2024 2024
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
From the Chair of the Board
ank you for joining us this evening to honor and celebrate our heroes oughout Douglas County. As chair of the Douglas County Community undation (DCCF) Board of Directors, it is my privilege to welcome you our second annual Heroes Gala.
s evening, you will be introduced to many of those on the front lines o work tirelessly to make Douglas County a safe place to call home u will hear inspiring stories of bravery as we honor those who are raordinary at what they do. And, you will have an opportunity to ticipate financially in very meaningful ways, ensuring that your tributions are maximized and accessible to those who need it most, en they need it most
our volunteers, thank you for your infinite energy and countless hours
to make this evening seamless and enjoyable. And last but not least, it is my pleasure to introduce you to our new Director of Development, Kirsten Swanson.
From the Development Director
Welcome to the 2024 Douglas County Community Foundation Heroes Gala. As we continue to fundraise for sustainable emergency relief and to provide Douglas County residents immediate assistance in time of critical need, we are thankful for your support Through strategic partnerships with local philanthropists, businesses and nonprofits, we can make a meaningful impact. Whether you are an organization, a corporation or a individual or family wanting to give back in Douglas County, let us be your expert guide in connecting your passions with your giving. Our goal is to make your philanthropy effective, easy and enduring and to amplify its impact.
Without your support and dedication to DCCF and this event, we couldn’t do what we do. Your service to our community is the heartbeat of what makes Douglas County an amazing place to live and work, and what makes me proud to serve as Development Director for the Douglas County Community Foundation. Visit us at dccf org
Douglas County Community Foundation provides leadership and responsible stewardship of resources to enrich the lives of every resident in Douglas County. We are committed to inspiring generosity, responsibly managing philanthropic contributions, maintaining agile funds for emergencies, and providing support to local nonprofit organizations serving the needs within our community
TERA RADLOFF
KIRSTEN SWANSON
Welcome to a Night to Remember
The Event
Enjoy a beautiful Colorado evening at Centennial Airport in the exclusive Signature Aviation private jet hangar.
This unforgettable night of inspiration and celebration will raise awareness and support and say Thank You to our Douglas County first responders, Armed Forces members, veterans, and our nonprofit partner organizations that support these brave heroes.
You will be amazed by thrilling first responder demonstrations, interactive fire and rescue experiences, military displays, and inspiring meet & greets with Hero Award honorees, local media personalities, a legendary Denver Broncos Super Bowl 50 team member, and country music artist Tate Stevens.
This event helps raise funds for the DCCF Community Emergency Relief Fund, which provides direct assistance to our community, nonprofit partners and first responders during catastrophic events affecting Douglas County.
The Evening
5:00 p.m.
VIP Heroes Cocktail Reception
6:00 p.m.
Community Cocktails & Mocktails
6:45 p.m
Pipes & Drums
7:00 p.m.
Guests Seated, Show Begins
National Anthem by Tate Stevens
7:10 p.m.
Program Begins: Dinner and Awards
Community Hero Award
Law Enforcement Hero Award
Fire & Rescue Hero Award
Veteran Hero Award
Live Auction
Mission Moment, Paddle Raise
7:30 p.m.
Silent Auction Closes
8:30 p.m.
Tate Stevens Performance
8:45 p.m.
VIP Afterparty and Silent Disco
10:30 p.m.
Event Concludes
About the Venue
Centennial Airport
One of the busiest general aviation hubs, Centennial Airport serves diverse users such as medevac services, military, flight schools, aerial firefighting and more As a vital lifeline for communities across Colorado, the airport supports approximately 50 medical flights daily, transporting patients, organs, and essential supplies to and from the region’s hospitals. Beyond aviation, Centennial engages with the community through sustainability programs, charity events and educational partnerships. Learn more at www.centennialairport.com.
Signature Aviation
Signature Aviation has grown to become the world’s largest network of fixed-base operations (FBOs). Headquartered in Florida with more than 200 locations – including Centennial Airport – Signature Aviation provides consistent, exceptional services for business and private aviation, including refueling, hangarage, maintenance, repair and overhaul, and a variety of other world-class amenities with exceptional customer service. It is also the perfect place to host a Heroes Gala and honor first responders, military personnel and veterans!
This Evening’s Menu
First Course
Little Gem Lettuce Wedge
Candied Pecans | Dried Cranberries | Champagne Vinaigrette
GF | DF | VG
Housemade Herb Focaccia
Fresh Herbs | Brushed with Herb Oil
VG
Main Course ~ Dual Entrée
Molasses Braised Beef Short Ribs
Sweet & Smoky Boneless Beef Short Ribs | Tomato Caponata | Crispy Leeks
GF | DF
Citrus Chicken
Seared Redbird Farms Locally Sourced Chicken Breast, Three Citrus Beurre Blanc | Lemon Parsley Gremolata
GF
Rosemary Roasted Red Potatoes
Diced Red Potatoes | Rosemary | Thyme | Garlic
GF | DF | VG
Roasted Vegetable Medley
Cauliflower | Broccoli | Parsnips | Carrots | Radish Sweet Peppers | Fresh Italian Herbs
GF | DF | VG
Vegetarian Entrée Option
Wild Mushroom Ragout
Crispy Spinach and Miso Polenta Cake | Shaved Radish | Roasted Heirloom Carrots
Pickled Red Onion | Fresh Parsley
GF | DF | VG
Desserts
Strawberry Brown Sugar Cake Mini Mason Jar
Roasted Strawberries | Brown Sugar Sponge Cake
Thyme Whipped Mascarpone Mousse | Honey Balsamic Glaze
Dirty Chai Cheesecake Mini Mason Jar
Chocolate Crust | Chai-Spiced Cheesecake | Golden Latte White Chocolate Ganache
Ginger Whipped Cream | Honeycomb Candy
GF | V
Meet Your Gala Co-Chairs
Welcome to the second annual Heroes Gala This evening honors our heroes and celebrates our community, featuring representation from every municipality and first responder agency in Douglas County.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Centennial Airport and Signature Aviation for their steadfast commitment to DCCF and our Douglas County community by graciously hosting us at this exquisite venue The breathtaking backdrop has made tonight’s celebration a truly unique and impactful experience for our honored guests and dedicated first responders.
A special thank you is due to Chief Government Affairs Officer Mike Dell’Orfano of South Metro Fire Rescue, Sheriff Darren Weekly, and Lieutenant Robert Rotherham of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office for their extraordinary efforts and unwavering commitment
to ensuring the success of this evening's logistics. Their dedication has made an immeasurable difference, and we are deeply grateful for their invaluable contributions
Tonight it is our privilege to honor and celebrate our dedicated first responders and veterans. This is made possible because of the sponsorships from our many generous municipal and corporate partners. We thank you.
The Foundation is especially grateful to the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners for its ongoing partnership and participation in matching up to $200,000 tonight toward the Foundation’s Community Emergency Relief Fund (see page 15).
Douglas County has experienced several emergencies in recent years, with multiple fires starting within reach of thousands of homes, a tornado unexpectedly striking Highlands Ranch, and tragedy in one of our schools. We cannot rely solely on the State of Colorado or the Federal Government to support Douglas County in these trying times; we must lean on each other, our businesses, our local municipal partners, and the generosity of each of you here tonight to prepare and stand together and face these crises as a cohesive community
Thank you to our first responders who are always there when we need them, keeping us safe and protecting our lives, liberty and property. Finally, thank you for attending this evening, and we hope you have a wonderful time.
BROCK SMETHILLS
MARCO FIELDS
Meet Your Entertainment
TATE STEVENS
Missouri native Tate Stevens is an American country music artist and season 2 winner of The X Factor USA on FOX Tate has been playing music around the world since 1995.
After winning The X Factor USA, Tate was signed to RCA Nashville where he released his debut single “Holler If You’re With Me” in a commercial produced by Pepsi which aired during the Grammy Awards on CBS Leading up to his self-titled debut album release, RCA released “Power of a Love Song.” This would be the albums first official single to country radio. The video was in the top 10 on GAC and CMT for six weeks. The album debuted at #4 on the Billboard Country Album Charts and #18 on the Billboard 200 with close to 20,000 copies being sold in its first week.
Tate recorded his next project, “Sweet Life” and released it nationwide in 2016. The video of the title track was released simultaneously which debuted at #1 on cmt.com. The single, “Better At Night,” off his sophomore EP titled “Sweet Life” was also released to country radio at this time. The “Sweet Life” EP earned him six nominations at the 2016 Nashville Universe Awards Tate took home the fan voted awards for “Male Vocalist of the Year” and “Song of the Year.”
To date, the biggest honor that Tate has had is being able to play the world famous Grand Ole Opry several times. Tate is currently back in the studio recording a new project which features songs from many award winning songwriters. His first single from that project will be released soon.
When not on the road entertaining country music fans, Tate resides in Missouri with his family where he enjoys spending time hunting and fishing.
9's a Pair-The Fireman Band is a professional highenergy rock band that formed from a jam session of four firefighter friends at Station #9 in Denver.
This seasoned band has been together with the same four performers for 15 years – longer than most of the bands they cover They’ve rocked the crowd at Herman’s Hideaway, The Hard Rock Cafe, Buffalo Rose, Breckenridge Brewery, and this is their second appearance at DCCF’s annual Heroes Gala.
An evening with a purpose
In addition to celebrating the amazing Douglas County first responde veterans and our nonprofit partner organizations that support these b tonight is a fundraiser. Please take a moment to check out the silent au located at the entrance to the hangar, then scan the QR code below to your winning bid Silent auction bidding closes at 7:30 p.m
Also, special thanks to The Flower Shop at Castle Pines for the amazing table centerpieces. Each flower was mindfully selected with purpose: the blue hydrangeas signify gratitude and understanding; th white hydrangeas represent protection of innocence; the burgundy ro exemplify commitment, victory, freedom and love; and the purple sto symbolize harmony, friendship and camaraderie
Scan the QR code to the right and purchase your table’s centerpiece to take home with you for $50.
Also, thank you to volunteer Gwenivere Snyder for bringing such creative and exclusive items to the a i f biddi l
Meet Your Emcees
Deborah Takahara is a well-known and respected communication specialist in Colorado, having spent nearly 30 years in the broadcast news industry.
Deborah moved to Colorado in 2006 and worked for nearly 16 years as an anchor and reporter at KDVR/KWGN, where she focused on law enforcement and criminal justice issues. She became a trusted name in the community by delivering news stories with sincerity, compassion, integrity and accuracy.
Deborah won numerous awards for her reporting and was recognized for her dedication to ethical and honest journalism After leaving TV news, Deborah spent one year as the public information specialist at the United States Attorney’s Office for Colorado. In her current role as Public Information Officer for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Deborah is responsible for managing the department’s communication and outreach efforts She also enjoys volunteering for various nonprofit organizations like Metro Denver Crime Stoppers, the Colorado Fallen Hero Foundation, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
A father of three and self-admitted tech geek, Kirk Yuhnke anchors weekday mornings on FOX31 Morning News Born in Buffalo, Kirk moved with his family to the suburbs of Cleveland while in high school. Kirk has been interested in broadcasting since he drove his parents nuts with a Mr. Microphone, manned the PA for the morning announcements in high school and took to the stage performing in high school theater.
He’s a proud graduate of Kent State University He spent his college year chasing the latest story, anchoring student newscasts and “DJ”ing for the college radio station.
Kirk landed his first few jobs out of college in Michigan, working in Lansing and Flint as an anchor and reporter From there he moved to Salt Lake City and worked as a morning anchor/reporter Three years later, he traded in his skis for sunscreen and moved to Phoenix to anchor the morning news. Three years in the blistering sun convinced Kirk and his family it was time to get back to four seasons, moving to Colorado in 2013. Kirk has earned numerous awards including various Emmy awards .
Kirk and his family love calling Castle Rock home He and his wife enjoy hiking the endless trails of Colorado, skiing in the winter and being outdoors with their son and two daughters.
KIRK YUHNKE
Meet Your “Fundaneer”
Halie Behr is a force of nature in the auction industry, bringing forth the high energy and electricity to fire up a room and keep everyone engaged all night long. As the proud founder and lead auctioneer of Behr Benefits, Halie has spent the last decade raising millions of dollars for charities all over the United States.
Halie is a three-time champion auctioneer, becoming the first and only in history to win both the International Junior Auctioneering Championship in 2013 and the women’s division of the International Auctioneering Championship in 2023, competing against the very best in the industry on the world’s largest stage. Halie holds the title of Denver’s favorite “fundaneer,” bringing an unparalleled sense of enthusiasm and passion to maximize fundraising results at benefit auction events
Paddles up; let’s raise some money for a great cause!
HALIE BEHR
Fire & Rescue Agencies Represented
Enjoy visiting these fire & rescue agency demonstrations along Heroes Row
Law Enforcement Agencies
Represente
Enjoy visiting these law enforcement agency demonstrations along Heroes Row
Special Operations & Response Team Team
Special Weapons & Tactics Team
Your Board of County Commissioners
Douglas County’s three-member Board of County Commissioners is the main policy-making body in the County and works to represent the interests of the citizens of Douglas County at local, state and national levels.
Commissioners are elected at large from one of three geographic districts for four-year staggered terms
County Commissioners are responsib including law enforcement, which inc providing jail facilities through the Sheriff, and human services, including administering and carrying out virtually all programs overseen by the Colorado Department of Human Services, as well as provide services through the County’s Health Department
Commissioners have a responsibility to provide leadership to County operations through the adoption of the annual budget, which includes all departments, commissions and other spending agencies funded by county appropriations, including law enforcement, and human services.
We appreciate the Board of County Commissioners’ commitment of $200,000 in matching funds raised this evening to go toward the Community Emergency Relief Fund
Community Emergency Relief Fund
The Community Emergency Relief Fund allows DCCF to provide financial assistance in times of emergency, ensuring first responders, nonprofit partners organizations and Douglas County residents have the tools and resources they need during a community crisis in a timely and efficient manner.
DCCF is the conduit between those in need and those able to provide assistance You never have to figure out how you can help best; we do that work for you. We partner with vetted organizations that provide front-line assistance and support in times of a community emergency and connect them with those impacted.
CHAIRMAN GEORGE TEAL
ABE LAYDON LORA THOMAS
Meet the DCCF Board & Leadership:
Foundation Staff
Kirsten Swanson Director of Development
Board Officers
Tera Radloff Chair
Castle Pines North Metropolitan District
Will Mace Vice Chair Partner, Castle Pines Proton Therapy Cancer Center
Sam Tenney Assistant Vice Chair Fidelis Wealth Advisors
Justin Ensign Treasurer Native American Bank
Kay Dry Secretary HDR
Brock Smethills
Immediate Past Chair President, Sterling Ranch Development Company
Board Members
Tierney Aldridge Advisor, Denver Agency A Gallagher Company Douglas County
Kevin Arvidson Edward Jones
Steven Crawford Director - Relationship Lead - Executive Coach, InteraWorks
Christopher P. Elliott e5x Management
Marco Fields Founder & CEO, Moxxy Women
Sara Goodwin Senior Director of Communications, Catalyst Public Affairs
James A. Holmes CEO, Cherokee Ranch & Castle
James Huffman Charters By Air Denver Centennial Airport Authority
Lawrence P. Jacobson
Westside Investment Partners, Inc
Andy Jones
Highlands Ranch Metro District
Abe Laydon Douglas County Commissioner
Linda Watson Vice President Marketing & Public Affairs, Sky Ridge Medical Center
Terri Wiebold
Owner/Publisher, The Castle Pines Connection
Tom J Wiens
Chairman & CEO, FirsTier II Bancorp Principal/Director, FirsTier Bank
Ex Officio Members
Rob Osbourne Director of Business Development
Michael Dell’ Orfano Assistant Chief, Government Affairs South Metro Fire Rescue CORE Electric Cooperative
Jim Peros Vice President Employee Benefi ts and Relationship Development, HUB
Justin Vaughn The Vaughn Law Offices Board of Advisors Chair
Tracy Engerman Mayor, City of Castle Pines
Jason Gray Mayor, Town of Castle Rock
Becky Meyers Douglas County School District
Wynne Shaw
Jeff Toborg Mayor, Town of Parker
Kevin Van Winkle Senator
Darren Weekly Sheriff, Douglas County
Hero Award Recipients
The Douglas County Community Foundation is to pleased to announce its 2024 Hero Award recipients. These special honors recognize Douglas County first responders, Armed Forces members, veterans, nonprofit organizations that support these brave heroes, and remarkable individuals who have had a positive impact on impact our community.
COMMUNITY
Emily Davenport founded the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Alliance (RMWA) nonprofit organization in 2017 after recognizing that there were key components in the wildlife field that were missing and weren’t available in our community.
Located on the historic Cherokee Ranch & Castle property, RMWA is a wildlife hospital and rehabilitation center with the goal of releasing healthy members of the wildlife population back into their natural habitat It takes in everything from hummingbirds to bobcats, but its conservation priority is birds of prey like eagles, hawks, falcons and owls. Housing upwards of 60 animals at a time, RMWA treats roughly 1,000 animals per year.
Emiy said her favorite part of the job is that not one day is the same. “We are so grateful for the opportunity we have to be here in our Douglas County community; without them, we wouldn’t be able to do the life-saving work that we are able to do in the community.”
Emily Davenport CWR, RVT
Rocky Mountain Wildlife Alliance
2024 Hero Award Recipients
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Corporal Grant Collins
Lone Tree Police Department
It is a rare instance that a police officer will get to save a life once or twice in his career. It is almost unheard of that he will get to save two lives in one night in back-to-back calls – but that is what Corporal Grant Collins of the Lone Tree Police Department did.
On December 21, 2023, at 8 p.m., officers were dispatched to a shoplifting call at Costco. Dispatch aired the description of the suspect, and Corporal Collins was able to locate the suspect on the south side of the building.
Corporal Collins contacted the suspect who was holding a stolen scooter. The suspect ran west through the parking lot toward a railing that separates the parking lot from a 20 foot straight down embankment. The suspect then attempted to dive over the railing. Corporal Collins was able to grab the man just as he was going over. The man was screaming at Corporal Collins that he wanted to die and to let go of him The man was arrested for shoplifting and had nine outstanding warrants from several different agencies.
Just 45 minutes later, officers were dispatched to a disturbance in a residential neighborhood Officers were advised that a male party with autism was having a mental breakdown and he had broke a glass table in his living room.
As Corporal Collins approached, he observed that the male had a large, curved knife in his hand. The male yelled at Corporal Collins to kill him. The male took an aggressive stance and had the knife up near his throat Corporal Collins drew his weapon and calmly told the male to drop the knife The male repeated to Corporal Collins, “I want you to kill me ” Corporal Collins, understanding the situation and the mental status of the male, remained very calm telling the male to drop the knife and began to back away. Corporal Collins calmly build a rapport with the male, ultimately convincing him to drop the knife and come out of the residence and safely into custody.
In both instances, calls that could have ended tragically had successful outcomes because of Corporal Collins’ quick thinking and calm demeanor Corporal Collins’ heroism, professionalism and commitment to service saved the lives of two people in one night.
Special thanks and honors go out to Sophia Lind, a mental health clinician for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Community Response Team who responded to both calls with Officer Collins.
2024 Hero Award Recipients
ADDITIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT RECOGNITION
We had so many great nominations that we’d like to recognize these additional worthy first responders:
INCIDENT AT MT. FUJI RESTAURANT
On January 10, 2024 at 8:02 p m , officers received a call of shots fired at Mt Fuji restaurant in Parker Information received involved a suicidal subject who had pinned his ex-girlfriend’s car in the parking lot with his and that the subject was armed and possibly going to do “suicide by cop.” There were reports of multiple gunshots prior to officers arriving.
Dispatch advised that the reporting party was still in her car, hiding. She believed her ex-boyfriend was still in his car Despite the imminent risk of serious bodily injury or death to themselves, Sergeant Jake Schuster and Detective Shannon Brukbacher approached the passenger side of the ex-girlfriend’s car with a shield to remove her to safety. Officer Dillon Hurd and Officer Chad Barker approached the driver’s side of the car. The reporting party was safely removed from the car and transported to safety. It was later learned that the suspect had shot himself in his car prior to the officers arrival.
Sergeant Jake Schuster, Detective Shannon Brukbacher, Officer Dillon Hurd and Officer Chad Barker –all from the Parker Police Department – are to be commended for their bravery.
INCIDENT AT PARKER INCLINE
On January 11, 2024, deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) responded to an apparent murder/ suicide at the Parker Incline. In the early stages of the investigation, deputies became concerned about two outstanding females who were believed to live in Parker.
Upon arrival at their residence, officers noted that the smoke alarm inside the house was going off DCSO Captain Dan McMillan, Parker PD Sergeant Dustin Ross and Parker PD Officer Anthony Stowell made entry into the garage and observed a headlamp that was on with wires coming from below, which led them to believe that the suspect had potentially rigged the house to explode. Sergeant Ross breached the interior garage door, and the team entered the smoke-filled house without regard for their own safety. As they cleared rooms in the home, all three can be heard on video coughing and having difficulty breathing due to the smoke They located a woman who was bleeding heavily, but were unfortunately not able to locate any signs of life They continued to clear the remainder of the house in search of the other woman They located a cut gas line on the water heater, and despite the recognition of the enhanced danger, they conducted one last sweep of the house for any other victims.
Captain McMillan (DCSO), Sergeant Ross (Parker PD) and Officer Stowell (Parker PD) displayed great bravery at a time when they were in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death They put aside their own safety, risking their lives to potentially save others
ADDITIONAL
INCIDENT AT BEN FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY
DCSO School Resource Officer (SRO) Shannon Jensen was given some information from a staff member at Ben Franklin Elementary School that concerned her regarding the home life of a student.
SRO Jensen discreetly interviewed several staff members and then called the boy’s father into the office to discuss her findings, which were not of a criminal nature, but harmful nonetheless The father listened, sometimes in shock, at what SRO Jensen shared about the treatment of the boy and his brother by the father’s live-in fiancé (he lost his wife when the boys were toddlers).
Dad traveled a lot and was not aware of the boys’ built-up anxiety from keeping things in secret and their punishment by the fiancé – both of which led to a lack of focus in school. Following the discussion, things immediately changed at home in a way that Dad allowed his sons to talk, validated their feelings, and drove the boys to and from school daily. When he was out of town, their aunt had them
This precious boys demeanor changed within a week and all his test scores improved dramatically.
SRO Shannon Jensen’s compassion and discretion allowed everyone involved to be open and transparent. She is beloved at the school, and her performance is worthy of recognition
INCIDENT AT SEDALIA FIRE
In July 2024, DCSO deputies responded to a report of an explosion in Sedalia. Deputy Gage Walpole made it first on scene and discovered a residence was already fully engulfed in flames, and nearby residences and trailers were in imminent threat of catching fire.
Without regard for his own safety, Deputy Walpole immediately triaged the situation and began evacuating residents at highest risk of danger due to the rapidly spreading fire. Deputy Walpole came across a resident that was moments away from catching fire and encountered an elderly female who could not walk. Deputy Walpole carried the elderly woman in his arms to a safe location before returning back to the area and continued evacuations by himself until assistance was finally able to arrive in the remote area
Thanks to Deputy Gage Walpole’s quick and decisive actions of evacuating residents, updating staff and dispatch, and coordinating responses, not a single person was injured or killed that evening. A house and an unoccupied RV were the only total losses that night.
2024 Hero Award Recipients
FIRE & RESCUE
Douglas County Search & Rescue
VETERAN
Douglas County Search and Rescue Team (DCSAR) is a nonprofit, all-volunteer team formed in 1998. DCSAR is a certified Mountain Rescue Association team dedicated to providing search, rescue, emergency response and outdoor safety education.
It distinguishedly serves Douglas County, Greater Denver and Colorado, averaging more than 130 missions per year The team is able to operate in-county or anywhere in the State of Colorado at the highest altitudes for extended periods without resupply. It also responds to requests for assistance from other search and rescue teams in Colorado and around the United States
DCSAR operates under the authority of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. Calls range from searches for missing persons in residential areas to rescues of those injured in the wilderness. DCSAR and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office do not charge for search and rescue services
U.S. Marine Corporal Ryan Garza (Ret.)
Marine Corporal Ryan Garza exemplifies what it means to be a community hero. After joining the United States Marine Corps in April 2008, he was deployed to Afghanistan. On his fourth tour of duty on October 3, 2011, Garza was in a seven-ton truck when it was hit by an improvised explosive device and was severely injured with a shattered leg and traumatic brain injury.
After spending more than a year at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia in 2015, and suffering from chronic pain and mobility issues, Garza had his leg amputated on February 13, 2015.
After a fellow veteran and friend tragically took his own life in front of him, Corporal Garza was inspired to write his book, “Disturbed Earth: My Journey from Guilt to Forgiveness.” Each year, more than 6,000 veterans die by suicide, making it the second leading cause of death among veterans under 45.
As one of our nation’s wounded warriors, Corporal Garza has transformed his personal trauma into a life dedicated to serving others who need leadership, inspiration and hope.
Thank You
TO OUR GENEROUS PARTNER & SPONSOR HEROES
Thank you to these organizations and individuals who made this event possible:
5 Star Entertainment – Entertainment & event production support
9's A Pair-The Fireman Band – Cocktail reception entertainment
Aether Creation Studio – Videography
Alora Event Design – Balloon decorations
Auction & Event Solutions – Event management services
Auctioneer – Behr Benefits
Bacardi – Spirits
Brindle + Oak – Event coordination
Bubbles Liquor World – Wine & beer
Centennial Airport – Venue
Crown Trophy – Awards
Event Rents – Tents, party rentals
Footers Catering & Events – Food and beverages
Gwenivere Snyder – Silent & live auction procurement
Howe Eventful – Afterparty silent disco
Lavish Loo – Restroom facilities
Mike Dell’Orfano, SMFR – First responder logistics
Mile High Golf Carts – Golf cart transportation
Minuteman Press – Printing
Sheriff Darren Weekly, DCSO – Law enforcement logistics
Lieutenant Robert Rotherham, DCSO – Law enforcement logistics
Gaston Photography - Event Photography
Pipes & Drums – Colorado Emerald Society
Showtek – Audio/visual
Signature Aviation – Hangar venue
Tate Stevens – Event featured entertainment
Terri Wiebold, Castle Pines Connection – Event Program
The Bundt Shoppe – VIP treats
The Flower Shop at Castle Pines – Event flowers and centerpieces
And if there is anyone that we have inadvertently omitted, our apologies and a sincere thank you. Special thanks to all the businesses and individuals who contributed so generously to the silent and live auction. Visit us at dccf.org and donate today!
Thank You
TO OUR GENEROUS PARTNER & SPONSOR HEROES
