VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA

Denver

News: Organizers of Spirit Colorado, Volunteers of America Colorado’s new signature fundraiser, are announcing that philanthropist/conservationist Sue Anschutz-Rodgers will be honored at the June 12 VIP dinner that precedes the food, spirits, and wine festival.

The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 14, on Larimer and 27th streets in the heart of Denver’s RiNo Arts District. It will feature tastings from award-winning chefs and Colorado vintners and distillers, live entertainment with local bands, graffiti art happenings, and other attractions.

Anschutz-Rodgers’ selection was based on her extensive commitment to the people, land and legacy of Colorado, especially the state’s rural and southwestern communities.

Her philanthropic reach includes efforts to combat homelessness, protect Colorado’s ranchlands and expand access to healthcare, education and the arts. She founded Colorado Rural Philanthropy Days, an initiative connecting local nonprofits with statewide funders.

“Sue has poured her heart into every corner of Colorado, from the ranchlands to the city streets,” said Dave Schunk, president/CEO of VOA Colorado. “She doesn’t just support our state, she shapes it. Honoring her at Spirit Colorado is our way of saying thank you for a lifetime of transformational impact.”

As chair and president of the Anschutz Family Foundation, Anschutz-Rodgers has guided thousands of grants across Colorado, many of which have supported nonprofits in underserved and rural areas, such as VOA Colorado’s Southwest Safehouse and Durango Community Shelter.

“I’ve always believed that when you take care of the land and the people you take care of the future,” Anschutz-Rodgers said. “VOA Colorado shares that belief and I’m deeply honored to be recognized by an organization that lifts up so many across this beautiful state.”

She was named Citizen of the West by the National Western Stock Show in 2006 and has been inducted into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame. In addition, she was the recipient of the National Philanthropy Day in Colorado’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Spirit Colorado VIP Dinner on June 12 will take place at Reelworks, 1399 35th St., Denver. The $95 tickets, available at https://spiritcolorado.org, include cocktails, dinner, dancing and auction bidding.

Planners include Sara Christman-Hoyt, Jennifer Daurio, Steve Edmonds, Adrienne Ruston Fitzgibbons, Michelle Gruber, Kelly Littrell, Kate Perreault, Holly Price, Kathy Schunk, Herminia Vigil, Diana Wall and Quinn Washington.

About the organization: Volunteers of America Colorado is a nonprofit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping those in need transform their lives. Its 50 human service programs, which reach over 100,000 people annually, include housing and emergency shelters and hunger-relief and nutrition services.

Website: voacolorado.org

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