AROUND TOWN: Casino night rakes in chips for Starlight kids

The Colorado Starlight Children's Foundation's "Casino Night of Stars" was so much fun that organizers did the whole thing twice ... unintentionally.

Ready to go on April 17, chips in hand, they were stymied by a big spring snowstorm.

The evening of May 15 proved much kinder when 230 guests arrived at the Masonic Temple for dinner, a silent auction and just-for-fun gaming. An estimated $30,000 was raised "to brighten the lives of seriously ill children and their families."

Board member John Harding and Starlight's Southern Colorado Director Robin McKinney shared with attendees that their grassroots effort "lets the kids be kids" and allows families to get out and experience regular family things together. It provides fun centers and toy rooms in the children's hospitals, gives each child a bear when they're first admitted to the hospital and makes it possible for families to have great escapes and leave hospitals to go to places like the zoo or Santa's Workshop.

"We're involved with the children we serve," said Harding, inviting guests "to love our children like we do."

It's all personal for McKinney, whose son had his first heart surgery when he was 10 days old. However, she said, "One day, May 26, 2004, doesn't define who I am or who he is." She bought a toy for him when he was born "to always remember he's a child and needs to experience childlike things. That's what Starlight does." Her son, Jack, gets another toy when he has his next surgery.

After guests learned about the Starlight mission they headed for the tables.

Local media celebrities put on their sternest big-bad-dealer faces as they learned to "double down" and "hit me," raking in thousands of chips and lots of laughter.

Demonstrating their new skills were Stacia Naquin, Woody Powers, Branden Bohrmanns, Stephanie Ross, Eric Lupher, Matt Kruger, Samantha Anderson, Tammy Oakland, Jessie James and Sean Hauser.

When an Elvis impersonator took the stage, Harding had time to find his family, which was having a grand time at the tables.

The night's presenting sponsor was Envision Radiology. Serving as hosts, clearing off tables and doing necessary chores were volunteers from the Air Force Academy.

Among the table sponsors were Del and Kristi Creps, Wendy Pifher, Peggy McFarland, Jack and Ann Riddle and Beth and Steve Moyski.

JDRF Promise Ball

Traditionally a high point in the busy nonprofit-events season, the May 9 Promise Ball didn't fail.

Dealing deftly with some last-minute changes, organizers welcomed 300 black-tie guests to The Broadmoor and raised more than $320,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and its work.

The evening's honorees were Bob and Judy Mollo. They have been friends of local JDRF founder Dr. Mike Barber and his daughter, Margo, since 1993, and, said Barber, they were among the first to be there when Margo was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. "They have always been among the first to support Margo," he said. They are passionate about the foundation's search for a cure for all children and adults who live with type 1 diabetes, Barber told the audience.

Mollo, who became a full-time volunteer in groups across the community after he retired, turned the tables on those trying to honor him and his wife, saying, "It is I who should be humbled."

Once again the Promise Ball set the gold standard for silent and live auctions.When an adorable Yorkie puppy went up for bids, Bob Norris raised the paddle until he topped out at $2,600. Then he quietly donated the puppy back for further bids and it was sold again, this time for $2,100. Shelley Cooper became the lucky new owner.

Longtime supporter Tim Hoiles teamed with Lorie Mondo to donate a plethora of live auction items, inclucing a stay at The Broadmoor, a gourmet dining experience and a Porsche for the weekend, and a dream driving experience at the Lotus Performance Driving School.

The Mollos offered up a cocktail gathering for 50 at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo - at sunset.

A group of 16 will go to the Gayle Beshears home for a dinner by "Southern California Chef of the Year" Jamie West, executive chef at the AAA Five Diamond Ojai Valley Resort and Spa. Top bid was $8,500. Joining Beshears as donors were Andi and Greg Chernushin, Michael and Angie Barber, Bob and Pattie Smith, Cravings Catering, Diana Anderson and the chef.

The evening's top sponsors included GE Johnson Construction and Tom Cobb Jr.

Down Syndrome Association

Volunteers and community sponsors of the Colorado Springs Down Syndrome Association were treated to an appreciation dinner April 30 at Phantom Canyon.

Special recognition went to Jim Faber and Gina Smits. Faber, who has been active in CSDSA for four years, is the father of four children. One of his sons, Alex, has Down syndrome.

Smits, whose son John David has Down syndrome, hosts the New Parent Group and helps with Parent Mentors. She and her husband, Jason, have three children.

Team Emily Allen was the top Buddy Walk team.

Board members are John Donohoe, Julie Harmon, Rob Wrubel, Heather Mitchell, Jim Faber, Diane Dumas, John Hughes, Doug Haug, Catherine Krause, Dave Meeks and Julie Cecil.

Daniels Fund grants

The Daniels Fund has announced $3.8 million in grants to programs serving youths and the aged.

Area recipients were Cheyenne Village, Mental Health America of Pikes Peak Region Resource Advocate Program, Speed T & F and The HillSprings Learning Center Inc., Harrison School District 2 Professional Development Pilot Project.

Hank Brown, who served as president and CEO of the Daniels Fund before his appointment as president of the University of Colorado in 2005, was elected board chairman.

Program areas eligible for grants through the Daniels Fund fall under the categories of: Aging, Alcoholism & Substance Abuse, Amateur Sports, Disabilities, Education, Homeless & Disadvantaged and Youth Development.

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Send information about nonprofit events and fundraisers to
 linda.navarro@gazette.com or mail to Linda Navarro, P.O. Box 1779, Colorado Springs, 80901.