PAGE 18 | THE VILLAGER • November 23, 2017
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FLEURISH
Grapes & Hops to Grads makes a cash splash The eighth annual Grapes & Hops to Grads gathering on Nov. 8 was a benefit for the Arapahoe Community College Foundation, which provides scholarships for students in Arapahoe and Douglas counties. The event featured a VIP pre-reception and a showroom filled with vendors, including food, wine, craft brews and gift items. It included both a silent auction, as well as a live auction overseen by former Fox 31 news anchor Libby Weaver. All proceeds raised from the event went to support the mission of the ACC Foundation, creating public awareness of the need, while securing funding resources that provide financial assistance and broadbased community support for ACC’s students and programs. The goal is to increase post-secondary credential completion and prepare as many Colorado students as possible to earn a living wage. ACC was the first community college to open in the Denver area in 1965. Now, through its campuses in Littleton, Parker and Castle Rock, it serves more than 21,000 credit and noncredit students annually. More than $25,000 was raised during the evening.
Carl Unrein, CEO of Mullen High School, enjoyed the VIP reception with his wife Sandy. e pro d y s pport t is effort t akes s a Emcee Libby Weaver stopped to thank differen e in t e i es o st dents, e said Photos by Jan Wondra photographer Michelle Steckel. ACC President Diana Doyle, Ph.D., right, has to look way, way up, as she talks with former Denver Nuggets Mark Randall during the Grapes & Hops to Grads VIP pre-event. Randall now volunteers his time as a community ambassador and said he was delighted to show his support for continuing education. “We take students where they’re at and get them ready for the future,” Doyle said.
Grapes & Hops to Grads organizer Robin Loughran, right, snags a photo op next to one of the cars in the Mike Ward Maserati showroom in Highlands Ranch. Her daughter Aidan, left, is a student at Colorado State University.
The Massarati showroom at Mike Ward Automotive provided an e pansi e spa e or do ens o endors to offer ood and beverage tastings.
Former Fox 31 anchor Libby Weaver acted as auctioneer for the Grapes & Hops to Grads at Mike Ward Maserati in Highlands Ranch. The event garnered several prime sponsors, including Mike Ward, Lido Wine Merchants and Saunders Construction. Gold sponsors included The Villager, Lyft, Camp Bow Wow, Colorado Business Bank, Express Employment Professionals, Jay’s Valet Parking, and Nova Home Loans, while the Integer Group was a silver sponsor.