events: coloradoexpression.com 3

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1 Art Raymond and his wife, Lois Melkonian 2 Urban Peak CEO

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Christina Carlson, right, thanks Rachel Atwell for her support.

3 Marco Fields, right, and her daughter, Jada 4 Laura Glenny, left, and Pam Lousberg. 5 From left: Jay Mills, Kiana Akina and Jesse Ogas 6 Janice Sinden, left, and Stacy Ohlsson 7 Hosts John Farnam, left, and Paul Heitzenrater 8 The evening concludes with the waving of sparklers to carry out the evening’s theme of “Be the Spark.”

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COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020

Photos: Joanne Davidson

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SHOT IN THE DARK

1

Roundup River Ranch combined its two signature fundraising events into one virtual gala on Aug. 10.

Supporters joined a Vimeo livestream event either from the comfort of their own homes across the country, or in small gatherings at local restaurants in the Vail Valley and Denver. It was a night full camper stories, Stage Night performances, a live high-profile auction and a live paddle raise. The event raised more than $1.3 million dollars for children with serious illnesses and their families.

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More photos for these events: coloradoexpression.com

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1 Dennis and Kimberly O’Halloran and Jay Cotter 2 Colin Mering, Kathy Cole and Linda Hendricks 3 Bill Woolfolk, Kristy Woolfolk, Joe Menedez, Sara Friedle, Mike Towler, Laureen Hopkins, Jerry Jurschak and Alexia Jurschak 4 Sarah and Matt Teeters 5 Ruth

B. Johnson, president and CEO of Roundup River Ranch, and John Forester 6 Clockwise from left: Faye Gardenswartz, Wayne

Gardenswartz, Michele Right (Richard Right is hidden), Lee Alpert, Debbi Alpert, Cindy Farber, Rick Sapkin and Shelly Sapkin 7 Greer and Jack Gardner 8 Jeff OBrien, Lauri O’Brien, and Fletcher Groff 9 Sue Hanrahan, Rebeca Hanrahan, Christina Miller, Joy Kenny,

Emily Herman, Eric Affeldt and Dan Hanrahan 9

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COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020

Photos: Joanne Davidson

A Grateful Gathering

SHOT IN THE DARK

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Laugh Yourself Blue 1

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An annual charity gala featuring incredible silent auction items, great food, top national comedy acts and much more, Laugh Yourself Blue was rescheduled twice before it was turned into a virtual event on July 30. The talent and emcees were live and social distanced at the Seawell Ballroom at Denver Center for the Performing Arts while hundreds of people tuned in live across the country. The event helped raise more than $400,000 dollars for Firefly Autism.

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More photos for these events: coloradoexpression.com

1 Laugh Yourself Blue co-host Tory Shulman from Daily Blast Live 2 Children’s

Hospital was named the 2020 Firefly Luminescence Autism Heartlight awardee. 3 Firefly CEO/Executive

Director Jesse Ogas 4 Kelly Stahlman, 2020 Firefly Luminescence Award for Children’s Advocacy award winner, shown in a photo with her late son Eric

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM

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SHOT IN THE DARK

Women’s Foundation House Parties The largest fundraising and community building event on behalf of women and girls in the state, the Women’s Foundation of Colorado’s annual luncheon, was held this year as a virtual program. Supporters hosted socially distanced house parties and listened to a program in which honorees heard from “sheroes.” Rose Andom and Mary and George Sissel offered to match every dollar donated up to $100,000 and the foundation met the match during the weekend of fundraising.

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More photos for these events: coloradoexpression.com

1 Xcel Energy House Party: Serena Bruzgo,

Hollie Velasquez Horvath, Tasha Jones, Lorii Rabinowitz 2 Kenneth Ho, Tania Zeigler, Ruth Rohs, Stephen Rohs 3 Paula McClain, Elycia Cook, Maureen McDonald, Rosalyn Reese, Kelly Dunkin, Connie Rule, Ida Daniel, Gaye Woods, Leslie Segekle, Renee Paul 5 Sandy Lamb, Carrie McKee 6 Kelley Duke 7 Abbey Banta, Gina Sacripanti, Sandy Lamb, Debbie Balch, Tambi Tyler, Beth Roalstad, Mona Lara 7

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COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020

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SHOT IN THE DARK

FORE! Our Kids Golf Classic Tennyson Center’s FORE! Our Kids 2020 Golf Classic was held Aug. 17 at the Sanctuary Golf Course in Sedalia.

The one-of-a-kind experience to support the children and families of Tennyson raised more than $170,000.

Among the sponsors were Re/Max, Diamond Drilling and Sawing Co., Great Western Petroleum, and Denver Brass & Copper Irrigation Supply.

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More photos for these events: coloradoexpression.com

1 Nikki Wicketts, Kim Sands, Hal Writer, Brian Scott 2 Rebecca Francis-

cus, Bob Clark, Lynne Wozniak, Mike Wozniak 3 Greg Patton, Dan Sweeney, Rich Frommer, Steve Stacy 4 Michael Roberts Jr., Caleb Hester, Phil Vogels, David Vogels 3

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EXPERIENCE

Everything’s elevated in Central City, from its richly historic museums to the ornate downtown buildings to the lively casinos!

VISITCENTRALCITY.COM

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM

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CALENDAR

Fall’s Spirited Events Events worth tuning into...or leaving the house for!

OCTOBER

Telluride Horror Show

Steamboat Food & Wine

Event: Named one of the coolest film

festivals by MovieMaker magazine, this weekend attracts the latest and best horror films from all over the world for a goosebump-inducing gathering.

Date: Oct. 16–18 Location: Online Tickets: visittelluride.com

Event: Multiday culinary experience

featuring celebrated chefs, wine experts and other gastronomic specialists in beautiful Routt County.

Date: Oct. 1-4 Location: Steamboat Springs Tickets: steamboatfoodandwine.com

Denver Scholarship Foundation’s Virtual Gala

Denver Art Museum Event: Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera

Junior League of Denver Mile High Holiday Mart, Nov. 13-15

and Mexican Modernism Exhibition from the Jacques & Natasha Gelman Collection.

Date: Oct. 25–Jan. 18, 2021 Location: Anschutz and Martin & McCormick Galleries Tickets: denverartmuseum.org

Event: Celebrating with Spirit, a

special evening event to honor stories, thrive through transitions, and support our students from the comfort of your home.

Date: Oct. 8 Location: Online Tickets: denverscholarship.org

NOVEMBER Photo: Nickolas Muray

Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival Event: Sip the best offerings from

small-batch, artisan distillers and learn more about the distilling process in Breckenridge, a town with its own pioneering distillery.

Date: Oct. 9–11 Location: Main Street, Breckenridge Tickets: gobreck.com

Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and Mexican Modernism, Denver Art Museum, Oct. 25-Jan.18, 2021

Western Fantasy from Nashville Event: A virtual event featuring

a live studio performance by Lee Brice.

Date: Oct. 17 Location: Online Tickets: westernfantasy.com Western Fantasy from Nashville, Oct. 17

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COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020

Junior League of Denver Mile High Holiday Mart

Event: Enjoy a unique boutique shop-

ping experience, while giving back to the Denver metro community.

Date: Nov. 13-15 Location: Check website for information Tickets: jld.org or 303-692-0270

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PUBLIC PERSONA

How do people describe you?

According to my 9-year-old, I am “kind, caring, stressed because of COVID, and loving.” I would add approachable, driven, energetic and good-natured. My husband says I’m too focused on work.

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Ginger White Brunetti

Photo: Katie Derus

G

GINGER WHITE BRUNETTI’S ROLE, at its most simplistic, is to perform like a plate spinner in a circus act.

As executive director of Denver Arts & Venues, she manages a $60 million budget and five Denver venues including the Denver Performing Arts Complex, McNichols Building, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Denver Coliseum and Colorado Convention Center. In addition, she oversees Denver’s 400-piece public art collection, free cultural programs and economic development initiatives like Five Points Jazz Festival.

Denver’s vibrant cultural scene is in no small measure attributable to the programming that goes on in the city’s performing arts venues. Which is why when the coronavirus pandemic hit, it was like all those plates came crashing to the floor.

With the economic fallout resulting from canceled shows and the staggering job losses the arts and exhibition sectors were hit with, Brunetti and her staff had to figure out what programs and assistance they could offer. She called on her more than two decades in the public and nonprofit sectors, 15 of them with Arts & Venues, to bring people and ideas to the fore. One of the things they did was to create the Denver Artist Relief Fund, allocating $375,000 for those needing support.

She also encouraged programming and attendance at events like Buntport Theater’s The Grasshoppers, a mini drive-in, which was a short play performed outdoors while the audience remained in the safety of their cars) in September.

Through it all, she remains driven and optimistic, dedicated to the arts.

AS OVERSEER OF DENVER’S PERFORMING ARTS AND EXHIBITION FACILITIES, SHE PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN PROMOTING BOTH THE CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC HEALTH OF THE CITY

By Suzanne S. Brown

Name: Ginger White Brunetti Age: 46 Marital status: Married Children: One, Nicholas Career: Executive Director, Denver Arts & Venues Hometown: Atlanta, GA Where do you call home today? Denver, CO Website: artsandvenues.com

COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020

GET TO KNOW COLORADO’S TOP PERSONALITIES

Who do you most admire?

Like many, I admire Michelle Obama.

I recently listened to her new podcast, which further reveals her wit, authenticity, smarts and her abiding commitment to community– all qualities that I regard highly and try to emulate. Closer to home, my parents are my real heroes. They selflessly raised three kids and actively care for my youngest brother, Ted, who is profoundly autistic, and still lives at home.

What’s your favorite Colorado restaurant?

Potager! I’ve been enjoying food and wine at their concrete bar since I moved to Denver in 1997. When I crave my Sittee’s cooking [Sittee is Lebanese for grandmother], I go to Phoenician Kabob on East Colfax.

What was the last great book you read?

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett.

What is your biggest fashion faux pas?

Not sure it was my biggest fashion faux pas, but a memorable fashion “don’t” was when I wore nude fishnet stockings (which looked weird against my olive skin) with a striped T-shirt dress and nude heels—yikes. As someone who wore a uniform throughout my formative years, I’m better off keeping things simple and basic!

What is one thing that you absolutely can’t live without?

My son says my iPhone—do you sense a theme?

What was your last major purchase?

A new sofa for our living room—the second one in three months. It’s a sore subject in my household.

What gadget can you not live without?

My Apple iWatch. I thought I would hate it, but it’s kept me motivated

and moving during the pandemic.

Each day, I try to close all three rings.

What are your hobbies?

Traveling, exploring new places by bike, running, yoga, seeing art, cocktails on a patio and seeing live music.

What is your most memorable Colorado experience?

I’m fortunate to have had many memorable, quintessential Colorado experiences: driving around Telluride in my friend Kyle’s orange convertible Harvester, rafting down

I GREW UP WITH A DEEP APPRECIATION FOR THE ARTS AND THEIR ABILITY TO BRING COMMUNITIES TOGETHER.

the Colorado River with my husband as the oarsman (we saw a bear!), enjoying live music outdoors at Red Rocks, Aspen and many mountain towns, spring snowshoeing in shorts, sailing on Lake Dillon, kayaking on Grand Lake, drinking wine at City Park Jazz—the list goes on. The common denominator: anything active and outdoors with my favorite people.

What one word describes Coloradans to you?

Energetic—Coloradans are active in body and spirit.

What is your favorite spot in Colorado to visit?

I have a lot of favorite spots across the state, but Colorado’s creative districts—especially Crested Butte, Steamboat Springs and Salida—are some of my favorites. Also, any place with water.

Are you involved with any charities?

I serve on several boards, including Clyfford Still Museum, Colorado Symphony Orchestra, Denver Theatre District and Visit Denver.

There’s a special place in my heart for PHAMALY Theatre Company.

What took you down this career path?

My love and admiration of human ingenuity, creative expression and urban spaces took me down my career path. I grew up with a deep appreciation for the arts and their ability to bring communities together for common understanding, joy, celebration and healing. Later I became interested in political science and urban planning—a different kind of art form that at its best supports the growth and stability of healthy, vibrant communities. I now get to work at this exhilarating intersection of arts, culture, community and placemaking for the City of Denver.

The pandemic forced the closure and cancellation or postponement of programming in the city’s key cultural venues. How did this affect you and those you work with?

The closures have been difficult for the Arts & Venues team. We get a thrill seeing folks from across our community—and the country— come to our venues for unique, uplifting and joyous experiences. At this time of year, we’d be welcoming thousands of people nightly to Red Rocks and preparing for Hamilton at the Arts Complex, for instance.

Like our audiences, we also relish live performances, so this has been a double whammy. Nevertheless, the team has remained resilient and creative throughout. At A&V we have an acronym—PATH—that describes our values: Professionalism, Personal lives matter, Adaptability, A+ Service, Teamwork, Trust, Hustle and Humor. The team continues to exhibit these values even during these challenging times.

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PUBLIC PERSONA

What have you been able to offer residents in the way of cultural programs when they can’t visit their favorite theaters and arenas?

We are hosting virtual and by-reservation tours of exhibits at the McNichols Building including Lavender Mist, Queer City of the Plains, Women of Color on the Front Lines exhibit and Listen, a virtual experience.

With the recent changes to public health orders, we partnered with the symphony on its Independence Eve broadcast concert and live acoustic performances at Red Rocks. Soon we hope to announce drive-in movies and other outdoor activities to enjoy over the next few months.

Under current public health orders, we can open our indoor facilities to 100 people, which is too few to make financial sense for many organizations. The size and public safety our audience isn’t the only concern. A typical Broadway show may have as many as 250 people working front and back-of-house each performance; dancers, singers, musicians must rehearse in proximity. While “the show must go on,” it’s unpredictable to know when.

Photo: Denver Arts & Venues

How has the city of Denver and Arts & Venues supported artists during this difficult time?

Early in the crisis, A&V re-appropriated approximately $375,000 initially designated for IMAGINE 2020 Fund, IMAGINE 2020 District Challenge, PS You Are Here, and Urban Arts Fund programs. With these dollars, we created the Denver Artist Relief Fund and supported the COVID-19 Arts & Culture Relief Fund, in partnership with the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation. We hope to announce more support for Denver artists and arts organizations in the coming weeks.

GINGER WHITE BRUNETTI AND HER SON NICHOLAS, WITH KENT RICE, LEFT, AND DENVER MAYOR MICHAEL HANCOCK

Running the stairs and doing workouts at Red Rocks is a summer staple. What kind of classes were you able to host?

It wasn’t fitness as usual this summer but we still offered socially distanced classes like Yoga on the Rocks and Quarantine 15 Fitness Challenge at Red Rocks for 175 people at a time. And we introduced fitness classes at the Denver Performing Arts Complex in Sculpture Park as well.

Will there be exhibits at McNichols and other venues open to the public this fall?

Technically our venues are open, but we have few events or programs booked at this time. We anticipate that they will remain very quiet until the first quarter of 2021 but we hope to offer outdoor activations this fall and during the holidays.

Do you envision theaters being able to open with social distancing in place?

Do you have examples of how artists are responding to COVID-19 with creative projects?

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COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020

Denver’s creative community is brilliant and heartfelt. A high point of stay-at-home was participating in virtual dance party hosted by the Denver Public Library—they are doing amazing programming. Of course, many members of our creative community are making masks, including Mona Lucero, Knotty Tie and Union Stitch and Design—I have some from all three! Other artists have been painting murals, and theater companies such as Buntport hosted live performances in a drive-in format.

Do you see any silver lining to what has been a devastating time for the arts, artistic community at large and the economy?

I don’t want to diminish the hardship that so many of Colorado’s creative community and their families are experiencing. Musicians, actors, dancers, visual artists, and others have had the rug pulled out from under them because of the pandemic. As of July 13, the Coronavirus has had a devastating $9.1 billion economic impact on America’s arts sector with a 67 percent unemployment rate among artists and gig workers. Since the first U.S. case was reported in January, 96 percent of arts and culture organizations have canceled events—some as far out as 2021—resulting in a loss of 325 million ticketed admissions and billions of dollars more lost in event-related spending by audiences at local businesses (restaurants, lodging, retail), impacting 533,000 jobs. If there’s a silver lining, I hope it’s that those of us who have been buoyed by the arts during lockdown— watching Hamilton, bingeing on Netflix, streaming music, reading a book—will appreciate the importance and relevance of the arts in our daily life and advocate for federal dollars to support artists and arts organizations.

Suzanne S. Brown is managing editor of Colorado Expression.

be willing be patient be super

be home.

V I S I T U S AT C O R C O R A N .C O M

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NONPROFIT PROFILE

S

SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE INVESTING continues to grow in the finance world as individuals, corporations and nonprofit organizations seek to put their money into enterprises that align with their values.

That’s where organizations like Colorado’s Impact Finance Center enter the picture. The center offers financial education and counsel to businesses looking for funding, nonprofits seeking optimal money management and investors looking for opportunities. It serves as a “think-do tank for impact investing and venture philanthropy,” says Stephanie Gripne, the organization’s founder and CEO. “Just as accelerators such as TechStars, Village Capital, or 500 Startups identify, educate and invest in entrepreneurs, Impact Finance Center is an accelerator for individuals and organizations who want to become impact investors, through a process of identification, education and activation,” Gripne says.

Finance Impact Center connects organizations with benefactors in a marketplace format. Last year, the group’s Colorado Impact Days hosted 60 applicants comprised of nonprofit organizations, companies, funds, agencies, community partnerships and independent projects looking for an impact investment, which is defined as a capital need that can be met with a loan, line of credit or equity. The success of Colorado Impact

The Details Impact Finance Center Denver-based Impact Finance Center is a multi-university nonprofit academic center that identifies, trains and activates philanthropists and investors to become impact investors.

1245 Champa St. Denver, CO 80204 303-900-2060 impactfinancecenter.org

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Investments that Count

The Impact Finance Center connects organizations with philanthropists during its Colorado Impact Days events.

DENVER-BASED CENTER EDUCATES AND ADVISES PHILANTHROPISTS, ORGANIZATIONS AND BUSINESSES ON WHERE TO PUT THEIR MONEY FOR THE GREATEST GOOD

By Danielle Yuthas Days spurred an initiative currently underway to build an infrastructure for a National Investing Marketplace by 2030.

Impact Finance Center efforts benefit local communities by facilitating financing opportunities and relationship investing with a mutual goal of positive impact. “You can’t look your 401K in the eye. We need to take the best of Wall Street and bring it back to Main Street in

COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020

order to come back to investing in each other,” says Gripne. During the 2008-2012 economic climate, the best financial investment was in Main Street businesses and nonprofits, not an approach most people take. Main Street community notes can also be purchased in one-, threeand five-year increments, comparable to a certificate of deposit.

Impact Finance Center takes a holistic opportunity diagnosis. It

AN INSIDE LOOK AT LOCAL NONPROFITS

provides clients with advisory services that can range from custom education courses and consultations to sending in an outsourced chief impact officer. Every entity that works with the center can determine what level of guidance makes sense for them, including the opportunity to participate in 8 to 20 class fellowships. Even when working with well-established organizations, Gripne recommends they check on the performance of their finances and investment allocation periodically for best results.

The other side of the equation is the investors who are coming to the table with capital and are unsure where to direct investments. For these groups or individuals, Impact Investing Institute offers an array of courses. A couple of the popular ones include “If Angels Invest in Unicorns, Do Heroes invest in Racehorses?” and “What About the Champions and Catalysts?”

When educated, investors can then focus on aligning their portfolios with their values by assisting enterprises in their communities and those they are passionate about.

Investor clubs are now being piloted for those ready to invest directly in social ventures in Colorado. Current investor clubs include

More than 60 applicants looking for investors participated in Colorado Impact Days.

the Colorado Main Street Lender Investor Club, Colorado Women’s Investor Club, Sustainable Forestry Investment Club and Indigenous Economies Investor Club.

Giving Circles are also a low-risk, fun starting point. Asset owners participate in educational workshops, then invest in social ventures as a group. The Women’s Giving Circle empowers women entrepreneurs and aims to change the statistic that currently only 4 percent of the total dollar value of all small loans is allocated to women entrepreneurs.

Workshop participants learn about investing opportunities during Colorado Impact Days.

Stephanie Gripne founded the Impact Finance Center.

Courses from Impact Finance Center are available for free for the duration of COVID-19, including topics on COVID-19 Financial Innovation and Impact Investing and new courses are added weekly.

The concept of private entities coming together to benefit one another while reaching their own goals has a significant impact on the local community. Impact Financial Center has activated 85 investors and catalyzed $300 million in investments which Gripne calls, “an achievement of a lifetime,” and shows no sign of slowing down.

Danielle Yuthas is a Denver native and as the senior marketing director for a national franchise brand headquartered in Colorado, she is passionate about helping independently-owned and operated businesses recover and thrive.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM

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CURATED

RADO COLO ARE TS SH EXPER N TIPS O THEIR O T LIFE LIVING T ULLES THE F

Outdoor Decor

We tend to luck out with our Colorado winters. The colder months can’t be drab and dreary when so many days have bright blue skies.

But the landscape can use some brightening as it gets cold. Here are a few ways to outfit our outdoor spaces for year-round enjoyment.

By Annie Huston

1 Finials

2 Faux Greenery

Finials have no practical use other than to look their best in the landscape and adorn the tops of columns.

Admire these traditional finishing details from the cozy warmth of your home when they peek through a soft layer of snow.

Annie Huston is a French native who has made Denver her chosen home for decades. A graduate of the University of Denver, she spent 30 years in the landscaping industry earning multiple awards for her designs of outdoor container plantings. Annie co-owns with her daughter Morgan Birdsall & Co. The Garden Boutique in Englewood and Birdsall & Co. The Urban Nursery in RiNo, shops known for fountains, containers, outdoor furniture and indoor plants.

Photo: Mills Floral

Faux Greenery

Faithful friend

Birdsall & Company The Garden Boutique 2870 S. Broadway Englewood, CO 80113 303-722-2535 birdsallgardenstoredenverco.com Photo: Campania International

Birdsall & Co. The Urban Nursery 3040 Blake St. #131 Denver, CO 80205 720-476-6899 plantnurserydenver.com Whimsical accents

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3 Whimsical accents

Glazed ceramic apples are just what the doctor ordered to add a hint of whimsy! The sunset-red touches on the front porch and stairs are perfect as fall (or year-round) decor.

4 Faithful friend

Photo: Campania International

THE DETAILS

Transform your entrance with an outdoor-rated boxwood sphere; so realistic and yet so weather-resistant! The spheres of greenery can be displayed on the ground or in a container and wrapped with mini lights for the holidays

COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020

Your breed of choice can guard the front entrance in every season, whether by itself as a single focal point, in flanking pairs at the entrance, or amongst your containers planted with pansies or filled with pine cones.

5 Winter containers

Cast stone containers are ubiquitous in old country entrances for a good reason: nothing connotes elegance, comfort, and stability more than urn-shaped pots. Filled with winter greenery, they announce the merriment to come over the holidays.

Pick one of these for your home, or pick them all. These suggestions are meant to beautify your outdoor spaces all year long, while especially adding to your dĂŠcor when you cannot rely on plants. Learn to love them in all seasons, in bright sun or deep snow, from indoors or outdoors, from year to year.

be willing be patient be super

be home.

V I S I T U S AT C O R C O R A N .C O M

The Corcoran Group is a licensed real estate broker located at 660 Madison Avenue, NY NY 10065

BITS & PIECES

What’s Happening in the West

By Joy Lawrance

Stir To Go mini workshops include a 30-minute class and a meal to take home.

Hermès relocates Denver store Hermes opened the doors to its relocated Denver store Aug. 21, on the top floor of the Cherry Creek Shopping Center.

The now 3,445 square foot space evokes the area’s natural beauty through the use of rugged, noble materials that have been thoughtfully treated. This reopening of Hermès’ only standalone address in the city represents a significant expansion from its previous incarnation in terms of both space and collections. hermes.com

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COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020

Interactive Workshops Help Cooks With

STIR TO GO!

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STIR COOKING SCHOOL HELPS folks answer that dreaded daily question “what’s for dinner” with their innovative classes in the Weir Building in the Highlands area of Denver. They now have a Stir To Go! Mini-workshop series that gets you a meal for two to four people in less time than it takes to search the cupboards for ingredients. Their 30-minute time slots, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. a few times a month, show you how to prepare the meal, then take it home hot and ready to eat. According to the school’s Katy Foster, “Part of the ‘Stir To-Go’ is the option to attend a 30-minute hands-on and in-person class. Guests experience a one-on-one mini class, working with our Stir staff exclusively, then taking their meal home to enjoy.” It’s a great options for those: with little time to prepare a full meal but still want the family to gather; looking for ways to enhance their meal-prep skills; or who simply don’t want to turn on the oven. This month, prepare an October feast featuring sausages braised with apples and cabbage plus German potato salad.

In November it’s an Asian treat with the Taste of Thailand featuring Pad Thai with shrimp, chicken or tofu.

Take an evening off, brush up your skills, and enjoy a freshly prepared meal. stirtolearn.com

BITS & PIECES

A Frightful Fall Tour of Riverside Cemetery This popular tour explores the mysteries of Denver’s oldest operating cemetery where you will meet the famous and infamous who reside here, among them Augusta Tabor, Barney and Julia Ford and Silas Soule. The cemetery, now designated as a national historic district, was founded in 1876, the same year as our state joined the union. It’s one of the first park-like rural cemeteries in the Rocky Mountain West. Trusty tour guides lead you through the darkness with their flashlights, and of course you are more than welcome to bring your own. You may even have a look inside Denver’s first crematory chamber–and learn about the first guest! While the tour is not for the faint of heart, the goal of the guides is to “enlighten, not frighten.” The last tour of the year departs at 6 p.m. on Oct. 17. Cost for non-members of the Fairmount Heritage Foundation is $35; $30 for members. friendsofriversidecemetery.org/news-and-events.

Latest John Fielder Book Features Colorado’s Fourteeners

C

Colorado’s Highest: The History of Naming the 14,000-Foot Peaks just may be one of John Fielder’s finest history books. Author Jeri Norgren wrote the fascinating text about how the names were chosen for those 58 highest mountains in Colorado. Norgren’s words convey the rich history of mining and records of the Hayden Surveys of Colorado while Fielder’s photographs of the fourteeners, many never before published, Robert L. Wogrin’s oil paintings, and the historical sketches made by artists

of the Hayden Survey provide visual authenticity to bring the stories alive. Miners and surveyors climbed Colorado’s highest peaks 150 years ago, and according to Ferdinand

Hayden (1873), “The view from the summit of Mount Lincoln is wonderful in its extent…more than 50 peaks rising to the elevation of 13,000 feet and upward…probably there is no portion of the world accessible to the traveling public where such a wilderness of lofty peaks can be seen within a single scope of vision.” For those of you who have climbed, you understand. For those who have yet to climb, become inspired. johnfielder.com; book available at stores and online

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BITS & PIECES

What’s Happening in the West

John Denver Sanctuary in Aspen is a stone’s throw from Main Street. A perennial flower garden is fed by the Roaring Fork River that runs through the area. A strolling path has boulders that are inscribed with the lyrics of John Denver, longtime Aspen resident, and Colorado poet laureate.

Plan a Fall Picnic

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WE’VE ALWAYS FOLLOWED THE advice of Omar Khayyam for most picnics… “A loaf of bread, a jug of wine. and thou…” Of course, we always add cheese and other delectables, but everyone has their own favorites for a picnic. Fall in Colorado may be the best time to dine al fresco with our mild temperatures, golden aspen and bluebird skies. Here are a few places to enjoy:

Wonderland Lake Park in north Boulder offers kid-friendly activities and easy family hikes around the lake. You might spot some paragliders sailing on the currents aloft. Another activity to enjoy witth children at the lake is fishing. Also, in Boulder, Chautauqua at the base of the Flatirons, may be less crowded than in summer, and 40 miles of hiking trails will work off your picnic fare.

Cottonwood Lake requires traveling on an unpaved road, but Coloradoans are used to that. In the fall, aspen-covered hillsides display vibrant color that permeates the lake with gold-hued reflections. Choose a picnic table on the lake’s edge or take a rowboat out to the middle to enjoy the serenity.

Cheesman Park, Denver, is a good choice if you just can’t get out of town. Known as “Capitol Hill’s backyard,” the park offers 80 acres of grassy slopes, trees and rose gardens.

The pavilion makes a great picnic spot with views of downtown and the Front Range.

University of Denver Fall Enrichment Courses Imagine taking a class and not having to worry about tests or grades.

That’s the beauty of the Enrichment Classes offered by DU for anyone who has a passion for learning. And now, in this “new normal” we are experiencing, all classes will be via Zoom, so you don’t even have to leave your comfy chair. Talented instructors and specialists offer their expertise in just about any area of interest. More than 40 courses and one-night lectures come your way online and include sessions on music, current events, Brexit, the power grid, human trafficking, history, art – well, you get the picture. Something for just about everyone. Spend an evening or two stimulating your mind.

Prices vary; call 303-871-2291 or visit the website. universitycollege.du.edu/enrichment

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COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020

BITS & PIECES

What’s Happening in the West COLORADO

Symphony & Wonderbound Announce a Composition for Dance Competition

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Photo: Amanda Tipton

THE COLORADO SYMPHONY AND Wonderbound, a contemporary ballet company in Denver, seek original compositions for a performance featuring two world premiere dance works performed by the Colorado Symphony and the ballet. Wounderbound artistic director Garrett Previous collaborations between The Colorado Symphony and Wonderbound included Nayomi Van Brunt and Evan Flood in Sarah Tallman’s I Didn’t Hear You, I Was Away with the Fairies.

Dedicated to Denver.

Through personalized service and unparalleled expertise, we provide a special kind of banking experience. We offer commercial and industry lending, SBA loans and commercial real estate – all with the steadfast focus necessary to help local business and the community thrive. Stop in and discover what makes the MidFirst experience truly special.

midfirst.com Member FDIC

Boulder – 840 Pearl St. 303-376-3870

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Cherry Creek – 101 Cook St. 303-376-3800

COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020

Downtown – 555 17th St. 303-376-5460

University Hills – 2805 S. Colorado Blvd.

303-376-3840

BITS & PIECES

LIVEDISTINCT

Photo: Amanda Tipton

Wonderbound in Garrett Ammon’s Madness, Rack, and Honey with the Colorado Symphony, 2018.

Ammon and associate choreographer Sarah Tallman will work with the composer and the symphony regarding expansion and revision of each work, which will be about 35-45 minutes in length per piece.

“Collaborating with the symphony over the last several years has been not only thrilling, but an important aspect of nurturing art in our city,” Tallman says. Their endeavors have included eight world premiere dance works featuring live performances by Colorado Symphony musicians. Composers are encouraged to explore musical themes in their compositions and submit these by Dec. 11. The works will premiere in Denver on Oct. 15, 2021. coloradosymphony.org/composition-competition

A MARKET LIKE NO OTHER DESERVES REPRESENTATION LIKE NO OTHER. The real estate market is evolving, and so should your representation.

$40,049,000 IN TRANSACTION VOLUME YTD

TOP 20 SMALL TEAMS IN DENVER

FASTEST GROWING TEAM AT LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

HISTORIC DENVER TURNS 50 The traditional annual dinner for Historic Denver at the Brown Palace was held virtually this year, but they plan more 50th Anniversary celebrations through the end of 2020. The theme is a reflection of Historic Denver preservation projects over the past half-century, including a major effort to save the Molly Brown House Museum. Other saves have included the 9th Street Historic Park and the Casa Mayan. They have recently worked to preserve the John Henderson House and repurpose places like Emily Griffith Opportunity School and Lowenstein Theater. The public is asked to vote at https://ww.surveymonkey.com/r/7VZ8K28 to select their favorites. historicdenver.org

#7 TEAM AT LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

DELROY GILL 303.803.0258 | delroy@livedistinct.com STUART CROWELL 303.909.2331 | stuart@livedistinct.com livedistinct.com

@Live.Distinct

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM

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LIVEDISTINCT

CLOSED 2411 S SAINT PAUL STREET | OBSERVATORY PARK

DISTINCT adjective

Recognizably different in nature from something else of a similar type.

MARKETING REDEFINED “Normally, we like to host events, network with agents, and preview neighborhoods as a part of our strategy.

With all that off the table, we’ve had to adapt to bring new ideas and value to our clients.” - Stuart Crowell In our efforts to sell this immaculate home in Observatory Park we collaborated with Michael Mitchell, a sneaker reviewer on YouTube with over 600,000+ subscribers, to highlight one of the most stunning closets EVER! We carried in over 100 pairs of Nike Air Jordan Sneakers to fill the over-sized master closet and film an exclusive unboxing video of every Air Jordan shoe 1-14 on the heels of the Michael Jordan “Last Dance” documentary release. Prior to the video launch we sat on the market for four months through quarantine and the start of the Pandemic. Just 5 days after Michael posted the video we were Under Contract! Mitchell posted the video and rapidly garnered over 30,000 views including one from the eventual buyer who called his agent and made an offer! Now that’s Distinct Marketing!

When was the last time you heard of an agent thinking that creatively to sell a home?

livedistinct.com

DELROY GILL delroy@livedistinct.com | 303.803.0258

@Live.Distinct

STUART CROWELL stuart@livedistinct.com | 303.909.2331

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Banking on it

Celebrating 25 years in business, First American State Bank continues a family tradition and commitment to business owners and individuals

By Elizabeth Kosar

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NOT EVERYONE’S FAMILY BUSINESS boasts a century-old legacy, but Jay Davidson, CEO of First American State Bank in Greenwood Village, can look back more than 100 years to the bank started by his grandfather as his own business celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Davidson’s grandfather, Will, emigrated from Scotland, and eventually landed in North Dakota, where he started First National Bank in 1903.

According to Davidson, “it was a one-horse bank, but he took it through two World Wars and a Great Depression.” Young Jay didn’t spend much time learning banking from his grandfather, but he picked up “a moral and ethical system rather than the actual profession. It’s important to learn an ethical code from your parents and grandparents.”

The younger Davidson earned a degree in mechanical engineering (minoring in nuclear engineering), then worked with a multinational electronics firm. He rose through the ranks, joining the company’s leadership program and was fast-tracked into executive management. But after almost two decades of working for a large corporation, Davidson says, “I yearned for freedom, autonomy

THE DETAILS First American State Bank 8390 East Crescent Parkway, Suite 100 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 (303) 694-6464 fasbank.com

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Celebrating First American Bank’s 25th anniversary are CEO Jay Davidson, center, with wife Kristina, left, and Ellen Murlin, vice president of operations.

and independence. Mathematic and engineering training lend themselves to understanding balance sheets and income statements, so, combined with my knowledge of banking from the bank my grandfather started, I agreed to start a bank. We opened in 1995.”

Davidson had fallen for the Centennial State during a visit years

COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020

earlier to Greeley, where his sister was attending school. Even the brief visit felt “really good,” he recalls, and later in his career he was ready to move back.

Once in Colorado, Davidson found the state’s unique economy the right place for him to start his own bank, one with a mission to provide exemplary service to independent

INSIDE COLORADO COMPANIES

business owners, discriminating professionals and high net-worth individuals. Davidson believes that “Only in America can you start your own bank, your own business. The strength of our economy is solely based on private business. I believe very strongly that the strength of this economy is the independence of these people – the words I use are freedom and independence.”

With such focus on the role of private enterprise and 25 years of lending to other entrepreneurs, what advice would Davidson give to other entrepreneurs? He says to first of all be honest with yourself. Examine the premise of what you’re building and plan for a difficult start-up (and no cash flow, for at least a while). It’s also important, he says, to be “absolutely painfully customer-, employee- and client-oriented.” Extend that honesty to “everyone who comes through your doors,” and build for the long term. Finally, be prepared for economic cycles that are both good and bad.

In the middle of 2020’s turbulent economic cycle, which Davidson calls “extremely unusual times or even a paradigm shift–hopefully to the positive,” he believes the “underlying issue for Americans is individ-

ual freedom. With that comes rights and responsibilities.”

According to Davidson, businesses can affect positive change by setting an example. At First American State Bank that means “Be honest with all your actions, be good to people.”

Davidson says “the bottom line is that any job can be taught–but can you fit into our culture? We’ve actually gotten into trouble with our so-called culture statement. If we make a mistake in hiring, the other employees often figure it out before I do. I tell our management team that if we’re not living according to our

The bank’s annual holiday toy drive collects more than 1,000 gifts each year.

culture, then our words and deeds need to match.”

Today, part of that management team includes daughter Michelle Gruber, assistant vice president.

“Dad always made it very clear that there would be no nepotism, that we had to get real jobs,” Gruber says.

But she also fondly remembers that “When Dad started the business in 1995, we moved close to the bank and I got to go to some of his business lunches, so I loved that.”

Family and relationships remain central to the operating ethos of First American State Bank. Davidson’s wife, Kristina, is a key figure in the bank’s community involvement.

Hailing from Sweden. Kristina raised more than $1.3 million for Cherry Creek School District via the First American State Bank Fitness Festival.

Following in both her mother and father’s footsteps, Michelle Gruber started the First American State Bank Toy Drive. A joint effort between Gruber and Sarah Dennis, the toy drive sends more than 1,000 toys to Volunteers of America each year.

For some of these children, this is the only gift they receive.

With such attention to community, it makes sense that Jay might be thinking about a succession plan. He says “the bank will go on in whatever form is necessary. My grandfather’s bank is now 140 years old. My kids are now all grown up and I have four grandchildren. It really is such a pleasure to see your children grow up and see your children develop their own intelligence and moral system.”

Chiming in, Gruber notes, “We like to say that we’re the bank that people graduate to. We offer a relationship and we’re out-of-the-box thinkers. We also live, play, breathe, and work within this community.”

Elizabeth Kosar is a writer for Colorado Expression and a strategic communications consultant. Her first bank was a porcelain piggy bank shaped like a clown. Today, she prefers something FDIC-insured.

FOR THE FOODIE

Entertain With Ease Catering pros offer ideas on throwing a relaxed at-home cocktail party and dinner

By CYNTHIA PASQUALE

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THE WAY WE ENTERTAIN AND SPEND time with friends and family has changed dramatically in 2020. But gatherings can still be enjoyable while observing any precautions needed to minimize the risk of spreading viruses.

Food experts like Larry DiPasquale, chairman and founder of Epicurean Family of Businesses, and Syd Sexton, general manager of By Design Collective, including Catering by Design and Décor by Design, have adapted to a new normal, providing festive experiences for small at-home events while still maintaining both host and guest safety. They offer some advice to those who are ready for a little fall revelry during a dinner or cocktail party for a few guests.

As parties have become smaller, less extravagant food has become more popular, says DiPasquale. Cooler fall weather means dinner items can be heartier, with menus that include slow-braised meats, roasted vegetables and more robust flavors.

Not every event needs to include a sit-down dinner. “Small plates blur the line between a formal dinner and a happy hour where people can mingle and typically be more social than when you are sitting at the same table with the same people,” says Matt Heikkila, chef de cuisine for By Design Collective.

Elbow-to-elbow seating is mostly a distant memory thanks to worries about spreading dangerous germs.

Even during cocktail parties, a certain amount of social distancing is recom38

Bourbon Apple Shrub Cocktail

mended, especially as events move from the backyard to the living room.

“We’re doing less sofas and more chairs, more individual seating,” Sexton says.

Food display—always an important component of a festive event—now calls for a bit more creativity by necessity. Both DiPasquale and Sexton recommend staying away from any shared items.

“That’s the trend in entertaining, with each person getting his or her own plate,” says DiPasquale. And that goes for everything from appetizers to desserts. No more passed hors d’oeuvres trays or buffet lines or ingredient stations where guests can add a variety of ingredients to a base food.

The idea should extend to sauce containers and utensils, too. “What you have to think through is that nobody can touch something that someone else has touched,” Sexton says. Previously, her team might serve two different salad dressings in beautiful bowls with a spoon; now each guest can choose their favorite dressing contained in a one-serving labeled jar.

Despite these precautions, presentation doesn’t have to surfer. Both DiPasquale and Sexton encourage hosts to get creative in the way food is served.

Sexton’s teams use small fry pans, tiny metal dishes, Asian spoons or miniMason jars to hold individual portions.

COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020

They also use compostable materials like bamboo. “There are cute plastics (available), but we don’t want to trade the planet for COVID,” she says.

Hostesses don’t have to purchase or rent special plates, but instead can use what they find in their own cupboards to add fun and flair. DiPasquale suggests serving a salad in a martini glass or desserts in shot glasses.

Hosts can simplify the party preparation by cooking the entrée but purchasing side dishes and dessert. Or consider turning over the event to professionals. Although both DiPasquale and Sexton are used to serving larger gatherings, they continue to provide in-home services on a smaller scale.

“We absolutely love the chance to be in people’s homes to provide them with an experience they wouldn’t normally get,” Heikkila says. “Food is something that is very important to us, and we love to be able to create an experience with it.”

The Details

BY DESIGN COLLECTIVE 303-781-5335 bydesign-collective.com EPICUREAN GROUP 303-770-0877 epicureangroupco.com OCCASIONS 303-789-1867 occasionsdenver.com THREE TOMATOES 303-433-3332 threetomatoes.com

Menu inspiration Fall means a return to heartier fare that can be served on small plates or as a sit-down dinner. Kick off your party planning with this sampling of menus from Matt Heikkila, chef de cuisine at By Design Collective, and Larry DiPasquale of Epicurean Catering.

Cocktails with Seasonal Small Plates

Menu designed by Matt Heikkila. He suggests serving three to five small plates with cocktails. If desired, serve something sweet as the party is winding down.

• Pan Seared Pacific Cod with Cauliflower Puree, Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Beet Chips • Queso De Cabra (Baked Goat Cheese with Saffron Tomato Sauce) • Colorado Lamb Rack with Carrot Puree and MintRoasted Radish • Carved Grilled Tomahawk with Roast Garlic Mash and Cherry-Butternut Squash Mustard • Bourbon Apple Shrub Cocktail

Queso De Cabra Colorado Lamb Rack

Queso De Cabra (Baked Goat Cheese with Saffron Tomato Sauce) Makes 4 small plates

¼ cup white wine 1 pinch saffron 2 cups marinara sauce 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 goat cheese log 1 ounce fresh basil, chopped 1 French baguette, sliced and warm SAFFRON TOMATO SAUCE: Add the white wine to a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Turn off heat. Add saffron; allow to steep for 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in marinara sauce and red pepper flakes.

Pan Seared Pacific Cod

Carved Grilled Tomahawk

TO PLATE: Preheat oven to 350 F. Place goat cheese log into a baking dish and pour the saffron tomato sauce over top. Bake in oven until the contents begin to bubble, about 30 to 35 minutes. Allow to rest for 5 minutes. Add basil on top and serve with warm slices of the baguette.

Colorado Lamb Rack with Carrot Puree and Mint-Roasted Radish Makes 4 small plates

1 shallot 1 stick butter, cut in 8 1-tablespoon cubes, at room temperature 3 jumbo carrots, peeled 1 quart heavy cream 1 bunch red radishes 1 ounce fresh mint, chopped 1 bunch parsley 2 sprigs rosemary 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 1 Frenched lamb rack CARROT PUREE Dice the shallot and add to a medium saucepan with 4 tablespoons of butter. Cut the peeled carrots into ½-inch rounds and sauté with butter and shallot until the butter begins to brown and smell nutty. Add the quart of heavy cream and simmer on medium low until carrots are tender. Add contents to a blender. Blend on high, adding 2 tablespoons of butter to create a smooth and airy puree. Season with salt. Keep warm.

MINT-ROASTED RADISH: Preheat oven to 350 F. Remove tops of radishes and cut in half. Place in a baking dish and lightly coat the radishes in cooking oil. Season with salt and add 2 tablespoons of the butter to the dish. Cook until browned and fork-tender. Remove from the oven and let stand for 2 to 3 minutes. Add mint to the radishes.

ROASTED LAMB RACK: Preheat oven to 350 F. Chop parsley and rosemary and combine in a small bowl with mustard. Coat the lamb rack with the mustard and herb mixture and season with salt. Place on a baking sheet and roast until internal temperature reaches 120 F. for a perfect medium rare. Remove from oven and allow to rest 7 minutes before slicing into individual racks.

TO PLATE On a 6-inch plate, spoon 3 tablespoons of carrot puree in the center of the plate. Place 2 slices of the lamb on top of the puree.

Place 3-4 roasted radish halves around the lamb.

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FOR THE FOODIE

Tuscan Fall Dinner

Carved Grilled Tomahawk

Menu designed by Larry DiPasquale Hors d’oeuvres: Lamb Lollipops with Tarragon Aioli; Fresh Burrata First course: North Beach Salad Entrée: Braised Short Ribs over Epicurean Polenta Dessert: Butterscotch Budino Aperitif: Lorenzo’s Housemade Limoncello All of the menu recipes can be found in Recipes from a Lifetime of Fine Food and Celebrations from the Epicurean Experience, which contains recipes from Epicurean and numerous chefs who have worked with the Epicurean family over the years.

North Beach Salad Serves 8 as a side, 4 as an entrée salad

Carved Grilled Tomahawk with Roast Garlic Mash and CherryButternut Squash Mustard Makes 4 small plates

2 ounces diced butternut squash 2 ounces dried cherries 1 tablespoon grated ginger 1 shallot, minced 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons water 2 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 stick butter, divided 5 Yukon potatoes 1 tablespoon roasted garlic 1 cup half-and-half 1 bone-in Tomahawk steak, 16-22 ounces 1 teaspoon Hawaiian black salt CHERRY-BUTTERNUT SQUASH MUSTARD: In a medium saucepan, heat the butternut squash, cherries, shallot, ginger, vinegar, water and sugar on high until the mixture begins to simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook until the mixture has absorbed all the remaining liquid.

Increase heat to medium and add mustard and 2 tablespoons of the butter, then simmer for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently. The mixture should be thick. Remove from heat. Season to taste and set aside to cool.

ROAST GARLIC MASH: Preheat oven to 350 F. Place washed potatoes on a baking sheet and bake until potatoes are cooked through and soft, about 55 minutes. Place in a bowl and mash with a potato masher. Add in 6 tablespoons of butter and the roasted garlic and continue to mash.

Once butter is incorporated, add the half-and-half and mash until fully incorporated. Season with salt to taste and keep warm.

GRILLED TOMAHAWK: Generously season steak and grill on hot grill until internal temperature reaches 120 F. for perfect medium rare. Allow steak to rest 7 minutes before carving. To carve, cut off the bone then cut 1-inch thick pieces straight down.

TO PLATE: On a 6-inch plate, place 1/3 cup of the mashed potatoes in the center of the plate. Place a piece of the grilled steak over top of the potatoes and spoon some of the cherry and butternut squash mustard over the top. Sprinkle a pinch of Hawaiian black salt on top.

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1 head Romaine lettuce, chopped ½ cup kidney beans, rinsed and drained ½ cup garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained ½ cup pickled beets, sliced ¼ cup red onion, sliced 1 cup croutons 1⁄3 cup high-quality red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon granulated garlic 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning 2 teaspoons kosher salt 2 teaspoons ground black pepper 2⁄3 cup extra virgin olive oil SALAD: Put lettuce in a large serving bowl. Sprinkle kidney beans and garbanzo beans over lettuce. Arrange beet slices around the border of the serving bowl. Top lettuce with red onion. Right before service, top with croutons.

DRESSING: Pour red wine vinegar in a small bowl. Add granulated garlic, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Mix well. Let stand for one hour, stirring occasionally. Whisk in extra virgin olive oil. This dressing separates, so you will need to shake it or stir it right before applying to the salad.

North Beach Salad

Braised Short Ribs

EPICUREAN POLENTA 5 cups water 1 teaspoon kosher salt 2 tablespoons butter 1 cup dry polenta ¼ cup mascarpone cheese ½ cup Parmesan cheese ½ cup heavy cream ½ teaspoon truffle oil In a 4- to 5-quart pot, bring water, salt and butter to a boil. Add dry polenta and cook until soft, approximately 20 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid scorching. Add mascarpone and Parmesan cheeses and heavy cream. Mix with a hand mixer or immersion blender until smooth. Stir in truffle oil and serve.

Lorenzo’s Housemade Limoncello Makes 1 quart

10 organic lemons 1 750 ml bottle of grain alcohol 1¾ cups granulated sugar 2½ cups water

DiPasquale says the braised short ribs recipe is foolproof, whether you are preparing dinner for 6 or 600.

Braised Short Ribs Over Epicurean Polenta Serves 4

SHORT RIBS 3 pounds short ribs, trimmed 1 tablespoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, crushed 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 cup onion, chopped ½ cup carrots, chopped ½ cup celery, chopped ½ leek, chopped 1 cup tomatoes, seeded and chopped (canned or fresh) 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped 1 teaspoon fresh thyme 4 bay leaves 1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley, chopped 2 quarts beef stock ½ cup red wine 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1 cup pear tomatoes, sliced in half Rub ribs with salt and pepper. In a heavy pot, heat olive oil. Sear ribs in oil until brown on all sides. When all ribs are brown, add onion, carrots, celery and leeks. Saute 1 to 2 minutes until lightly brown. Stir in tomatoes, garlic, thyme, bay leaves, parsley, beef stock, red wine and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer and cook covered until very tender, about 2½ hours. Saute pear tomatoes in olive oil until soft, about 1 to 2 minutes, and sprinkle around ribs during final plating. Goes great with mashed potatoes, polenta or mashed sweet potatoes.

Select organic, thick-skinned lemons with smooth skin. Wash completely. Organic lemons don’t have wax on them and are easier to clean.

Zest lemons with a microplane zester. Do not get any of the pith when you zest or your limoncello will be bitter. Filter the alcohol 2 to 3 times in a clean glass jar and combine with the lemon zest. Screw lid on very tight and let it sit for 45 days. Mix sugar and water in a pot and bring to a boil for 5 minutes. Let cool completely and add it to the lemon alcohol mix.

Reseal and let it sit for another 45 days. At this point the limoncello must be filtered 3 to 4 times to remove all the zest and any impurities.

This is an important step and really influences color and flavor. Use a coffee filter system or a Brita system.

ART SCENE

State of the Arts

SCFD helps cultural organizations thrive – and survive

THE DETAILS Scientific and Cultural Facilities District 1047 Santa Fe Drive Denver CO 80204 303-860-0588 scfd.org Organizations receiving SCFD income are grouped into three tiers, with funding amounts determined by size, attendance and other factors.

Tier I recipients are the Denver Art Museum, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Denver Botanic Gardens and the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Tier II and III organizations include Wild Bear Nature Center, Colorado Ballet, the Butterfly Pavilion, Arapahoe Philharmonic, the Art Students League of Denver and HawkQuest.

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Deborah Jordy is executive director of the Scientific and Cultural Facilities Disrict.

Photo: Environmental Learning for Kids

I

IF DEBORAH JORDY COULD BE granted one superpower, quite possibly it would be clairvoyance.

An ability to see into the future would enable her to know where things stand with regard to the novel coronavirus and how it turned life upside down. It also would let Jordy, executive director of the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, know what lies ahead for the 300 cultural organizations the SCFD helps fund in seven Colorado counties.

“I wish I could see my December self right now, but I can’t,” she lamented during an interview conducted in mid-summer. Right now, “Everything in the world has been affected by the virus. Everything has imploded, moved into crisis mode,

Photo: Amanda Tipton

By Joanne Davidson

Environmental Learning for Kids offers outdoors education and programs partially funded by SCFD.

and because there’s so much uncertainty, it’s hard to plan.”

True, but Jordy and her staff still spent much of the summer communicating with recipient organizations to get a handle on what could happen should a predicted 30 percent drop in sales tax revenue become reality.

If it does, it would mean that the

COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020

SCFD would have $20 million less to distribute to Tier I and II organizations on Dec. 14. Tier III distributions are made in September.

The SCFD receives one cent from every $10 in sales and use tax collected in Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson counties. In 2019 the SCFD, the second-largest cultural funding mechanism in the U.S., was able to distribute $66 million to cultural organizations ranging from the Arapahoe Philharmonic to the Denver Zoo. As of July, Jordy said, “We’re not aware of any of our organizations closing their doors. Still, of the 300 that we fund, 47 percent have four months, or less, of operating revenue. So, we have to ask how they are going to manage and the answer is they will function smart.”

For some that means going virtual with free or pay-as-you-go offerings that range from French lessons offered by L’Alliance Francaise de Denver to Opera Colorado’s Greatest Hits, where opera buffs enjoyed selections from the company’s archives from the comfort of their mobile device screen. Cleo Parker Robinson Dance established a Virtual Village with classes, podcasts and documentary excerpts, while Denver Zoo’s Zoo to You took “visitors” on a virtual safari.

The big issues, should the pandemic still be raging, are how to monetize the virtual offerings; making sure that smaller organizations have the equipment and know-how to produce quality online programming; and how to reach audiences who might not have internet access or a means of

Photo: James Wambold

A PEEK INTO THE MINDS AND HEARTS OF COLORADO’S MOST TALENTED PEOPLE

Financial support from the SCFD enables budding artists to visit the Clyfford Still Museum.

finding out about the virtual offerings.

“The hard part – but one that is very important – is understanding that this is going to be a very long haul with serious financial implications. It’s going to be about shifting the mindset because until we get control of the virus … and even when we do, rebuilding consumer confidence is going to take a long time.”

Yet, she is confident things will fall into place, if for no other reason than “arts organizations are nimble, creative and scrappy. They have to be.”

The Scientific and Cultural Facilities District had its start in the 1980s, when Colorado–Denver, in particular–was in the midst of its worst economic downturn, a period that economists described as the second worst period in state history, second only to the Great Depression.

Realizing that cultural organizations were at risk of shutting down, thanks

to deep cuts in city and state funding, a group of “local mavericks” headed by the late Rex Morgan and Julie Smith lobbied the legislature and drafted a ballot measure that would put the tax up for voter approval. It passed with a 67 percent favorability and has received voter approval three times since.

In addition to helping cultural organizations survive and thrive, SCFD funding has helped create 11,820 private-sector jobs, generated $1.9 billion in economic activity and enabled recipient agencies to offer 100 free or reduced-price cultural events annually.

A Colorado native, Jordy was named executive director of the SCFD in 2017, following an eightmonth, nationwide search. Her extensive experience as an arts administrator prepared her well for leading the SCFD. She came to the organization

following 13 years spent as executive director of the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts. In addition, she has been executive director of the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities; associate curator of modern and contemporary art for the Denver Art Museum and chair of the Cherokee Ranch and Castle Foundation.

Jordy is co-chair of the Create Denver Advisory Committee; a member of the executive board of the Colorado Governor’s Residence Preservation Fund; and a past chair of the Private Sector Council of the New York-based Americans for the Arts.

During her 29 years at The Denver Post, Joanne Davidson estimates she covered fundraising events for at least 200 of the 300 arts and cultural organizations that receive SCFD funds. And, she has enjoyed many a free day at the Denver Art Museum and Denver Zoo, also made possible by funding from the SCFD.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM

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Women you should know

BY COLLEEN SMITH

W Four women share their stories of how they lead by example and make an impact in their communities

“We need women who are so strong they can be gentle, so educated they can be humble, so fierce they can be compassionate, so passionate they can be rational, and so disciplined they can be free.”

This quote from Kavita N. Ramdas, a globally recognized advocate for gender equity and justice and member of the Aspen Institute’s Henry Crown Fellows Program, sums up the spirit of the four local leaders we profile in this issue of Colorado Expression. • Each member of this quartet exemplifies strength and gentleness, intellect and humility, ferocity and compassion, passion and pragmatism, discipline and liberty despite odds stacked against them due to race, gender or both. They share thoughts on their lives and the important issues of 2020 in interviews edited for brevity and clarity.

Dr. Nita Mosby Tyler The Catalyst in Chief At home in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood on Independence Day 2020, Dr. Nita Mosby Tyler heard loud bangs she recognized were not fireworks. “I knew it was gunshots.

I looked out the window, and there was a dead man,” says the founder and chief catalyst of The Equity Project LLC. “I always tell people not to get too comfortable even when a neighborhood gets gentrified. We are the only Black family on our block, but there had been a lot of gang activity here. I think we should be really concerned about why kids have guns.” Tyler founded The Equity Project to support organizations and communities in building diversity, equity and inclusion strategies. She also holds a doctorate in organizational leadership from the University of Colorado and among numerous honors, in 2019 was 9News Leader of the Year.

What do you remember about growing up in Atlanta during the Civil Rights Movement?

I’ve been in Colorado almost 25 years. When I got here, I thought for at least a week that I the only Black person in Colorado. In Atlanta, when I was 8 and 9 years old, I was still drinking from the “Colored” water fountain. Negroes were not allowed certain places, and there were cross-burnings on campus. We lived in the segregated South, so our neighborhood was all Black, but my family had a little more privilege. We went to the symphony and the opera. My mother was a teacher and made sure that happened. But my playmates couldn’t have that so I would recreate a play or musical I’d seen, a one-woman show weekly, and charge a dime for them to watch me perform. I think that was my early consciousness of equity.

You’re an entrepreneur now, but earlier in your career, you were the first African-American woman to hold several high-ranking positions, including head of human resources for Children’s Hospital and also the city of Denver. How does being first add pressure to already stressful roles?

It is pressure to be the first to break through, to be the only one. I’m acculturated to being the only one, but it’s still pressure and a different sort of weight to carry when so many people who look like you are counting on you. It has been tough. I feel lucky to be married to a pastor [Tim Tyler of Shorter Community AME Church] so I have a spiritual advisor in the same house. [They’re the parents of three young-adult children—all activists.]

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Photo: Jensen Sutta

How did the murder of George Floyd and the aftermath of protests and riots affect The Equity Project, which you founded, along with The HR Shop?

We’ve always been really busy, but I’ve never seen us before with no bandwidth anymore. We are booked.

You’re the author of “White People Really Love Salad: What My Childhood Taught Me About Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.” Are you writing another book?

Yes, this one is more academic, trying to put equity in the workplace on a continuum. I’m still noodling, but I’m committed.

What is your superpower?

I’m disarming. I can disarm almost anybody. I have learned how to always put myself in that person’s position before I say anything.

Given current events in our country, do you feel more or less hopeful about diversity, equity and inclusion in Colorado and the U.S.?

It’s a really hard time in history, and I have every right to be a very angry Black woman in America, but I’m not, and it’s because I stay filled with hope. It’s just the way I live. I’m not naïve. I believe in the possibility that everything can be better than it is. I don’t waver on that. I have lots of hope— more hope than I’ve ever had. I see us finally working in a collective. My argument the whole time has been that to work for equity to actually happen, it’s not just people in oppression on the front lines. My mantra is everybody’s on the front line.

bagging groceries and gathering carts at Albertsons and working at a dry cleaners.

Kasia Iwaniczko MacLeod The Maverick Kasia Iwaniczko MacLeod emigrated from Poland at age 6, lost her foreign accent and found her American voice. A vice president of community and government engagement for mountain states at Cigna, she pronounces her name “Ka-sha Ee-va-NEECH-ko Mac LOUD.” And she’s not afraid to speak up: “People say, ‘Your name’s so hard to pronounce. Why didn’t you just take your husband’s name?’ Because I watched my dad literally clean toilets so we could have a better life here, and he didn’t have any sons to carry on his name,” says Iwaniczko MacLeod.

Her secret to success? “Be a maverick. Step out of line.”

As the first person in your family to attend college, you walked in with $36 in your bank, and you worked two jobs as a full-time student. What was one of your proudest moments in college?

Being elected with over 60 percent of the vote to become the first female student body president at Mesa State College, now Colorado Mesa University. That same year, I was fortunate enough to be one of the youngest to be appointed to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights State Advisory Committee. Now I’m honored to return to that same campus as a gubernatorial-appointed CMU Trustee.

What do you remember about Poland?

Growing up in Poland during communism was incredibly difficult for many of its citizens, our family included— standing in line for weekly food rations, my mom bartering her seamstress work for eggs and milk with local farmers.

In a communist country with only two state-controlled television channels, you really didn’t know what was happening in the democratic country next door, much less around the world. You just did not know what you were missing.

As an executive with a demanding job, a leader heavily involved in the community’s philanthropic scene and a cancer survivor, how do you manage stress?

I clear my head by having mindfulness moments. I use the Box Breathing Technique, a tactical method of controlling anxiety or stress through a breathing exercise. It’s used often

by Navy SEALs. I live each day as if I won’t have tomorrow.

When did you become a U.S. citizen?

In the fall of 1987, at age 13. I remember that day vividly: the oath, the swearing-in ceremony at the downtown Denver federal courthouse, the tremendous pride across my family.

How was your immigrant upbringing different from that of your peers?

I never received an allowance for making a bed or taking out the trash. It was expected because I slept in that bed, and that was my trash. I went to work earlier than most. My first job was at 10 years old. The job I hustled out of the hair shop owner, who gave me my first haircut, sweeping floors and answering phones until I was in high school, and I then took on two jobs:

Photo: Jensen Sutta

How did the Cold War complicate your family’s path to American citizenship?

The inherent distrust of people escaping communist countries was very real. We were called names. We were spit on. Our family would be passed over for jobs or promotions because of our accents or because our name was not Americanized and hard to pronounce.

What do you do in your leisure time?

I love to walk and train in Krav Maga, which is Israeli defense fighting. Since 2013, my husband and I have been avid vintners. We’ve been fortunate to win the American Wine Society’s coveted Wine of the Year for our Super Tuscan and several medals for our Meritage.

Meshach Y. Rhoades The Team Player Meshach Y. Rhoades is a partner in the Armstrong Teasdale litigation practice group. When she’s not in a courtroom, she’s probably outside. “I love the outdoors. I grew up in the heart of Colorado, and I am so fortunate to have the Rockies as my backyard. As far back as I can remember, my parents and I trekked throughout Colorado and the Mountain West. I learned about the shifting winds at the Great Sand Dunes, the subalpine and alpine tundra at Rocky Mountain National Park, the strength of the river in the Grand Canyon and its biodiversity, the ancient pueblos in Canyon de Chelly, and the list goes on,” she says.

“Nature gave me wonder, joy, confidence, resilience, discipline, friendship, and a healthy respect for the wild. The ultimate lesson I learned through my experiences was that even with the odds stacked against you, preparation can breed success.”

You’ve met with a lot of success and have garnered an impressively long and varied list of awards and honors.

What is one of your most cherished accolades?

One that stands out for me is the University of Colorado Kalpana Chawla Outstanding Recent Alumni Award from 2015. Dr. Chawla had an impressive career as a scientist and astronaut, and in many ways she paved the way for women in her field. I’m similarly positioned in a field where women and minorities are under-represented.

You co-founded the Latinas First Foundation with Juanita Chacon to honor unsung Hispanic heroines in Colorado, and to build community, create scholarships and train Latinas for career progression. Do you currently feel more or less hopeful about inclusivity in Colorado?

I would be remiss if I said I have never experienced prejudice and bigotry. I have—a lot. My experiences are not unique. In Colorado, there are only a handful of Latina equity women partners at large law firms. Reaching this level has been a major obstacle for me and many other diverse women, especially. It’s been an incredibly difficult journey.

In short, we can't rest. The numbers in the legal profession are not great for women and people of color, but they are getting better. Until we have opportunities for everyone to have a seat at the table, it's so important to be diligent in inclusivity efforts. Now, more than ever, it is important for voices to be heard—not just from the diverse community, but in support of the diverse community.

You were an All-American basketball player for Regis University. What did athletics teach you to prepare you for your career?

People are often surprised that at 5’2” I was a collegiate basketball player, and was a point guard. I come from a long

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line of college athletes. My father was inducted into the CSU Hall of Fame and played for the Denver Rockets, and my mother was a scholarship softball player at Metro State.

I learned how to compete. I learned how to fail and how to pick myself back up, fix what went wrong and put it into practice. You learn about taking care of yourself and teamwork. It taught me about energy and hard work. If you bring positive energy to the room and put in the hard work, it goes a long way at home and in the courtroom. You also learn a lot about lifting other people up. The team dynamic is such that you’re cheering each other on—good days and bad. Being a champion for others is so critical to success, and having someone in your corner, especially as a diverse professional, is invaluable.

Elaine D. Torres The Community Builder Elaine D. Torres, the first person in her family to graduate from college, earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Colorado and her master’s degree at the University of Denver. She says, “I never really thought of not going to college, so I applied to CU-Boulder after my high school guidance counselor strongly discouraged me, saying it was too hard to get in.”

As community affairs director at CBS4 KCNC–TV, where she’s worked for nearly 20 years, Torres oversees station partnerships with the Denver Art Museum, the National MS Society, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver and others. She manages events including Together 4 Colorado Toy Drive and A Day for Wednesday’s Child. Torres served on the board of the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District. She currently is vice chairwoman of the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Board of Trustees and scheduled to become chair in January 2021.

She serves on the Latino Community Foundation of Colorado Board of Directors, the Denver Zoo’s Leadership Council and the Colorado Non-Profit Association’s Leadership Advisory Committee.

Who was caring for and giving attention to you as your mentors?

Right out of college I got a job working for Gov. Roy Romer. It was a dream as an inexperienced young political science grad. I worked in several of his offices and met Patricia Barela River— my boss, my mentor and a dear friend who has provided personal and professional guidance and support to me for over 25 years.

I have so many strong, kind and caring women in my life. One woman, in particular, was my sister. She died in 2015 from ALS. She was 48 years old, had a loving husband and two wonderful teenagers. She was a rock up until the very end. I admire her strength, her determination and her grace, and I miss her dearly.

Photo: Jensen Sutta

Your calendar sounds full, but what do you do in your free time?

Normally, we love to travel as a family. We look forward to getting back to traveling and exposing our son to this huge and diverse world and unique cultural experiences hopefully very soon. In the meantime, we’re doing some home improvements. We built a vegetable and herb garden, so I’m trying to figure out how to give it the care and attention it needs.

She must’ve been proud of you. Did you grow up in Colorado?

I was born in northern California, but grew up in Colorado Springs. My dad was a police officer and my mom was a stay-at-home mom.

As a working mom, how do you manage stress?

Over the past few months, I’ve developed a walking routine.

I get up early and walk every day because of how good it’s been for not just my physical health, but also my mental health—especially during this really stressful time in our world. I have a greater appreciation for early mornings, nature and the little things I didn’t see before taking the time to slow down and observe.

The media takes a lot of bashing these days. How do you keep morale up when so many people blame so much on the media?

I’m so fortunate to work for a wonderful company and with people who are so dedicated to their jobs. These are people who operate with such integrity and honesty, and I’m really honored to be a part of the CBS4 family. So many of us have worked together for close to 20 years and we truly feel like a family. The work of the media is so critical and is needed now more than ever before.

Colleen Smith, a longtime contributor to the magazine, is an award-winning journalist, novelist and screenwriter based in Denver.

ENTERPRISE

Paper Panache Laney Hall brings creativity, whimsy and talent – along with a variety of materials -- to her business

By Jordan Martindell

L

LANEY HALL’S STORY IS AS DIVERSE as her many talents. Unlike those whose career paths are linear, Hall’s trajectory reflects the creativity that she embodies so vividly and is clearly evident in her current business, Platypus Papers. A Boulder native, Hall has spent the majority of her life in Colorado.

Hall dabbled in many professional endeavors before founding Platypus Papers—volleyball coach, massage therapist, banker, and event planner—all roles which helped her get to where she is today. She has an uncanny ability to pair excellent leadership with a goofy demeanor, making her approachable, fun to work with, personable and successful. She currently serves as the president of the International Live Events Association, Denver Chapter.

Her “aha moment” came when her colleagues and good friends in event planning persistently urged her to explore paper as a career. With that consistent nudge, she turned her passion into her profession and Platypus Papers was born in 2011.

“And the name is no coincidence”, says Laney. Platypuses are known for their multifaceted characteristics and that is exactly how she would like her business to bloom—embracing a wide array of services for

her clients, often unexpected, and always beautiful.

To keep up with her growing business, her husband Joel left his engineering job and became her right-hand man at Platypus Papers.

He is an expert 3D printer, laser cutter, and overall creative problem solver. The two of them balance their business while raising two fur babies and a colony of bees.

The Gift of Giving

Laney Hall turned her passion into a profession.

It is no surprise that one of Laney Hall’s love languages is receiving gifts. She understands the power of a gift and believes the best business model hinges on a pay-it-forward mentality. Whether she is creating custom gifts, invitations, or installa-

THE DETAILS Platypus Papers 303-997-5509 platypuspapers.com

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Platypus Papers works in a variety of media to meet a client’s needs.

COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020

INSIGHTS INTO COLORADO’S BUSINESS COMMUNITY

tions for a large-scale event, she taps into the emotional connection people have to the client and the reason for the connection.

She takes her client’s big ideas and turns them into masterpieces that share the intent and personality of an event, greeting or gift. Looking for a journal made of old tires? The company will provide you with a personalized, wooden carved journal with the etching of tire tread. Need a life-size bear that your guests can paint? They’ve got you covered.

“An invitation is the first handshake of an event and is the beginning of the vision,” says Laney. A printed invitation sets the tone and feel for an upcoming celebration and has the power to inspire, welcome, and evoke a feeling more powerful than, say, an electronic invitation.

And Platypus Papers does so much more than just paper. Hall is a master of various materials, including wood, metals and acrylics. And she prides herself on her connections in the industry. If a client comes to her with something she simply cannot do, she knows someone who can.

Bring Back Snail Mail

While the event space has been severely affected by the current pandemic, Hall is confident that events are not gone, they have just changed. She also believes that paper is going to be even more important in today’s climate. Want you guests to wear a mask at your wedding? A polite, charming, and beautifully crafted invitation to don a mask can be effective.

The company has made adjustments to stay solvent, mainly moving from their warehouse of 10 years to their home for all things business-related. They have also used the extra time to become more intimate with their gardens and have been beekeeping. Laney Hall is also committed to being a master connector to help the maker space thrive. She holds Zoom meetings with

Artful invitations and event decor personalize a special occasion.

new colleagues and makes introductions regularly for new and experienced artists in the field.

Hall has gone from losing all her business in a week’s time to shifting gears to create COVID-19 survival kits, mystery craft kits, homeschooling kits, and of course, greeting cards to address how people are feeling during this difficult time.

The challenge posed is one of Laney and Joel’s biggest motivators. They look forward to continuing to find innovative ways to serve their

clients, friends and fellow makers.

When asked if Platypus Papers is going anywhere, Laney says, “you shake and drive and hope for the best.”

Jordan Martindell moved to Boulder in 2009 and discovered a natural connection to the Rocky Mountain lifestyle. Following a career in high-end retail management, Martindell blends her love of aesthetics and the outdoors, writing for such publications as Dorado Magazine, Elevation Outdoors Magazine, Outdoor Retailer Magazine and offyonder.com.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM

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BODY & SOUL

Skin deep

At Edit EuroSpa, clients get customized treatments and education to bring out a healthy glow

By Danielle Yuthas

H

HUNGARY IS RENOWNED FOR SKIN care, dating all the way back to the 14th century, when the first beauty tonic was created for Queen Elisabeth. And it must have worked, considering legend has it she was proposed to by a grand duke more than 40 years her junior. But you don’t need a time machine or an airline ticket to experience the advanced skincare techniques and spa treatments of the old country thanks to Edit Viski-Hanka, the Hungarian-born owner of Edit EuroSpa in Cherry Creek North. Her goal is simply to make her clients’ skin as beautiful as possible and she’s been perfecting her products and skills for four decades.

Her boutique oasis for skincare, nestled in a 115-year-old house at 159 Adams St., is known for Hungarian deep-pore-cleansing facials.

“When you meet someone, the first thing you see is their skin. Skin is a mirror of the body and everything shows through it,” Viski-Hanka says . “The skin indicates the overall balance of the body including lifestyle effects and well-being. I feel so honored that these guests are putting their most treasured asset, their skin, into our hands.”

Viski-Hanka is a skin diagnostician. She examines the facial layers

under a “Skinscope” and assesses her clients’ needs based on factors including pore size, skin hydration level, oil production and sun damage.

She then educates the client on how to bring balance to his or her skin and what to do in order to achieve

optimal results. Each facial includes about 75 minutes of customized care and includes extractions and an exfoliation massage.

The cosmetic industry offers consumers endless ways to cover and camouflage the skin, but Viski-Han-

Photo: Danielle Yuthas

THE DETAILS Edit EuroSpa

159 Adams St. Denver, CO 80206 303-377-1617 editeurospa.com

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Edit Viski-Haka has been perfecting her products and skills for four decades.

COLORADOEXPRESSION.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020

LIVING A LIFE OF BALANCE

ka’s approach is the opposite. She believes makeup should be used only to enhance facial features and not to bury natural beauty. Extra layers are unnecessary when the skin’s natural radiance is restored. Add eyebrow and eyelash tinting and you can significantly cut down the time spent on your morning ritual.

Your skin will be clearer and more hydrated after just one facial and many clients return monthly to continue to discover their best possible complexion. According to Viski-Hanka, “All skin can improve quickly with consistent care and every person can achieve a healthy glow.”

Attention to skincare is particularly critical for those with an active Colorado lifestyle who spend time outdoors year-round.

Ingredients are important to Viski-Hanka, who began her skincare career by making her own products out of herbs, flowers, vegetables and other natural ingredients. Today her Hungarian Paprika Serum is used in facials to improve circulation, brighten the skin and protect against free radicals. Natural ingredients are also incorporated into the full body treatments so skin benefits from the minerals of mud and the nourishment of French seaweed.

Viski-Hanka is constantly reading about skincare, attending industry events and staying up on the trends.

She has developed her own product line, Edit Naturally, using the latest discoveries in the science of skincare. One of her popular products for anti-aging is made from the stem cells of a Swiss apple to protect and extend the longevity of the skin cells. Another of her highly-coveted creams is a Muskotaly Liposome Moisturizer, which contains red wine, raspberry, spinach and licorice root extracts to boost fatigued skin and increase blood circulation.

Fine ingredients pair perfectly with cutting-edge technology. At Edit Euro Spa, microdermabrasion is performed with a diamond-tipped

Edit Viski-Hanka developed her own line of skincare products.

Edit EuroSpa products are available for home use.

Edit’s Simple At-Home Recipes For skin hydration, mix creamy yogurt with honey and a freshly puréed peach, thicken with a pinch of milk powder and apply to the skin. Leave on for 20 minutes before rinsing off and cleansing the skin using your normal routine.

For anti-aging nourishing, make a mask by whipping an egg yolk with a few drops of olive oil, paint it on the skin and lay down for few minutes. Rinse off, using your normal cleansing routine.

wand. Muscle toning is accomplished by using a micro current to improve elasticity and strengthen facial muscles. The HydraMist Oxygen treatment improves the skin at a cellular level when pressurized steam of hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C complex immerse the cells.

Viski-Hanka personally trains each of her staff members how to provide her approach to individualized treatment regimens and best practices in the European skincare experience.

The philosophy Viski-Hanka built Edit Euro Spa’s services on is to reach harmony between the client’s inner spirit and outward appearance.

This is the hallmark for achieving self-care, which is increasingly important in the overwhelming world right now. Destress so you can be your best inside and out. It shows.

Danielle Yuthas is the senior director of marketing for national franchise brand SpeedPro and a fourth-generation Denver native who aspires to be foundation-free.

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HOLI

GIFT

From world-class spas to one-of-a-kind gifts, there are ideas aplenty for the holidays this year within these pages. In the spirit of the season we also showcase many worthy nonprofits in need of your support this year more than ever. Stay well, shop local and give generously!

DAY 2020

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G R E AT F O O d G R E AT W I N E G R E AT C O M PA N Y 720.772.5022

249 COLUM BI N E STRE E T

LOCALJON ES.COM

P L AY H A R D

rest easy

Discover the Benefits of Membership. Life is not meant to be rushed. It is something to savor. To sip. To enjoy. That’s why we built Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in a one-of-a-kind setting, surrounded by natural wonders. Because when you’re lucky enough to live in a place like this, you need to make sure it’s properly experienced in every sense.

We invite you to claim your home away from home with a Garden of the Gods Club Membership. Choose from a variety of membership categories to fit your needs and patterns of usage. And enjoy world-class activities and amenities, our full social calendar of events and parties, luxury accommodations for you and your guests, and countless other exclusive benefits.

Become part of our social community at Garden of the Gods Resort and Club and leave no sense unturned.

OUR MEMBERSHIP TEAM IS HERE FOR YOU. PLEASE CONTACT TRACEY KALATA AT 719-520-4980 OR TKALATA@GARDENOFTHEGODSRESORT.COM

3314

Mesa Road

Colorado Springs

CO

80904

|

gardenofthegodsresort.com

give the gift of S PA A N D W E L L N E S S

Many people don’t know that Colorado Springs has a world-class Integrated Wellness Center and Spa right here at Garden of the Gods Resort and Club. And even better, anyone is welcome. Gift cards are a fabulous way to reward, incentivize and acknowledge those in your circle this holiday season.

TO PURCHASE VISIT US, CALL 719-520-4988, OR EMAIL SPA-SALON@GARDENOFTHEGODSRESORT.COM

INTEGRATED WELLNESS AND SPA AT GARDEN OF THE GODS RESORT AND CLUB

Helping our most vulnerable starts with you.

Volunteers of America Colorado is a nonprofit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping those in-need transform their lives. Each year, our 50+ distinct human service programs provide housing, nutrition and hunger services, emergency shelter, and resources to more than 140,000 vulnerable children, families, seniors and veterans in Colorado. We combine compassion and highly effective resources to address unmet needs and empower those we serve to reach their full potential.

DONATE NOW AT WWW.VOACOLORADO.ORG

In December 2019, at Amp the Cause Holidays for Kids event, a Kindergartner from Valverde Elementary School asked Santa for food. At 6 years old, he was worried about the 17-day long holiday break and his family not having enough food to feed themselves during that time.

Fill the Void is an Amp the Cause program created to alleviate hunger by providing reliable access to food through grocery gift cards.

The goal is to Fill the Void of over-run food banks, supplement SNAP benefits programs, and ensure students who are out of school continue to have reliable access to food.

Why Grocery

72

%

72.49% of Denver and Aurora Public School students receive free and reduced meals at school, BUT do not have the same access to food during the summer, school breaks or other school closures.

Efficiency – easy to disseminate, space saving, no expiration, families can shop at stores near them Flexibility – enables families to purchase food that meets their religious or dietary needs Independence Economic Impact – supports local businesses and creates economic activity

6 Colorado children under the age of 6 are the most likely to experience poverty and hunger.

in the lives of children and families in Denver by helping to alleviate hunger.

To donate now Visit FilltheVoidColorado.org

A 10,500 Acre Refuge With Over 550 Rescued Lions, Tigers, Bears, Wolves & Other Large Carni Carnivores

Your Help Is Greatly Appreciated!

WildAnimalSanctuary.org

THE WORLD’S LARGEST

10,473 ACRES OF FREEDOM

Their World Has Changed Forever

WILDANIMALSANCTUARY.ORG

Share the laughter and savor the holiday spirit. Our 2020 Holiday Gift Guide joyfully offers beautiful treasures that touch the heart, as well as the ultimate in luxury experiences and small pleasures designed to brighten the season.

This year, especially, is the time to support local retailers, businesses, arts, entertainment and each other. Wishing you hope and happiness in the New Year, ELIZABETH HAMILTON, PUBLISHER

Cherry Creek North

One of Denver’s happiest holiday traditions is to experience a place as unique as the gifts you are searching for. Shop at more than 175 local businesses and walk the tree-lined streets illuminated with lights and discover Cherry Creek North.

2401 E. 2nd Ave., Suite 150, Denver, 303-394-2904, cherrycreeknorth.com

BY MARGE D. HANSEN

Saks Galleries Moore For Life

Give someone or yourself the holiday gift of how to master the art of applying makeup. This personalized lesson is tailored to your needs and lifestyle. Moore For Life teaches tips and techniques that bring out the most perfect, natural you with 3minute, 5-minute and 7-minute looks.

A $300 value, the makeup lesson is priced at $150 through Dec. 31.

303-484-857 mooreforlife.com

Recognized for excellence for more than a half century, Saks clients include major collectors, institutions and auction houses who rely on their expertise regarding traditional and contemporary works of art like “Vision in Blue.� Saks offers appraisals, in-home design, restoration services and consultations.

3019 E. 2nd Ave., Denver 303-333-4144 denverartgalleries.com

Oster Jewelry

Time to reach your star. Sporty and chic, the new Zenith Defy Midnight illuminates the wrist. This rugged steel bracelet with diamonds set in a stunning gradient date dial comes with an interchangeable strap system. 1.48cts priced at $10,700.

251 Steele St., Denver 303-572-1111 osterjewelers.com

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Halcyon, A Hotel in Cherry Creek Oster Jewelry

The Move Diamond Collection by Messika Paris is the quintessential layering necklace and rings with three diamonds that move within their track and represent the past, present and future. Available in 18k yellow, white and rose gold.

Prices vary by design.

Make the most of this holiday season.

Hunker down in one of our cozy suites or explore all that Cherry Creek has to offer. Whether you want to shop at designer boutiques or dine at award-winning restaurants, one stay at Halcyon and you will be hooked.

Packages and promotions on the website. Rates start at $209.

245 Columbine St. 720-772-5000 halcyonhotelcherrycreek.com

Platypus Papers

Central City Opera

Give the gift of extraordinary musical performances this holiday season.

A gift certificate to Central City Opera is the perfect present for all your music-loving friends and family members. In the true spirit of the holiday season, your purchase supports a treasured and creative part of Colorado history. 303-292-6500, centralcityopera.org

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Handmade dĂŠcor from Platypus Papers will add just the right touch to your holiday home. The Colorado natives behind Platypus Papers offer an eye-catching collection of unique items for gift giving, featuring bottles and cups of many colors, journals, glassware, coolers, stationery, recipe cards, greeting cards and much more.

303-997-5509 platypuspapers.com

Scott W Parker Studio

Scott W Parker, a Colorado native, creates the perfect gift this holiday season with his original block prints, such as “Laundry Line,” with an image size of 12 by 12 inches; paper size 15 by 16 inches in an edition of 40. To view a wider selection of Scott’s work, visit the website. scottwparkerstudio.storenvy.com

The Sweetest Bean

This handcrafted, small-batch, pure vanilla extract is brewed right here in Colorado with beans from Uganda, Africa. The perfect gift for the chef and baker who love the purest things in life. For the holidays, a special three-bottle gift set is available on the website, $60. thesweetestbean.com

Photo: Ashley Schenkein Jewelry Design

Junior League of Denver

Enjoy a unique boutique shopping experience at the 41st Annual Mile High Holiday Mart, Nov. 13-15, while giving back to the Denver metro community. Check the website for location, parking information, shopping hours, admission prices and COVID-19 updates. Pick up the League’s award-winning cookbooks, including Centennial Celebrations, released in 2019.

303-692-0270, jld.org

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Edit EuroSpa

For skin that glows for the holidays, into the New Year and beyond, we invite you to visit our century-old Victorian house filled with Old World, European charm located in Cherry Creek North. Let us address all your skin concerns with our Edit Naturally skincare line enriched with ingredients that artfully merge nature and science.

303-377-1617 editeurospa.com

White Peacock

It’s that wonderful time of the year and White Peacock is excited to introduce Culti Milano’s 2020 holiday signature scent, Noblesse Absolute.

The limited-edition diffusers and candles are sure to be a huge hit for this gift-giving season. Each unique item at White Peacock is designed to tell a story and provide joy, love and happiness.

2440 East Third Ave., Denver 303-954-8333 whitepeacockdenver.com

Shaver-Ramsey Fine and Custom Rugs

There is no time like the holidays to celebrate a new at-home look or give an exquisite gift to a very special someone. Looking for luxury?

Choose from our selection of banana silk, handmade carpet pillows. Handwoven by Tibetan weavers in Nepal. Priced at $485 each.

589 Fillmore St., Denver 303-320-6363 shaver-ramsey.com

Mariel Bentley Denver

For a dynamic driving experience, the 2021 Bentley Bentayga seamlessly fuses a commanding new design with empowering performance and a suite of innovative technologies to create a luxury SUV that excels in any environment. Bentayga’s exceptional handling and outstanding ride comfort invites you to enjoy worldclass refinement. Contact Bentley Denver for more details.

303-996-7392 sales@bentleyofdenver.com

Whether you’re throwing a dinner party or having a dressy night at home, only Mariel offers you one-of-a-kind evening gowns for that special occasion.

Shop by appointment.

3000 E. 3rd Ave., Denver 303-623-1151 marielboutique.com

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messika paris

ole lynggaard copenhagen

sylva

zenith

sethi couture

parmigiani fleurier

for all time Our family helping your family create keepsake memories since 2002 with today’s one-of-a-kind artisans. Shop osterjewelers.com for your holiday wishes.

251 Steele Street - Cherry Creek North 303.572.1111 | OsterJewelers.com

&

cie

Apple Cranberry Crisp with Maple Whipped Cream SERVES 8 4 medium apples (such as Fuji) 2 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 (14-ounce) can whole cranberry sauce 1 cup packed light brown sugar 1 cup old-fashioned oats ¾ cup all-purpose flour ⅛ teaspoon salt ½ cup cold butter, thinly sliced Maple Whipped Cream (recipe below)

Cozy Up with our Cookbooks Our six award-winning cookbooks are available for purchase at a variety of local and national book retailers. Visit our website for the most current list. Proceeds from sales support our efforts to promote voluntarism, develop the potential of women and improve our Denver community.

Learn more at JLD.org.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a cast-iron skillet or 8 ×8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Peel the apples and cut into ½-inch pieces.

Place the apples in the prepared baking dish.

Toss with the sugar and cinnamon. Add the cranberry sauce and stir to mix.

Combine the brown sugar, oats, flour and salt in a bowl and mix well. Sprinkle over the apple mixture. Arrange the butter slices in a single layer over the top. Bake for 1 hour or until brown and bubbly and the apples are tender.

Serve warm with the Maple Whipped Cream.

MAPLE WHIPPED CREAM 2 cups heavy whipping cream 2 tablespoons powdered sugar 1 teaspoon maple extract Beat the whipping cream in a large mixing bowl until soft peaks form, starting at low speed and increasing the speed gradually.

Add the powdered sugar and maple extract.

Beat at medium speed until stiff peaks form.

THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME Providing Wrap-Around Services: Diagnostics, Speech, Occupational Therapy, ABA Therapy and more

In-Home | Center-Based | Tele-Health

SUPPORT US ON COLORADO GIVES DAY

FIREFLYAUTISM.ORG/DONATE Your financial contribution means continued positive outcomes and better opportunities for them.

Help them discover their world. We can’t do it without you.

*Your charitable gift qualifies for the Colorado Child Care Contribution Credit - Info is on our website

#bethespark Urban Peak ignites the potential in youth experiencing homelessness to create self-determined, fulfilled lives.

Donate now to help them exit homelessness and #bethespark.

Photo: John Johnson

urbanpeak.org/donate

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Colorado Pet Pantry is a pet food bank with 62 locations in Colorado, and we’re adding more all the time. Our goal is to feed hungry dogs and cats, helping families to keep their pets in their loving homes. In 2020, thanks to our donors and volunteers, we have fed approximately 85,000 pets food for a full month. This is a 41% increase due to our rapid expansion to address the financial effects of COVID-19 on many families’ employment. That’s 5.1 million meals!

Covid-19 is hopefully temporary, our pets are not.

Colorado Pet Pantry also helps 90 animal welfare and animal rescue organizations with pet food and supplies, helping all groups to use their crucial funds efficiently toward other costs that are essential to the welfare of pets, such as vet care and spay/neuter.

Please support Colorado Pet Pantry on Colorado Gives Day. $5 feeds a pet for a month.

Learn more about us at: www.coloradopetpantry.org

coloradogives.org/pet

Change an Demi’s Animal Rescue focuses on solving pet homelessness through adoption, spay/neuter and pet retention. We do not discriminate against any animal that is in need and open our door to all, regardless of their breed, age or special care required.

To celebrate our 10-year anniversary, we are opening a boutique style thrift store and cat adoption center. The center will focus on providing a safe space for at-risk cats including owner surrenders, seniors, bonded pairs, under socialized & FIV+ cats.

Learn more about us at: www.demisanimalrescue.com

coloradogives.org/DemisAnimalRescue

Hope For Animals-Clear Creek Rescue is an all volunteer foster home based rescue. We rescue abused, abandoned, neglected and injured animals, as well as moms and babies, seniors and special needs animals from high-kill shelters where they would have little chance of getting the care they need nor finding a loving home.

All rescue pets receive the veterinary care they need, they are spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped and then placed into carefully screened forever loving homes.

Learn more about us at: www.hfaccr.org

coloradogives.org/HopeForAnimals

HOPE for ANIMALS

We believe in the value of every pet’s life and the unconditional love they bring to our lives. Spay, neuter and preventative care are the foundation of a healthy life for a cat, dog or rabbit. Keeping these services affordable and accessible preserves the human-animal bond and reduces pet overpopulation created by unplanned and unwanted litters. Every pet deserves a vet!

During Covid-19 pandemic we stepped up to help more people: · 300 spay/neuter vouchers distributed · 300 free microchips to pets in need · Virtual Veterinary Appointments during Stay-At-Home Your support during this time is critical to ensure we are here to help pets and owners without anywhere else to turn. Your gift will change the life of a pet in need AND the person who loves them. Learn more about us at: https://spay.today

coloradogives.org /SpayToday

Animal’s Life!

Soul Dog Rescue began work in 2011 on the reservations in the Four Corners area, due to an overwhelming need for help. Nothing was being done to help the dogs and cats in this area where the poverty levels are through the roof and life is hard for the people, making life hard for the animals as well. Enter Soul Dog! SDR spay/neuters and rescues thousands of animals each year from euthanasia as the only rescue agency helping animal control on Navajo lands.

Learn more about us at: www.souldog.org Donate to Soul Dog Rescue at:

The majority of homeless cats never make it to a shelter.

Unowned, unsocialized and breeding in perpetuity, cats in unmanaged feral colonies experience extreme suffering.

With our Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR) program, we work with volunteers, veterinarians and the public to prevent feral kittens from being born and improve the lives of those already born. As part of our work, we strive to rescue and rehabilitate abandoned cats and kittens who can be removed from the street and be adopted. We are an all volunteer organization and donations are directed to improving feline lives.

Learn more about us at: www.forgottenfelinesdenver.org

coloradogives.org/SoulDogRescue

coloradogives.org/ForgottenFelinesRescue

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Amp the Cause ampthecause.org 303-605-2885 Amp the Cause, a Denver-based nonprofit founded 16 years ago by Christie and Walter Isenberg, formally launched its Fill the Void program to alleviate hunger by providing reliable access to food through grocery gift cards. The goal of Fill the Void is threefold: to ease the burden on overrun food banks, to supplement the SNAP programs and to ensure that students who are out of school continue to have reliable access to food. Christie Isenberg invites everyone to support Denver’s children and families by learning more about Amp the Cause and Fill the Void by visiting fillthevoidcolorado.org.

“We can do great things when we come together as a community,” she says. Isenberg also says that her organization welcomes gift cards to Walmart, Safeway and King Soopers, along with monetary donations, this holiday season.

Children’s Diabetes Foundation childrensdiabetesfoundation.org 303-863-1200 The Children’s Diabetes Foundation serves as the fundraising and education arm of the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. The center, located on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, treats thousands of patients with Type 1 diabetes from across the country and around the world. Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease that requires constant monitoring and decision-making. “With your help,” says executive director Dana Davis, “we can help keep patients healthy and one day find a cure.” Davis adds that the foundation’s holiday wish list includes monetary donations that will be used to fund critical patient programs and for gift cards from local businesses to give to food-insecure patient families.

CeDAR cedarcolorado.org 720-848-3000 CeDAR is a nonprofit addiction treatment center located on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora.

Its drug and alcohol treatment programs “not only save lives, they provide a meaningful foundation for long-term recovery from addiction,” says senior director Susan Dearing-Bond. CeDAR serves adults aged 18 and older by offering evidence-based recovery programs. “COVID-19 has greatly affected those who suffer from the disease of addiction and their need for treatment,” Dearing-Bond adds.

“CeDAR is committed to providing essential counseling for as many people as possible during this crisis.” Donations to CeDAR’s capital, endowment and scholarship funds are encouraged this holiday season – and throughout the year.

Colorado Pet Pantry coloradopetpantry.org 720-441-3111 What’s a pet parent to do when times are tight and there’s barely enough money for rent? Enter the Colorado Pet Pantry, which provides food for pets, allowing people to keep their dogs and cats instead of relinquishing them to a shelter. Founder and executive director Eileen Lambert points out that Colorado Pet Pantry hosts 62 monthly pet food banks per year and helps 90-plus animal rescue organizations with food and supplies. Lambert’s holiday wish list is for donations of dry pet food or financial support. “A $5 donation feeds a pet for a month,” she says, adding that the additional resources will help Colorado Pet Pantry as it expands its services to include the Western Slope.

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Epilepsy Foundation epilepsycolorado.org 303-377-9774

Denver Rescue Mission denrescue.org 303-297-1815 Denver Rescue Mission has served those experiencing homelessness since 1892. “During these challenging times,” says president and chief executive officer Brad Meuli, “We’ve continued to provide meals, shelter and life-saving programs to thousands of people in need, but we need your help.

Your financial gifts will allow us to continue this lifesaving work. Your donations of winter clothing and hygiene items will help protect our homeless neighbors. Your heart to volunteer means we can continue serving warm meals to struggling men, women and families every day. At Denver Rescue Mission we fight hunger to give strength and despair to give hope. Will you join this fight?”

“Three simple words define the Epilepsy Foundation of Colorado,” says chief executive officer Sarah Klein: Connecting, Educating and Empowering.

“We work to reduce stigma and raise awareness by educating schools, employers and the community and by empowering people affected by epilepsy with knowledge, resources and advocacy to live their best lives.” In 2019, she adds, the foundation launched an outreach program to the Hispanic community, provided resources to 600 newly diagnosed individuals, visited 500 patients in epilepsy monitoring units, awarded $5,000 in emergency assistance and increased its Preferred Provider Network. This holiday season the foundation welcomes teddy bears, stress balls, books and games for inclusion in the care packages given to newly diagnosed kids; gift cards for massages, hair and nail salons, yoga classes and meal kits to be included in “wellness kits” given to caregivers; and toothbrushes, soap, snacks and socks to be distributed to those with epilepsy who are experiencing homelessness.

Firefly Autism fireflyautism.org 303-759-1192 Even a worldwide pandemic couldn’t stop Firefly Autism from making big strides this year. In June Firefly moved from cramped quarters in Denver to a spacious new headquarters in Lakewood. The new locale, says executive director Jesse Ogas, “allows us not only to grow in terms of enrollment but to expand our services. In September we added a diagnostic center and began providing a host of other services, including mental health support, an adult program, parent support groups, sibling groups, parent training groups and sibling daycare.” As with most nonprofit organizations, he adds, “COVID-19 has impacted Firefly but it hasn’t stopped us from serving our families. Your financial support of any amount, plus gifts of iPads and/or laptops, can make a big difference for the children we serve.”

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Hope Starts Here hshfoodbank.org 303-328-3464 Hope Starts Here is a food and community outreach program for the estimated 135,000 food-insecure families living in the Centennial-based nonprofit’s service area. Some 5,200 individuals per month receive HSH’s food distributions. In addition to providing food, HSH also offers case management, nutrition education and job training/networking services to families living in poverty. Donations of food, cash and volunteer time are always welcome. The money will go to such capital projects as the purchase of a new truck; construction of a Resource Center to better accommodate the partners that offer financial, legal, health and job services to HSH clients; a shelter that will help shield the volunteers who currently distribute food year-round from an uncovered parking lot; and the creation of a garden where fruit and vegetables can be grown.

N H E LP O I NG P R O CHA F R I TI E S T S

Jewish Family Service jewishfamilyservice.org 303-597-5000 Jewish Family Service is dedicated to strengthening the community by providing vital services to vulnerable individuals and families. JFS annually serves some 15,000 people of all faiths, races, ages, incomes and abilities through programs that include support for older adults; summer meal delivery to young people living in food deserts; mental health counseling; financial assistance to people in crisis, and job training and placement for those with significant barriers to employment. With the increased demand for services precipitated by COVID-19 – JFS’ Weinberg Food Pantry, for example, has seen a 400 percent jump in clients – the most needed gifts this season are cash to purchase food and to provide rent assistance, along with diapers, baby wipes and other items found on the JFS Amazon Wish List.

Junior League of Denver jld.org 303-692-0270

Invest In Kids iik.org 303-839-1808 Invest In Kids partners with local communities to improve the health and well-being of Colorado’s youngest children and their families. By bridging research and practice, IIK serves as a catalyst to adopt, implement and scale the programs proven to best serve them. Last year, IIK reached more than 17,000 Colorado children and families through its evidence-based programs: the Nurse Family Partnership, The Incredible Years and Child First.

Executive Director Lisa Hill’s holiday wish is for monetary donations to help meet the increased need to support nurses, teachers and families.

Founded in 1918, the Junior League of Denver is a training organization for women that promotes voluntarism, develops the potential of women and helps to improve the Denver community. Its current focus is to improve literacy rates and provide access to books for children in Denver through third grade via programs, community partnerships and advocacy efforts. The league also offers volunteers to other nonprofits through its Done in a Day program. The league started, or aided in starting, many well-known Denver institutions, including the Mile High Transplant Bank (now Donor Alliance), the Children’s Museum of Denver and the Red Rocks concerts. Those wishing to support the JLD this holiday season may do so by purchasing any of its six award-winning cookbooks, donating Amazon gift cards or cash to purchase children’s’ books and program supplies.

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National Jewish Health njh.org 1-877-225-5650 For 121 years, National Jewish Health has been at the forefront of research and medical care focusing on lung, heart and immune-related diseases. Long ranked the nation’s leading respiratory hospital by U.S. News & World Report, National Jewish Health is headquartered in Denver and as the world faces the challenge of COVID-19, the expertise of its world-renowned doctors and researchers has turned to defeating this pandemic. NJH also continues to care for its patients–adults and children–who need the level of care and treatment only provided by this specialized institution. One of its key programs is Morgridge Academy, the nation’s only K-8 school located on a medical campus. It is where some 70 chronically ill children are able to learn and thrive in a safe environment. Financial contributions to the academy and to cutting-edge care, research and testing to defeat the COVID-19 virus are especially welcome.

Tennyson Center for Children tennysoncenter.org 303-433-2541 Tennyson Center for Children works with every child and family impacted by trauma to realize their infinite possibilities. Since its founding as an orphanage in Loveland in 1904, Tennyson Center for Children has served Colorado’s most neglected, abused and traumatized children. “We provide a safe home for kids facing critical circumstances,” says chief executive officer Ned Breslin. “We have a therapeutic K-12 school on our campus and in-home services to strengthen families and children. In 2019 we began leading a collaborative effort seeking to keep families safely together and reduce the number of those involved with child welfare.” Due to the uncertainties associated with COVID-19, cash donations are being sought this holiday season. “They allow us to respond to the rapidly changing needs of our kids and families,” Breslin explains.

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Roundup River Ranch roundupriverranch.org 970-524-2267 When the late actor Paul Newman started the SeriousFun Children’s Network (formerly Hole in the Wall Gang Camps), it was with the idea that each would be a place for kids with serious illnesses to “raise a little hell” while spending time in a worry-free, zero price tag environment. Roundup River Ranch in the Vail Valley town of Gypsum is one of those camps, thanks to the generosity of local philanthropist Alison Knapp and other donors who fund the year-round programs offered free of charge for children and their families from an 11-state Rocky Mountain region. Roundup River Ranch’s holiday wish list is for donations that will be used to fund camper sponsorships, RRR’s innovative and virtual programs, and Joy, Delivered, boxes containing ingredients for at least 10 do-it-yourself, camp-themed activities. Contents can include art, movement and STEM activities, kid-friendly recipes, solar fairy lights, jokes and riddles.

The Wild Animal Sanctuary wildanimalsanctuary.org 303-536-0118 Executive Director Pat Craig proudly notes that for more than 40 years, The Wild Animal Sanctuary has “worked tirelessly to give new hope and life to some of the most incredible, yet most voiceless, animals on the planet.” He adds that by rescuing captive-born large carnivores like tigers, lions, bears and wolves from abusive, neglectful and illegal situations around the world, the sanctuary restores the dignity of these animals while combatting the captive wildlife crisis.

Located in Keenesburg, The Wild Animal Sanctuary is the world’s largest such entity, with more than 500 rescued animals currently living on more than 10,000 acres of natural, large-acreage habitats. Craig and his team would especially welcome monetary donations, Home Depot gift cards and to help in the purchase of additional land to expand the sanctuary.

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Urban Peak urbanpeak.org 303-974-2900 Urban Peak is the only organization in the Denver metro area that provides a full continuum of services for youths between the ages of 15 and 24 who are experiencing homelessness. “We use a strengths-based case management model to work with some of our community’s most vulnerable young people and support them in reaching their goals,” explains CEO Christina Carlson. “Through our street outreach, drop-in center, stabilization shelter, housing, education and employment services–and Peak Thrift, our social enterprise thrift store–we ignite the potential in youth to exit homelessness and live self-determined, fulfilled lives.” Items that would be welcomed this holiday season are donations of men’s and women’s underwear, gift cards (King Soopers and Walmart are most utilized) and items from Urban Peak’s Amazon wish list.

Volunteers of America voacolorado.org 303-297-0408 Volunteers of America Colorado is a nonprofit, faithbased organization dedicated to helping those in need transform their lives. Each year VOA’s 50-plus human service programs reach 140,000 vulnerable Coloradans. This holiday season, in light of COVID-19, President David Schunk encourages the donation of money to further support VOA’s housing, emergency shelter, hunger and nutrition programs; and $25 gift cards from Safeway, King Soopers, Walmart, Target and Amazon. The cards will be given in place of toys for children this year. They can be mailed to VOA Colorado, attention Bradley Gulley, 2660 Larimer St., Denver CO 80205.

We Don’t Waste wedontwaste.org 720-443-6113 We Don’t Waste, started by Arlan Preblud in 2009, was founded with the belief that excess food should go to people, not landfills. This remains the focus today as Preblud, his staff and volunteers significantly reduce hunger and food waste in the Denver area by recovering quality, unused food from restaurants, caterers, event venues and other industry sources and delivering it, free of charge, to food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, youth-focused programs and more. In 2019, We Don’t Waste distributed more than 26 million servings of nutritious food to approximately 300,000 food-insecure individuals in our community. “During this time of crisis,” Preblud says, “We Don’t Waste’s biggest needs are financial donations, volunteers and connections to sources that may have excess food to give.“

Warren Village warrenvillage.org 303-320-5051 Warren Village, since its start in 1974, has focused on creating opportunity and community tools that empower formerly homeless, low-income single parents to change the trajectories of their lives by achieving sustainable personal and economic self-sufficiency. To date, Warren Village has served 5,200 children and their parents through its holistic, two-generation approach that includes safe and affordable housing, early childhood education and parent services and advocacy. Because of COVID-19 restrictions regarding in-person contact, Warren Village encourages donors to visit its website for information regarding holiday season donations of cash and new items for its residents and alumni.

Joanne Davidson has been writing about Colorado nonprofit organizations and the services they provide since 1985. Her work has appeared in Colorado Expression, The Denver Post and US News & World Report.

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WE HOPE At National Jewish Health, the nation’s leading respiratory hospital, we breathe hope.

For 121 years, our personalized care and innovative treatments for respiratory, cardiac, immune and related disorders have transformed the lives of millions of patients and families.

Help us breathe hope. Your donation can help fund research and care for those with respiratory illnesses.

To make your tax-deductible donation, visit njhealth.org/help, or call 800.621.0505.

J F S H AS E VO LVED TO MEET TH E NEEDS O F O U R C O MMUNIT Y FO R 14 8 YEAR S .

WE ARE COMMITTED TO PROVIDIN G VITAL SERVICES TO HELP COLORADANS OVERCOME THESE UNPRECEDENTED C HALLEN GES.

When you give to JFS your donation makes a life-changing difference by providing: • • • •

Food, supplies, and diapers to thousands in crisis.

Emergency financial assistance to prevent homelessness.

Employment support to those who have lost their jobs.

Mental health counseling services to those in need.

Your support is critical to meet the demand for these essential services, donate at jewishfamilyservice.org.

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This year, hunger in Colorado has more than doubled, with more than 1 in every 3 of our neighbors experiencing food insecurity.

Donate today to give the gift of good food to our community this holiday season.

www.WeDontWaste.org

Your tax-deductible donation to Central City Opera helps carry on the 88-year tradition of outstanding performances, enriching educational programs, in-depth training for young artists and the historic preservation of one of Colorado’s unique landmarks.

KEEP THE MUSIC PLAYING LA TRAVIATA, 2015. PHOTO BY AMANDA TIPTON.

GIVE TODAY centralcityopera.org/donate-now

Camp is...

LIFE-CHANGING. HEALING. LOVE. JOY.

You know what’s extraordinary about our camp?

We make kids with serious illnesses feel like ordinary kids. Giggling, laughing, kayaking, arrow-shooting, horseback-riding, art-creating kids. They find new courage, create lasting friendships, and enjoy the pure joy of childhood.

Serving the Rocky Mountain region, Roundup River Ranch offers unforgettable camp experiences for kids with serious illnesses and their families. Always free of charge. We are now offering virtual programming opportunities. Visit our website for more details.

Join us at the campfire.

Schedule a tour. Volunteer. Fundraise. Give a gift.

RoundupRiverRanch.org | 970.524.2267 8333 Colorado River Road, Gypsum, CO 81637

Remember us on Colorado Gives Day, December 8th.

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Our mission is to give Colorado children a magical Holiday.

Volunteers of America is collecting $25 gift cards for children in Colorado this Holiday season.

Please donate $25 gift cards to: Safeway, King Soopers, Walmart, Target and Amazon. Drop o cards to First American State Bank or Cash donations can be made directly to Volunteers of America at www.voacolorado.org/toydrive Deadline for donations is December 18, 2020.

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Presented by First American State Bank, Cherry Hills Village Living, and Preserving the Good Life publications.

BeneďŹ ting Volunteers of America Colorado.

TWENTY FIVE YEARS

We fight hunger to give strength.

W e f i g h t s h a m e t o g i v e d i g n i t y.

We fight despair to give hope.

JOIN THE FIGHT AT DENVERRESCUEMISSION.ORG.

The Epilepsy Foundation of Colorado is pleased to recognize

Brooke and Tom Gordon

with a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of their extraordinary generosity in establishing the Brooke Gordon Leadership Fund which funds mental and emotional health programs and services for people affected by epilepsy

The Epilepsy Foundation of Colorado is the leader in Connecting, Educating, and Empowering to improve the lives of the nearly 60,000 Coloradans who are living with epilepsy. In addition to our comprehensive mental health programming, we offer a broad range of services for the community such as seizure first aid training, advocacy, support groups, Hispanic outreach, school nurse training, and summer camps for children with epilepsy. Your gift ensures that these and other programs continue to be available to the many individuals and families facing the challenges of living with an epilepsy diagnosis.

epilepsycolorado.org 303-377-9774

There is a young boy named Kevin who kept his siblings safe from his parents – every single night. When they began getting violent, he put his brothers and sisters in the bathtub, placing his body between them and the threat. He was six.

Tennyson has a long history of working with children like Kevin who have traumatic, abusive backgrounds.

Today, these children are more invisible than ever due to the isolation caused by COVID-19. At Tennyson, we refuse to let these children remain invisible.

Donating to Tennyson helps us build a world where every child and family impacted by trauma realize their infinite possibilities.

TENNYSONCENTER.ORG/DONATE

Celebrating 40 years of type 1 diabetes care at the Barbara Davis Center

ColoradoGives.org/CDF

DANIEL — REVAMPT

JANICE — KOUTURE CONSIGNMENT

BOB — HERMITAGE BOOKSHOP

WE’RE UNIQUELY US, SO YOU CAN STAY UNIQUELY YOU. RONG — KU CHA HOUSE OF TEA

This holiday season, experience a place as unique as the gifts you’re shopping for. Stroll down 16 magical blocks illuminated with lights and explore over 175 local businesses where each owner is a master in their craft. Whatever you’re looking for, it’s here. So come see for yourself what makes this place so great, and odds are, you’ll come back with much more than gift bags. Keep it unique.

Shop Cherry Creek. CherryCreekNorth.com

DWANE & DMITRY — ICON SUIT