SEEN: Elaine Asarch feted by Conservancy
When she saw the success groups like the Central Park Conservancy, the Battery Park Conservancy and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy had in revitalizing parks in New York and California, Elaine Asarch didn’t just ask herself why no one in Denver hadn’t taken steps to bring new life to Civic Center Park.
She took action. Asarch — an artist, interior designer and longtime member of Historic Denver — assembled a group of like-minded friends to help her start the Civic Center Conservancy.
That was in 2004, and since that time the nonprofit organization has made major strides in securing the infrastructure improvements and expanded safety and maintenance programs that have breathed new life into the park that was designated a National Historic Landmark — Denver’s first — in 2012.
To honor her vision, passion and commitment, the Civic Center Conservancy presented the first Elaine Asarch Award to her at a fundraising gala held earlier this month in the McNichols Civic Center Building.
“When we turn a park around, we plant the metaphorical seed,” Asarch said. “Great parks make great cities by giving a soul and a voice to the community.”
Or, as the conservancy’s executive director Lindy Eichenbaum Lent observed: “By offering spaces for people from different backgrounds to come together for shared experiences, you open hearts and minds. This is how you build an empathetic com- munity.”
Lent pointed out that proceeds from last year’s gala funded 191 days of programming in Civic Center Park, activities that included Civic Center EATS, the Independence Eve concert and fireworks display, Civic Center MOVES and Civic Center Cinema.
The 2017 gala netted $175,000, money that will be used to enhance existing programs and add such new ones as Art in the Park.
Liane and Robert Clasen chaired the 2017 gala with Cindy and Jack Parsons. The sold-out event began with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres on the patio outside the McNichols Building entry, giving the 330 guests a chance to admire the Miko Iwasaki art that inspired the evening’s theme, Opening Doors to the City.
Mayor Michael Hancock was among the dignitaries present, joining such colleagues as Happy Haynes, executive director of Denver Parks and Recreation; Kent Rice, who heads Denver Arts & Venues; City Attorney Kristin Bronson; City Council president Albus Brooks and City Councilman Chris Herndon.
Conservancy board chair Chris Frampton and his wife, Yvette Pita Frampton, and fellow trustees Chris Castilian, Rex Carpenter, Bruce James, Susan Noble, Marcus Pachner, Marvin Wilkinson, Ferd Belz, Howard Boigon and Bruce Heitler were extending a welcome to supporters that included Donald Austin, the new vice president at Suncor Energy’s Commerce refinery; SCFD executive director Deborah Jordy; Essie Perlmutter and her daughter, Lisa Cook; Chris Smith and Amy Meyer Smith, whose Infiniti of Denver was a sponsor of the gala; Northern Trust president John Couzens with his wife, Melinda; Katherine Gold, president/CEO of Goldbug, Inc.; and Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce chief Kelly Brough with husband David Kenney.
Others enjoying the dinner catered by Occasions and music by Spinphony were past gala chairs Mardi and Brown Cannon; Robyn Loup; Lee Kay; Marlin Barad; Barry and Arlene Hirschfeld; Trygve and Vicki Myhren; former District Attorney Mitch Morrissey and his wife, Maggie; Sunny Brownstein; Shannon Gifford and Jerry Glick; Larimer Associates CEO Jeff Hermanson; and members of the honoree’s family: Dr. Richard Asarch; Debbie and Cameron Fitch, Nicole and Chad Asarch, Anna and David Asarch, Brynn and J.J. Asarch; Jonah Landy and Tessa Landy.