Author: Joanne Davidson Special to Colorado Politics

CLAYTON EARLY LEARNING Denver News: When Cindy Schulz completed her nine-years of service on Clayton Early Learning’s board of trustees – a tenure that included two terms as board chair – her colleagues, along with Clayton’s president and chief executive officer William Browning, wanted to thank her in a meaningful and long-lasting way. So they…

COLORADO SYMPHONY Denver News: Cynthia Erivo has seemingly been everywhere following her starring role in “Wicked:” Performing at the Academy Awards and the Grammys; hosting the 2025 Tony Awards; and completing a concert tour with stops in cities that include Houston, Boston and St. Petersburg, Fla. In addition, she’s soon to be featured in the…

DENVER KIDS Denver News: Friends of Denver Kids, some 600 strong, were happy to rise and shine on May 7, gathering at 7:30 a.m. in Seawell Ballroom for a fundraising breakfast that also celebrated the students whose lives have been enhanced by the programs and services offered by the nonprofit organization. Two Denver Kids alumnae…

FIREFLY AUTISM Lakewood News: Starting when his son, Duke, was diagnosed with autism at age 3, Christopher Male has been dedicated to driving meaningful change within the autism community. Forbes, the New York Times, CNBC, and TechCrunch have publicized his groundbreaking efforts. On May 8, the co-founder and managing partner of the Autism Impact Fund…

OPERA COLORADO Englewood News: Encore, Opera Colorado’s 2025 fundraising gala, didn’t just celebrate the end to another successful season. It doubled as a token of appreciation for Greg Carpenter and his two decades of inspirational leadership. Carpenter joined Opera Colorado in 2004 and, according to gala chairs Maron and Don Hindman and board chair Richard…

MILE HIGH UNITED WAY Denver News: Anyone who still thinks that women who refuse to be disrespected, mistreated or paid less than their male counterparts can be dismissed as pushy, bossy or rude was in for a big surprise at Mile High United Way’s 26th Women United Luncheon. When board of trustees member Tatiana Arguello,…

WOMEN’S VOICES FUND Denver News: There is something about wearing a hat that gives one a certain air. It can be an air of confidence, an air of sass, an air of determination – or all three. So it was no surprise to see each of the 660 guests at Hattitude, a fundraising luncheon raising…

PEPPER’S SENIOR DOG SANCTUARY Littleton News: Works by artists affiliated with the Wellsprings STARS Community, Firefly Autism, Garden Autism and the JeffCo Schools Transition Program will be for sale at a May 30 benefit for Pepper’s Senior Dog Sanctuary. The drop-in event runs from 4-8 p.m. at Access Gallery, 909 Santa Fe Drive, Denver. In…

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…

ACHIEVEMENT REWARDS FOR COLLEGE SCIENTISTS Denver News: Kathleen Springer and Jeff Pigati, the Denver-based U.S. Geological Survey research geologists whose discovery and dating techniques of fossilized human footprints in White Sands National Park upended traditional models about the peopling of the Americas, were honored when Colorado chapter of the ARCS Foundation held its annual fundraising…