Ever Upward 2009 Brings in Lots of LOVE & LAUGHTER

Triumphant Women: Angela Schneider, Lisza Gulyas, Jill Farquhar, Angie Austin and Triumphant Women Hostess: Edie Marks

Excelsior's LOVE & LAUGHTER gala really lived up to its name this year thanks to the generosity of many people. With our girlie-girlie pink, black & white theme in the silent auction and dining room, our truly Triumphant Women presentation with help from Edie Marks, the ever popular Gary Corbett's entertaining live auction and the DCPA's GIRLS ONLY performance, we were thrilled with the event. A very special thanks to Chris Parente of The Deuce, FOX 31 for serving as our energized and enthusiastic emcee.

Though the proceeds are less than anticipated, we hope to net more than $80,000 from the event. Our thanks to Honorary Chair, Frances Owens, and Co-Chairs, Dana Berry, public relations consultant, and Jennifer Williams, publisher of Colorado Homes & Lifestyles magazine, and their dedicated committee members for their hours of planning and dreaming.

Many thanks to Presenting Sponsor Land Rover Denver East.

Excelsior Youth Center's 2009 Ever Upward gala took place May 15th at the Hyatt Regency DTC with the theme of Love & Laughter: 36 Years of Changing Girls' Lives.

At the Gala, Excelsior and Edie Marks, hostess, honored four triumphant women for overcoming significant challenges to achieve successful careers. The women include: Angie Austin, weather anchor for Channel 2 News; Lisza Gulyas, director of events for The Cable Center; Jill Farquhar, owner and jewelry designer of J. Skaar Collections and Angela Schneider, former Excelsior student who is now a therapist in northern California. Visit www.excelsioryc.org/triumwomen.html for these triumphant women's bios. Inspirational videos highlighting each Triumphant Woman were filmed by Steve Feld, Imagine That! Entertainment. Feld graciously donated his extraordinary services. Thank you, Steve!

The evening's hilarious entertainment was provided by GIRLS ONLY - The Secret Comedy of Women, an original comedy that celebrates the honor, truth, humor and silliness of being a girl. The show is currently playing at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.

Chris Parente, morning reporter for The Deuce FOX 31, emceed the event and cheered on his cohort Angie Austin as she received her triumphant woman award.

A live auction, conducted by Gary Corbett, featured hot-ticket items, including: breakfast at the fire station with Mr. April (Jason Hehn, The Children's Hospital firefighter calendar); a girls getaway for a cowgirls weekend; a trip to Maui; a fly fishing excursion with the Governor; and an Arizona golfing trip. Additionally, Corbett encouraged guests to donate nearly $24,000 to Excelsior's Wellness Initiative to keep the girls physically active.

Our patron party on May 6th to honor our sponsors and Triumphant Women was hosted by Mary and Don Elliman. What an extraordinary view from their Greenwood Village mountain-top home!

Please call if you want to serve on the Coordinating Committee for next year's gala! This fun group meets monthly for lunch beginning this summer. If so, please call 303-693-1550 x226 or email Kathyg@excelsioryc.org.

Co-chair: Jennifer Williams, Honorary Chair: Frances Owens, Co-Chair: Dana Berry

Honorary Chair: Frances Owens, Auctioneer: Gary Corbett, Triumphant Woman 2008: Glory Weisberg

GIRLS ONLY: Kotex Craft Corner

Click here to see the stories of our Triumphant Women 2009

 

Ever Upward: Love & Laughter 2008 Excelsior Youth Center's 2008 Ever Upward gala with Janet Elway serving as honorary chair was a tremendous success, grossing over $210,000. More than 380 guests enjoyed the festivities. With the theme, Love & Laughter: 35 Years of Changing Girls' Lives, the gala honored five local, triumphant women for overcoming significant challenges to achieve successful careers. The women include: Victoria Aguilar, Lannie Garrett, Denise Stephenson-Hawk, Christine Soto and Glory Weisberg. The event included a wildly fast paced live auction conducted by Gary Corbett. Presenting sponsor Land Rover Denver East donated a two-year lease on a Range Rover Sport valued at $27,000 for the live auction. Kathy Buckley, five-time nominee for best female comedienne in America, provided the humor and a personal testimonial as the evening's featured entertainment. All funds raised will benefit the educational needs for the girls residing at Excelsior Youth Center, one of the largest residential treatment centers for troubled girls in the country. Here's what people are saying about Ever Upward 2008: "Featuring successful women who overcame adversity says it all. I thought this was excellent." "I'm anxious to hear the results of Ever Upward- it was WONDERFUL!" As our Auctioneer, Gary Corbett was asked for his evaluation of Ever Upward. He writes: "The auctioneer was handsome, debonair, witty and much younger in person than in home movies." That's Denver's favorite auctioneer! " All I can say is that given everything that was one of the best events I have seen in a while. There was a good mix of everything and everyone in attendance. Hopefully, it was a financial success, too!" One of our honorees writes: " The excitement of the gala is still lingering for me. It was a marvelous night- great friends, good food, terrific entertainment. A class act. I feel very honored to have been a part of this event, to have been chosen to stand beside the other triumphant women and stand in recognition of the important work of Excelsior. I overcame barriers with the love and support of family and friends. The girls served by Excelsior will do the same because this is what is provided to them- family and friends. I feel that I'm part of the family, now, too." Christine Soto Cindy Hansen, Susan Vick and Wendy Warren served as co-chairs for Ever Upward. Their committee included: Roni Atlas, Brian Bernard, Deni Brotherton, Gary Corbett, Marisa Escobedo, Pam Ferguson, Tammi Fowler, Joan Gabrielson, Kathy Graveley, Vonna Gregory, Deb Griffin, Bill and Sally Harvey, Gloria Johnston, Martye Kendrick, Bill and Jackie Lane, Jerry Maglio, Aquilla McKnight, Pam Roth, Molly Ross, Regina Serna, Susan Vick, Glory Weisberg, Laurie Wronski.

 

Ever Upward 2007: Rebuilding Lives/Constructing Dreams!

Janet Elway Dives In As Excelsior's Honorary Chair Janet Elway, former Olympic swimmer from Stanford University, served as Honorary Chair of Excelsior Youth Center's annual gala, Ever Upward. With a theme of Rebuilding Lives, Constructing Dreams, the $100,000 proceeds from the May 11th event directly serve the young women as Excelsior builds a new teen center and adjacent outdoor swimming pool. "I endorse the addition of the swimming pool because I am a passionate believer that pools bring health to mind, body and spirit," Elway explains. "There is a meditational, soothing factor that water gives as well as offering a wonderful way to get in shape." Elway says she chose to serve as Honorary Chair "because my heart and desire lives with helping to make children, teens and young adults better - especially for those who have experienced more than their share of upset and heartache." "Our thanks to Janet for sharing her passion with our girls," says Joan Gabrielson, Excelsior's Executive Director. "The new Teen Center and Swimming Pool will teach our girls about healthy use of leisure time. The Center will include an area for strength training & aerobic workout machines and a large meeting space for activities. The swimming pool has been an Excelsior dream for many years and it will provide additional exercise opportunities and skill development and it will cool us off in the summer. It will be large enough to qualify for swim competition," said Gabrielson. Thank You to the Ever Upward 2007 Committee! Co-Chairs: Cindy Hansen, Wendy Warren

Glory Us- Surprise Honor 2006

Glory Weisberg, Society Editor for The Villager Newspapers for over 20 years, was surprised Wednesday evening (February 1st) with a special tribute dinner in her honor by the fundraising committee of Excelsior Youth Center.

"Glory accurately and passionately tells the stories of the hectic, non-stop world of Denver's charity events. She engages her readers to 'see & feel' the missions of hundreds of non-profit agencies throughout the metro area," explains Joan Gabrielson, Excelsior's Executive Director. "We're particularly grateful for her treatment of Excelsior Youth Center's activities through her meaningful stories and photos. Thanks, Glory!"

Assisting in the plot to surprise Glory at the Excelsior dinner was her husband Dave. "I credit the strong support from my husband, Dave, for much of my Villager success as he has patiently stood behind my efforts and aided them physically and emotionally," said Glory. "I typically turn in around 3,000 words and about 20 photos per week as Society Editor, covering about 5-8 events per week."

Born in Rochester, NY and raised in Texas, Glory moved to Denver in 1959 where she joined the journalism club at Denver's East High School. She received an education degree from the University of Denver and taught briefly until her first pregnancy forced her retirement. "The Denver school policies then in place required me to quit as I was not able to return to the classroom until my youngest child would be two or more years of age." Glory remained active in her children's schools in both Denver and Cherry Creek. Steven resides in Denver while Liz, her husband and two children live in Northern California.

"I have accomplished many goals, recognizing what I have mostly downplayed, that I am a lifelong asthmatic who spent much of my childhood out of school due to multiple battles with pneumonia and bronchitis. My motto is to eat the rainbow, avoiding my own numerous allergies." Glory is particularly passionate about her anti-smoking campaign through GASP, Group to Alleviate Smoking Pollution. Additionally, Glory is a life member of Hadassah and has been a volunteer speaker on the Anti Defamation League and considers herself an expert on the Holocaust and bigotry. She says 'life is good.'

In the community, Glory is active with the Creating Caring Community, an anti-bullying nonprofit that heightens awareness of the psychological effects on bullied students. Additionally, she has participated actively with the Cancer League, National Council of Jewish Women, American Heart Association Hearts for Life Guild, Project Safeguard, Families First and the Kempe Children's Foundation.

Glory was the honored guest at the dinner hosted by Excelsior's committee for its annual gala Ever Upward. Colorado First Lady, Frances Owens, attended the dinner as she serves as Honorary Chair of Ever Upward. Co-Chairs of Ever Upward Wendy Warren and Cindy Hansen presented Glory with a framed photo of Excelsior students in recognition of her dedicated service to both Excelsior and the Denver community. Proceeds from Ever Upward slated for May 19th will benefit activities for the girls at Excelsior Youth Center, the largest residential treatment center in the country for girls, ages 11-18. For ticket information call 303-693-1550x226 or www.excelsioryc.org.

Lawtons Honored for Scholarship Support

Molly Ross and Bill Lane, Co-Chairs of EverUpward

The Lawtons were honored for their contributions to the scholarship program as special guests at Excelsior’s major fundraising event, Ever Upward on Friday, May 13th at the Wildlife Experience Museum. Rhonda and Tommy Vickers of Castle Pines Village served as Honorary Chairs of the event. The live auction featuring Gary Corbett, auctioneer, followed dinner. Excelsior girls provided a variety of entertainment at the conclusion of the evening including the award winning Step Team. Proceeds from the event will benefit activities for the girls residing at Excelsior Youth Center. More than $25,000 was raised from the guests specifically to support Excelsior's scholarship program.

It’s an extraordinarily difficult group: teenage girls with troubled pasts, little formal education, sporadic school attendance, low test scores and most have never participated in school sports or recreational activities. Instead, their lives have focused on drugs, street survival or criminal activity. But Excelsior Youth Center changes their view of the world and that’s why Excelsior works for these girls, many of whom have lived in a dozen or more placements before coming here.

"I can follow my dream now that Excelsior is helping me financially. No way could I pay. No way," explains 20+ year old Amanda, a former Excelsior student who is earning A’s at Red Rocks Community College while she explores which four-year school she will soon attend.

Despite their troubled pasts, many of Excelsior’s successful graduates chose to further their education and they apply to the Center’s scholarship program available to all former clients. More than 70 have received funds over the past 15 years to pay for tuition, books and room/board as well as non-traditional scholarship needs such as utility bills, child care, uniforms, gasoline and auto insurance. Other Excelsior scholars have attended, among others, Community College of Aurora, Community College of Denver, Front Range Community College, Colorado State University, Azusa Pacific University, Hawaii Pacific University, New Mexico State University, Rochester Institute of Technology, San Jose State University and Dominican University of California.

Tommy and Rhonda Vickers, Honorary Chairs

Amy and John Lawton, Special Honorees in 2005

Clay shooting with Excelsior's Matt Rivera is always a popular item at the auction. 2004's lucky recipients were Lindsay Hickel and Jane Gilbert.

Guests who attended Ever Upward on May 13th had a chance to bid on thousands of dollars worth of donated services, items, trips and priceless opportunities.

Among the items for auction:

Clay shooting for two including shot guns, shells, target fees and lunch is available again this year thanks to our own Matt Rivera, Excelsior's accountant.

Other items include:

Granite slab for kitchen or bath remodeling from Stone Craft, Inc., valued at $5,000!

Landscape design package complete with trees, shrubs, flowers from various nurseries valued at $1,500.

Hot Air Balloon ride for two in metro Denver area donated by Pilot Dewey Reinhard.

Bronze sculpture piece entitled THE GIFT created by our own Honorary Chairman, Rhonda Vickers, valued at $3,600.

Jim Benemann, KCNC TV anchorman, will record a personalized message on your home or office phone voice messaging system.

One week in privately owned Mexican home in sleepy, quiet Cabo Pulmo, 1 ½ hours north of Cabo San Lucas. Snorkeling, diving and exploring the living coral reef and enjoying freshly caught sea food are among the treasures of traveling to this remote part of Mexico. Home sleeps 12 and would make a terrific location for a family reunion. Valued at $2,000 for the week.

Bewitched Broom used in the filming of the new movie BEWITCHED by Nicole Kidman and Will Farrell is available thanks to Reggie McDaniel, KOA radio personality and film critic. Value: priceless. Speaking of priceless, Reggie has offered to take a guest to a movie and lunch as part of our auction.

Sanctuary Golf package for 4 guests is available for a minimum bid of $1,200.

EXCELSIOR: EVER UPWARD 2005!

EXCELSIOR: EVER UPWARD, this year's fundraising dinner to benefit Excelsior Youth Center, is slated for Friday, May 13, 2005 at the Wildlife Experience, Lincoln and Peoria in Parker. Rhonda and Tommy Vickers of Castle Pines Village serve as Honorary Chairs. Amy and John Lawton of Greenwood Village will be honored for their significant and long standing contributions to Excelsior's higher education scholarship program. The live auction featuring Gary Corbett, auctioneer, will follow dinner. Excelsior girls will provide a variety of entertainment at the conclusion of the evening. Cost is $150 per person or $250 per patron that includes an invitation to the Patron Party on May 4th hosted by Rutt Bridges at the downtown Denver Dry Tea Room. Proceeds from the event will benefit activities for the girls residing at Excelsior Youth Center. Reservations are required. Excelsior is utilizing the hot air balloon theme to depict 'ever upward' as symbolic of the girls' phenomenal success while receiving treatment and education at the center. For more information please log onto www.excelsioryc.org. or call Excelsior, 303-693-1550 x 226.

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