DPS Foundation gala
“It’s crazy to think,” said Daniel Ramirez, “that just three years ago I was standing before you as a senior at North High School. Today I am inmy third year at the University of Colorado Denver, studying biology on a premed track, with plans to become a doctor.”
Ramirez was addressing the 1,000 guests at a dinner celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Denver Public Schools Foundation and the 15th year of the foundation’s signature fundraiser, the Achieve Gala.
An outstanding scholar and football player, Ramirez had been the student speaker at the 2014 Achieve Gala. He credits connections made that night with helping him get to where he is today.
“I owe such a debt to the foundation, and especially to (former) Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia and Barbara Grogan. They’re two great leaders who changed my life.”
Grogan’s daughter, Holiday Goodreau, had been among those chairing the 2014 gala and Grogan had been so impressed with Ramirez’s remarks that night that she offered to open whatever doors she could to be sure he could fulfill his college dreams.
Manual High School senior Elijah Beauford-wright was this year’s student speaker, and like his predecessor, received a standing ovation after telling his story.
Beauford-wright is a member of the Denver Public Schools Student Board of Education, is a member of Manual’s debate team and played varsity football in 2016. He also collaborates with the African-american Task Force while taking both career education and advanced placement classes.
He plans to become a general contractor with the goal of addressing environmental and social issues related to poor-quality, low-income housing. “I want to restore, reform and rebuild,” he said.
Cedric Buchanon, Denver market president for BBVA Compass Bank, and his wife, Kelli, chaired Achieve 2017 with Jennifer and Brian Frenkel, who have two children in the Denver Public Schools. It was held at the Hyatt Regency Convention Center.
“We went to public schools,” Cedric Buchanon said, adding that “Although we don’t have children of our own, we feel very strongly about standing behind public schools and their students. We know that education is a critical component for the overall growth and prosperity of Denver. As people of color, we know the importance of helping and giving voice to vulnerable communities.”
Veronica Figoli, the foundation’s president and chief executive officer, helped board chair Craig Umbaugh welcome such VIP guests as Lt. Gov. Donna Lynne; Superintendent Tom Boasberg; Leanna Clark, a vice chancellor at the University of Colorado and chair-elect of the foundation board; Board of Education president Anne Bye Rowe; University of Colorado president Bruce Benson; Denver City Councilwoman Kendra Black; and Robinwittenstein, the new chief executive at Denver Health.
Other guests included Sam and Nancy Gary; Blair and Kristin Richardson; Dr. Steve Berman and Elaine Gantz Berman; Martha Records and Rich Rainaldi; Alpine Bank president Norm Franke; Ron and Cillewilliams; Marti Awad; Don Mares and Rob and Lola Salazar.
The $1.13 million that was raised will help the foundation continue its support for things like fitness and leadership devel- opment programs that take place after the school day ends; college and career-readiness sessions; and the A to Z Fund, which ensures that teachers don’t have to dig into their own pockets to pay for field trips, to purchase musical instruments and books, and to send students to academic competitions.