AROUND TOWN: Storm threat doesn't stop garden gala

Dark, menacing clouds and a late-afternoon monsoon alert didn't scare away a hardy group of 400 who headed for Rock Ledge Ranch at Garden of the Gods on Aug. 8.

By the end of the 13th annual "Gala in the Garden," the clouds cleared for a brilliant sunset and folks dressed for island fun had raised almost $20,000 for the Trails and Open Space Coalition. The nonprofit works to preserve open space and rural land and create a network of trails, bikeways and greenways in the Pikes Peak region.

With a mighty "Aarrrrgghhh," a band of scary pirates invaded the site. Off came the eye patches and beards and they turned back into members of the Colorado Springs Cycling Club.

There were island dishes from Blue Sage Catering, island refreshments from Mark Cunningham of West One Group and Bristol Brewing Company and island music by Pulpit Fiction. Limber types tried the hula, limbo, hula hoops and a surfer contest.

The silent auction drew bids for original art, overnight stays, restaurants, adventures and a plethora of outdoor equipment.

Police golf tourney

Golfers were not deterred.

"The contrast in weather was mindboggling. Aug. 1 was one of the record-breaking hot days of the year and Aug. 15 was one of the coldest days of the summer," said executive director Robin Rogers, but nearly 150 still showed up to support the Colorado Springs Police Protective Association Annual Fallen Officer's Golf Tournament.

On Aug. 1 they hit the course at Fort Carson; Aug. 15 was at Shining Mountain in Woodland Park.

Monday raised goes into the fund to benefit the survivors of Colorado Springs Police Officers who lose their lives in the line of duty as well as those working in agencies located throughout the Front Range.

"The Colorado Springs Police Protective Association does not engage in telephone solicitation, even though there are organizations aggressively doing so using the CSPPA name," said Rogers. Instead, they put on an annual golf tournament, which is an opportunity for the public to play alongside peace officers.

More than $5,500 was raised.

Major sponsors included Pepsi, Chipotle, Liberty Mutual, Colorado Police Protective Association (CPPA), Shelter Insurance and Neighborhood Lending, Sparks Willson Borges Brandt and Johnson P.C., Radabaugh Barker and Callison, Jeanne Wilson, Edward Jones Investments, Homburg Realty Service Inc., Pat Newell and Associates, Dr. Douglas Raskin and Starbucks.

Tournament organizers were detective Shawn Compton and Rhonda Keller.


Greccio growing

Greccio Housing has 193 apartments in 11 buildings throughout Colorado Springs after the addition of Enfield Apartments at Hancock Avenue and Fillmore Street.

Greccio is a nonprofit providing safe and affordable housing for those with low incomes.

Information: www.greccio.org.

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Send information about nonprofit events and fundraisers to linda.navarro@gazette.com.

SAVE THE DATE

SET Family Medical Clinic 18th anniversary celebration, Sept. 20, Antlers Hilton hotel, $100, guest speaker former Surgeon General Dr. Richard Carmona, 776-8850 or SETofCS.org