AURORA INTERFAITH COMMUNITY SERVICES

Aurora

NEWS: That sigh of relief emanating from an office at 1553 Clinton St. in Aurora on Monday morning? It was the Aurora Interfaith Community Services staff when it became apparent that income from AICS’s annual gala had exceeded its goal by 30%.

While an exact figure is still being calculated, event chair Steve Edmonds and executive director Christina Stimson could announce that “An Evening in Provence,” held Aug. 7 at the Franciscan Event Center in Centennial, brought in over $90,000, with $24,400 coming from live auction bidding and $8,000 from a paddle-raise.

“The silent auction items did well, with everything selling and many of the items going for near-value or above,” Edmonds said. Additional donations, he added, are still coming in.

One of the most popular live auction items was a dinner with Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman, which Edmonds and his partner, Daniel Kopnisky, will prepare and hold at their home. The eight seats sold for $250 each.

Coffman pointed out that Aurora is the 51st largest city in the United States and, as such, has issues and needs that organizations like AICS can address. “This organization has done so much for those in need,” Coffman said, “and tonight is all about helping those in need.”

Former state Rep. Debbie Stafford did double duty as auctioneer and mistress of ceremonies. She was filling in for the couple that was supposed to be the emcees—Poonam Moore, featured designer on HGTV’s Rico to the Rescue, and her husband, Everett Moore, who has been a first responder for 14 years and member of Poonam’s By Design team.

“They were stranded by Hurricane Debby on Martha’s Vineyard,” Stafford said. “So, tonight you’ve got Hurricane Debbie of Colorado.” Stafford is now a faith-based coordinator and legislative director at Aurora Mental Health & Recovery.

About the organization: Aurora Interfaith Community Services is a nonprofit agency dedicated to feeding the hungry and providing supportive services, including assistance with electrical and water utility bills, school supplies, employment and transportation, to residents of Aurora and Denver. In the past year, AICS served over 40,000 people and provided some $80,000 in utility bill assistance.

Website: aurorainterfaithcommunityservices.org

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