Category: Philanthropy in Colorado

FSIR’s Ron Martinez Joins With Thousands To Send Twin Sisters To College

6May 2013

Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty broker Ron Martinez, is one of the founders of the highly successful Denver Derby Party, a benefit which was established to support the Sean “Ranch” Lough Memorial Scholarship Foundation.  As one of many highly involved and passionate supporters of the event – which celebrated its 12th year on Saturday, May 4 – Ron had the honor and pleasure of being one of approximately 5,000 people to take part in a check presentation to Lena Stroud, a senior at South High School, who received a full ride scholarship to attend Colorado State University. What the crowd didn’t expect was a surprise check presentation to Lena’s twin sister Allegra, who also received a full ride scholarship to CSU.  It was a happy day for everyone, especially the twin girls’ mom, Gina, who may still have the biggest smile in Denver right now. Pictured above left to right - Scott Anderson, Lena Stroud, Ron Martinez, Allegra Stroud, Terrance Hunt.

“This is a great way to honor a life that was tragically cut short, and celebrate and support the future endeavors of local high school students,” said Martinez, who helped establish the event in 2001, and works closely with other event sponsors and volunteers to organize and host the Derby Party.  “This year’s event was once again a huge success, especially being able to provide scholarships to the twin sisters, and we’re looking forward to attracting even more support, and helping many more students for years to come!”

With thousands of well-dressed, be-hatted guests, this year’s event was held at the Denver Performing Arts Complex in the outdoor Sculpture Park.  Attendees were able to watch the Churchill Downs Kentucky Derby, while enjoying food and drinks that were donated by several local restaurants and distributors.  The Denver Derby event has been recognized as the largest derby party outside of Kentucky. Even out-of-town visitors walking the streets of downtown Denver were quite impressed by the creative hats, dresses, pinstripes and plaids on display.

Sean (aka “Ranch”) was a dear friend, brother and son who tragically passed away in June of 2001 as a result of a mountain biking accident. A full-ride scholarship is awarded each year to a young individual, such as Lena and Allegra, who exemplifies the qualities “Ranch” possessed:  a high GPA, an economic need, and, most of all, a generous personality and a love for life.

The Derby Party operates solely on volunteer time, energy and commitment, so there are very few operating expenses. The founders of this event are proud to say that 100% of the proceeds benefit the scholarship given in the name of Sean Lough. The Sean “Ranch” Lough Foundation hosts and committee members volunteer their time, and the scholarship funds are deposited into CSU’s 501(c)3 and are managed by the school’s endowment manager. The hosts and their sponsors would like to tell everyone who attended that they are grateful for their continued support and – see you next year “rain or shine!”

Information about the Denver Derby Party, and sponsorship opportunities for next year’s event, can be found at www.denverderby.com.

Sotheby’s International Realty Sponsors Colorado Ballet’s “Dancing With Our Stars”

22Apr 2013

Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty (FSIR) served as Silver Sponsor at the recent Colorado Ballet Auxiliary’s 2013 Balletto di Gala, “Dancing With Our Stars”.  FSIR, a leader in the sale and purchase of luxury residences throughout Colorado, is actively involved in the support of important causes and charitable events throughout the community, including the Balletto di Gala, which took place on April 13 at The Ritz-Carlton in Denver. Pictured below, Artists of Colorado Ballet in the finale. Photo Courtesy – Colorado Ballet.

“One of the most important aspects of our company’s culture is becoming actively involved in the causes that are important to the local community, our clients, our brokers and our company as a whole.” said Scott Webber, President of Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty. “We host or take an active role in dozens of events every year, and it’s our honor and pleasure to do so.”

The “Dancing With Our Stars” gala event benefits the Colorado Ballet, a non-profit organization celebrating more than 50 years of presenting world-class classical ballet and superior dance in Denver.  Under the leadership of Artistic Director Gil Boggs and his artistic team, Colorado Ballet remains committed to producing the highest quality dance.  The 2013-2014 season will feature technically-challenging classical ballet with innovative contemporary premieres.  Colorado Ballet also manages education and outreach programs that are meant to serve in-need students, teachers, families, people with disabilities and lifelong learners in Colorado and make approximately 60,000 community contacts each year.

FSIR’s Debra Fagan Enlists The Fray’s Joe King To Help Raise Money For Roundup River Ranch

11Apr 2013

Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty (FSIR) broker Debra Fagan enlisted the help of headlining artist Joe King (Guitar/Vocals for The Fray) to participate in an auction item benefitting Roundup River Ranch – a camp where kids with chronic and life-threatening illnesses can truly enjoy the joys of childhood for free – forever.

On Monday, March 11, Joe King visited the 7th grade class at St. Mary’s Academy thanks to Todd Bondy, VP of Murray Motors, and his wife, Heather, who were the high bidders for Joe’s classroom visit at the City Slicker Soiree live auction last October to benefit Roundup River Ranch.
Todd and Heather’s daughter, Maddie, and her 7th grade classmates hosted Joe’s visit.

“Joe delighted the class with stories of growing up in Aurora and Arvada, forming The Fray with classmates, and getting the call from U2 inviting The Fray to open their world tour,” says Fagan. “The kids had so many questions Joe could not answer all of them. It was quite an eventful day. I was happy to have orchestrated the auction item which helped raise a great deal of money for Roundup River Ranch, and am so thankful for Joe’s participation.”

Debra Fagan of FSIR chaired the City Slicker Soiree for the second year in a row, raising nearly $150,000 for the camp in 2012 and plans to continue her involvement through 2013. The City Slicker Soiree was also sponsored in part by Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty. This year’s event is scheduled for October 19, 2013. For more information on Roundup River Ranch visit roundupriverranch.org. To see what philanthropic work Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty is doing throughout Colorado, visit coloradorealestatedairy.com.

FSIR Brokers Attend Charity Dinner Hosted By Frank Bonanno To Benefit Roundup River Ranch

9Apr 2013

Frank Bonanno, the owner of Mizuna and Luca d’Italian and other great Denver restaurants, has been the lead chef for the City Slicker Soiree, a gala benefit for Roundup River Ranch chaired by Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty Broker Debra Fagan for three years. Roundup River Ranch is a member of the SeriousFun Children’s Network founded by Paul Newman. SeriousFun children’s Network is a growing global family of camps and programs that provides life-changing experiences to children with serious illnesses, always free of charge.

This year Frank stepped up at the gala and donated a private dinner for 12 at Mizuna as one of the premiere auction items. FSIR Broker Wendy Handler and friend, Betsy Crane were the high bidders.  Last night, Wendy, Betsy, and their guests (Peg Crombleholme, Dr. Lia Gore, Dr. Siobhan Zane, Amy Middlekauff, Karen Gottesfeld, Kathy Duda, Jill Rennent, Cristina Cenciarelli, FSIR Brokers Susan Sweeney, and Debra Fagan) enjoyed an amazing dinner prepared by Frank Bonanno and Dr. Michael Handler.

Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty is a proud sponsor of the annual City Slicker Soiree and Roundup River Ranch, as well as numerous local charities throughout the community. For ways to get involved in Roundup River Ranch click here. Visit FSIR’s Philanthropy page to see other ways in which FSIR is impacting your local community.

Sotheby’s International Realty’s theCLUB Event: Renowned Artist Bill Gian Paints for Melanoma Research Foundation

3Apr 2013

Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty (FSIR) commissioned renowned local artist Bill Gian to orchestrate a live painting demonstration at recent “theCLUB” event – a dynamic, industry gathering and the first of its kind for the Denver Metro in which fine property experts assemble to share ideas, socialize, and celebrate collaborative success. The live paining, valued at $1,800 dollars was auctioned off with full proceeds benefitting the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF). The silent auction caused quite a stir as industry leaders battled it out, ultimately resulting in two winners, FSIR broker Joyce Paloma and the MRF.

“Our quarterly club event was once again a huge success. The incredible turnout and addition of a Bill Gian masterpiece going up for silent auction to benefit a foundation close to all of our hearts, really brought a new excitement to the gathering,” said Scott Webber, President of Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty. Co-hosted by April Lutz of First American Title, the event included light hors d’oeuvres, wine and beer tasting, as Gian painted his original artwork – inspired by the hustle and bustle of FSIR’s vibrant, new retail space in the heart of Cherry Creek North at 255 Clayton street.

Internationally recognized for his ability to work with different media, Gian is widely known for exhibits at the Guggenheim Museum and American Folk Art Museum in New York. Locally, it is Gian’s 16th Street Mall landmark buffalo sculptures, as well as the Arvada installation of “Squiggles” which have been highly publicized. Bill Gian portraits ranging from $1,200 to $4,200 will adorn the walls of FSIR’s Cherry Creek North location through the month of April. Stop by 255 Clayton Street to admire his collection and pick up a piece for your home, or to discuss real estate opportunities.

For more information on Sotheby’s International Realty’s support of local arts visit www.coloradorealestatediary.com. For real estate services visit www.fullersothebysrealty.com. Photo Credit: Travis Conklin, Noir Concepts. Pictured upper left, Bill Gian at theCLUB event. Pictured Lower Center, FSIR Broker Vafa Sohi (left), Andrew Wasson (middle), Artist Bill Gian chatting up FSIR President Scott Webber (right), Artist Bill Gian with auction winner Joyce Paloma (lower left), FSIR Broker Scott Bernard, FSIR Office Administrator Dani Langfield, and FSIR Broker Dan Fead (lower right).

Sotheby’s International Realty Launches “Come Together” Initiative

13Mar 2013

Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty (FSIR), a leader in the sale and purchase of luxury residences throughout Colorado announced today its first quarterly “Come Together” initiative. In addition to the company’s extensive corporate philanthropy throughout the year, FSIR is now proactively engaging its employees to personally contribute to a specific charity each quarter.

“The goal is to orchestrate a massive assembly of brokers and staff uniting for one cause. We plan to make a powerful impact on the lives of those in need by coming together as a company each quarter and giving back to the community in a big way,” says Shannel Ryan, Vice President of Marketing & Operations at Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty.

To kick off the movement, FSIR will serve as the official wine sponsor at the Wings of Hope for Melanoma Fundraising Gala held April 9, 2013. All donations come directly from FSIR executives, brokers, and staff members on behalf of the initiative. The 2nd Annual Gala benefits the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF), the largest independent organization devoted to melanoma. Committed to the support of medical research in finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma, the MRF also educates patients and physicians about prevention, diagnosis, and the treatment of melanoma – a disease in which young adults ages 25-40 are increasingly being diagnosed.

The cause hits very close to home for FSIR Broker Michelle Seward whose mother passed in 2009 of the disease. “Raising money to help find a cure for melanoma, the most lethal type of skin cancer, is an intensely personal project for me,” says Seward. “We must find a cure for this awful cancer which has become the fastest growing cancer in the world.” To make a donation to MRF visit www.wingsofhopeco.org. To get involved in the 2013 Wings of Hope Gala contact Michelle Seward at 303-886-0670. For more information on Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty’s philanthropic work visit coloradorealestatediary.com

Go Red for Women: Support Women’s Heart Health This Valentine’s Day

7Feb 2013


February is Heart Awareness Month, and once again the American Heart Association (AHA) is giving extra love to women through their Go Red for Women campaign. Since 2004, the AHA has worked to battle women’s heart disease through education, with a sleek website at GoRedForWomen.org where visitors can view colorful infographics relating to heart disease prevention, as well as donate money to fight heart disease. Spreading the word about the number one killer of women is essential to wiping out heart disease forever.

Today, 1 in 4 women dies of heart disease. Significant progress has been made over the last decade however there is still work to be done. The campaign invites mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends to band together, shout louder, stand stronger, and demand change. Prevention tips are listed on the site to provide women with the secret weapons to combatting this powerful disease – Eating healthy, staying active, elevating stress, and eliminating poor habits such as smiling are suggested.

To find out if you are at risk, use this handy online tool to assess your Heart Score. Anyone 20 or older who doesn’t already have heart disease or diabetes, and anyone under 20 with a family member who had heart disease at an early age are encouraged to use this tool. Take the first step in protecting yourself and those you love. Take action and Go Red for women everywhere. For more information, ways to get involved, or to make a donation click here.

Sotheby’s International Realty & Broker Jeff Hendley Help To Raise $1 Million At 2012 Men For The Cure Dinner

27Dec 2012

Jeff Hendley, a top real estate producer at Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty, was a proud sponsor of the 2012 Men for the Cure event held at Centennial Airport on October 16, 2012, to raise funds for the advancement of leading-edge treatments and innovations in patient care for breast cancer patients at University of Colorado Hospital.

Jeff was instrumental in sponsoring the entertainment for the evening, Bad Candy, a local band that really set the stage for the event.  Jeff decided to get involved in breast cancer awareness after his sister-in-law was diagnosed several years ago. “This is a cause near and dear to my heart and the quicker we can raise awareness of this disease and begin to find a cure, the better off we all are.”

Jeff recruited his company, Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty (FSIR) to also get involved by purchasing a table at the event. Proceeds from the individual table purchase benefits breast cancer initiatives at the Diane O’Connor Thompson Breast Center, helping bring nationally recognized cancer treatment to more patients in need.

“We look for causes that greatly impact the betterment of society and those close to us,” says Jeff Hendley. “The women in our lives are at the core of who we are. What better way to honor and support them than getting 500+ men together at an event to raise money and awareness of this dreaded disease.”

The event was a rousing success as 500+ men gathered for cocktails, hor d’oeuvres, and a silent auction, followed by a three-course dinner. The program included Guest Speaker Craig “The Walrus” Stadler, 1982 Masters Champion and Professional Golf Legend.

Sotheby’s Adopts 40 Families and Over 65 Kids from the Heart & Hand Center

11Dec 2012

In the spirit of the holiday season, Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty adopted 40 families and over 65 children in support of the Heart & Hand Center – a foundation dedicated to improving the lives of at risk youth and their families. The center aims at providing a family environment and nurturing possibilities so the heart of a child can become the hand of a community.

“Adopting a family means providing gifts for all family members and a Christmas dinner complete with turkey and sides,” said Emily Henderson, Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty Broker and Advisory Board Member of the Heart & Hand Center. “Heart and Hand is a wonderful organization that truly gives hope to at risk kids and their families in the Five Points neighborhood of Denver. Individual agents at Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty have generously adopted families supported by the Heart and Hand Center for Christmas last year and this year, and the Heart and Hand organization is truly grateful for the Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty support.”

Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty is proud to support local organizations that give back to our community and are touched by the contributions our offices and broker associates make every year. For more information on how you can get involved with Heart & Hand Center for Youth and Their Families, visit heartandhandcenter.org. Photo Courtesy – Heart & Hand

 

 

Crystal Hodge Helps Raise $223,000 at Hope House Gala

28Nov 2012
CRYSTAL HODGE OF SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
HELPS TO RAISE  $223,000 AT 11TH ANNUAL GALA FOR HOPE HOUSE OF COLORADO

 

Crystal Hodge

Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty (FSIR) Broker Associate and Board Member of HopeHouse of Colorado, Crystal Hodge, participated as a table sponsor at the 11th Annual Hope House Gala, Saturday November 17, 2012. Held at the Omni Interlocken Resort, the gala featured a silent auction with more than 200 items, live painting demonstrations by local artist Laurie Maves, a formal dinner, live auction, and dancing. Auction items ranged from Inspirato vacation packages, to a pampering champagne party hosted by Trendz Boutique. To cap off a successful evening, several Hope House teen moms shared their inspirational stories to a crowd of nearly 500 attendees. The event managed to raise over $200,000 for Hope House – a Colorado organization that empowers parenting teenage moms to strive for personal and economic self-sufficiency through residential, mentoring, and GED programs.

“I was blown away by the overwhelming amount of support we received from community leaders and local businesses throughout Denver at this year’s gala. I am honored to be part of such an incredible foundation. I do this because I love giving young mothers the tools they need to succeed in this world,” said Hodge.

Hope House Residents at 2012 Gala

Corporate sponsors included Denver Wire Rope and Supply, Prime Trailer Leasing, TransMontaigne, 1stBank, Foothills Dental Spa, Janie Smith, Lundquist Associates, Iron Mountain, Marquette Companies, MTC Manweiler Telecom Consulting, Inc, The Apartments at Denver Place, Steve & Paula Reynolds, DSC.

Live Auction items donated by Nancy Marquez & Jennifer Tiell & Earl’s Kitchen and Bar on behalf of Trendz Boutique, Art by Laurie Maves, Inspirato, Mark & Carolyn Neely, John & Laurie Scott, Jim Tooley of USA Basketball, Joe & Connie Reding of Arvada Bike Shop and 3 Point Brokers LLC, Rick & Kristi Allen, Mindy Brown and Karen Tucker of Food Guy Catering and Kaylee’s Cleaning LLC, Omni Resorts, Sam & Stacy Houghland, Hess Winery & Norman Rose Tavern. Photo Courtesy – Hope House of Colorado.