Showing the Love
Information and photos courtesy of DCCF
The Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) showed some love for first responders, educators and veterans at its inaugural Hearts and Aces Valentine’s fundraiser on February 13.
The evening of philanthropy started with dinner and was packed with casino-themed fun, including blackjack and poker tables, roulette and craps. “I played blackjack most of the night, but one of my goals for the evening was to learn craps, and I had a blast doing it!” exclaimed Mia Samora, a registered nurse who attended the event.
According to DCCF Executive Director Mike Waid, many of the corporate sponsors forfeited their tickets so that frontline workers who labor tirelessly for our community every day could attend. “I was thrilled to learn that CORE [Electric Cooperative] sponsored my ticket,” said Samora. “They do a lot for the community, and I love seeing companies give back and pay it forward; it’s beautiful,” she said.
Cheers erupted throughout the night from the gaming tables, as event-goers earned chips that would be traded in for raffle tickets at the end of the evening for some great prize baskets. Silent auction items featured several very exclusive whiskey selections from 5280 Whiskey Society, and other gift baskets brought forth “spirited” competitive bidding, all raising money for a good cause. Several local government officials and TV personalities joined in the fun as well.
Samora attended the event at the PACE Center in Parker with her friends, Krista and Kurt Tongren. Krista is the concurrent education director for Douglas County, and her husband is a colonel in the Colorado Air National Guard and the 140th Fighter Wing commander at Buckley AFB. All felt celebrated and appreciated at the event and expressed appreciation for the invitation and complimentary tickets.
“We are so appreciative to all of our sponsors and those who attended,” said Waid. “The funds raised from the event will be used to support our nonprofit partners in Douglas County and will also enhance our recently-established Emergency Relief Fund. Special thanks to CORE Electric Cooperative, The WillStrong Cancer Foundation, Vaughn Law Firm, Douglas County Libraries, Sterling Custom Homes, Black + Haus Tavern, Chamber and EDC of Douglas County, Fidelis Wealth Advisors, Pride Auto Care, Kiewet, Andy & Karyn Jones, Impact Commercial, and Insurance Advisors for your sponsorship support.
“The needs in Douglas County are real,” said Waid, “and we are honored to be stewards of these philanthropic resources.”
