We are so grateful to over 350 guests who helped raise $254,000 to support the mission of the Rose Andom Center on March 29th. The Seawell Ballroom at the Denver Center for Performing Arts was transformed into a beautiful travel-themed venue as we celebrated our third annual New Experience Gala. Guests were sent on a journey to various “locations” around the world thanks to the beautiful décor and delicious cuisine.
Honorary Chairs Ms. Rose Andom, Mayor Michael Hancock and Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen welcomed the guests and shared their passion and dedication to ensuring victims and their children can find hope and healing at the Rose Andom Center. Highlights of the evening included an exciting silent and live auction, featuring Seth Myers tickets with airfare to New York, and the presentation of the Maggie and Mitch Morrissey Community Leadership Award to former Colorado Attorney General Cynthia Coffman, for her leadership and support of the Rose Andom Center.
The evening was capped off by keynote speaker, Diane Millich. Diane is Southern Ute tribal member and founder of the nonprofit Our Sister’s Keeper. She shared her personal journey from domestic violence victim to survivor to advocate. Her experience was a glaring example of why tribes needed the authority to prosecute non-Indian perpetrators who abuse Native American victims. Diane’s advocacy was key in providing that authority as one of the major revisions included in the 2013 reauthorized of the Violence Against Women Act, where she also had the honor of introducing Vice President Biden at the signing ceremony.
Our thanks to all the Gala Committee members, whose creativity and hours of dedication ensured the evenings’ success! Special thanks to the event co-chairs Heather Rule-Grady, Karen Niparko and Veronique Van Gheem, as well as Melissa Lindsley for her work on the theme design and production.
