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DPS Foundation Gala celebrates ‘Ode to Our Future’ | NONPROFIT REGISTER

By 04/17/2024 | updated 2 years ago

DENVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOUNDATION

Denver

News: Sara Hazel draws on her days as a student when describing her goal as president and chief executive officer of the Denver Public Schools Foundation.

“I was just an OK student,” she shared with the 940 guests at the DPS Foundation’s 2024 Achieve Gala, “but I had teachers who believed in me” and pushed her to succeed.

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Their encouragement worked.

Hazel earned degrees – and top grades — in sociology and public policy from the University of Oregon and a master’s degree in public administration from DePaul University.

She then spent some 14 years in development and leadership roles for local, national and international nonprofit organizations before being named the DPS Foundation’s president/CEO on Feb. 1. Hazel assumed the foundation’s top role after serving as vice president of development since May, 2020.

In her welcoming remarks, Hazel challenged the gala-goers to “Imagine a Denver where every child, regardless of background or circumstances, has access to a world-class education. A Denver where our public schools are not just buildings but vibrant hubs of learning, innovation, and inspiration. My vision is for our 84,000 students to reach their full potential, thanks to the educators who are the heart and soul of the Denver Public Schools, the ones who do the hard work each and every day.”

The Achieve Gala, with “Ode to Our Future” as its theme, took place on April 11 at the Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center. It was chaired by Angela Baier, chief executive officer at CollegeInvest; Stephen Brackett, executive director of One Denver; Michael Niyompong, executive director of the David & Laura Merage Foundation, and Integral Group principal Deana Perlmutter.

The gala also honored Mile High United Way CEO Christine Benero and educator Fabiola Lozada Hernandez. Benero is a former DPS Foundation board member and a longtime supporter of Denver Public Schools. Hernandez is a bilingual special education teacher at Valdez Elementary School who goes above and beyond to serve her students and their families.

Charlotte Smy (cq), a senior at East High School, and Jaci Collins-Falcón, a junior at Manual High School, were the student emcees. Tyjuan McKnight, a sophomore at East, and Victor Fierro-Rayas, a senior at North High School, were the student speakers.

The Northfield High School Dance Team, with DPS Superintendent Alex Marrero as a guest dancer, closed the evening with a routine set to Jennifer Lopez’s “Let’s Get Loud.”

Net income is still being tallied, but the paddle raise alone, led by Gala Team founder and former Denver Bronco Reggie Rivers, brought in over $300,000.

About the organization: Since its founding in 1992, the Denver Public Schools Foundation has operated as the fundraising partner for the Denver Public Schools, working together to find and fund the highest impact investments. It is considered the portal of philanthropy for community investment in the Denver Public Schools and a critical partner to the district for community engagement.

Website: dpsfoundation.org

Do you have news or announcements for the Nonprofit Register? If you need more information, email nonprofits@coloradopolitics.com, including a contact name and number.

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