FRIENDS of Broomfield to Hold GirlFRIENDS Luncheon and Fashion Show in July

By Megan Mayes

FRIENDS of Broomfield is excited to celebrate National Girlfriends Day with a fashion show and luncheon on Sunday, July 31. This year, the event will be hosted by the GirlFRIENDS group at The Chateaux at Fox Meadows and will feature looks from fashion sponsors Dillards, MAC Cosmetics, and Vera Bradley. The GirlFRIENDS will be joined by male models from the programs, who will bring a new dimension to the show for the first time. Participants from Lil’FRIENDS will also take to the runway, making for an excellent show filled with diverse models.

Tickets can be purchased on the FRIENDS website. You can also support the event through sponsorships or a direct donation. The organization hopes to raise $20,000 to support all of the FRIENDS programs, including the day program, supported employment, and social, travel, and residential programs. Our Broomfield™ Magazine is proud to sponsor the GirlFRIENDS Luncheon and Fashion Show along with ARC Thrift Stores, Blue Federal Credit Union, Policy Matters, ABCO Contracting, Broomfield Lifestyle, the Sava family, DJ AJ, and Crysahna Suarez Photography. There are still many opportunities to join the cause, so visit friendsofbroomfield.org to learn more.

FRIENDS of Broomfield relies on 25% of its $3 million annual budget to come from fundraising, so significant community support for events like the fashion show is crucial. All of the funds raised go towards creating person-centered and individualized programming for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Another fundraising event that has become a beloved tradition is the FRIENDS Variety Show, which is returning for its 17th year this fall. This year, the pre-recorded show will be focused on the most popular songs from animated films. Join FRIENDS at Alamo Drafthouse on Saturday, October 15, for the exclusive premier of the entertaining music videos. FRIENDS will be rounding out the year with Friendsgiving, a thankfulness themed fundraiser that works through individual campaigns led by friends and families.

FRIENDS is continuing to grow, expanding its programs and performing some much-needed facility updates and repairs. The supported employment program now has 40 individuals working in 23 local businesses. The residential program also has expanded with three Friends moving into the Academy Place Apartments, where they will grow their independence. The travel program is busier than ever, with 20 trips this year including visits to Disney World and Hawaii. Developing these programs allows FRIENDS to promote social, mental, and physical health.

FRIENDS recently went through strategic planning that included board members, Friends participants, and community stakeholders. The group determined four goals to help guide the organization through the next five years. These goals are: developing the Board of Directors and Young Professionals Board, expanding community inclusion particularly in local schools, creating opportunities for affordable housing for the IDD community, and establishing a social enterprise in Broomfield to provide employment, vocational training, revenue, and community service. You can support FRIENDS in these efforts by joining a board, volunteering, or partnering to build a business.

Our Broomfield Magazine would like to congratulate Gina Coufal, founder and CEO of FRIENDS of Broomfield, on her selection to the Titan 100. The Titan 100 recognizes the top 100 CEOs in Colorado as the state’s most accomplished and exceptional business leaders. Gina said, “ I am honored and excited for the exposure to network and learn and grow, so I can bring back the experience to be a better leader and promote the mission of FRIENDS.”