Just Imagine Event in the Historic Buell Mansion Neighborhood Raises Over $40,000 to Benefit Hope House
In Colorado, a single mother must work over 80 hours per week at minimum wage to meet basic needs without public assistance, and fewer than half of all teen moms finish high school. Hope House – a Colorado organization, which empowers parenting teenage moms to strive for personal and economic self-sufficiency through residential, mentoring, and GED programs, challenges these staggering statistics. As a non-denominational faith based organization, Hope House opens its doors to help teenage families grow and prosper in the community. On Thursday September 27, 2012 amidst the stately presence of the Buell Mansion home of Amy and Jerry Masters, patrons gathered in support of the Just Imagine fundraising event to benefit Hope House of Colorado.
The premiere charity event managed to exceed their initial fundraising goal of $40,000, with the help of guest participation in a Live Auction, hosted by famed Colorado Auctioneer Gary Corbett. Items ranged from Inspirato destination vacations valued at $6,000, to a Broncos Fan Package, Big “E” Game Ranch Buffalo Hunt, and an Indulgence Package courtesy of Delish Demure.
Catering by Design, a Denver-based specialty catering group, donated a $10,000 catering award directly to Hope House. Delectable hors d’oeuvres were elegantly plated, while a live quartet serenaded the throng of guests. A savory shrimp spoon and tart Lavender Yuzu cocktail, made for a delightful signature pairing. The creative menu was comprised of flatbreads, honey smoked salmon fingerlings, asiago polenta, petite osso bucco, and an array of artisan meats and cheeses. The pièce de résistance was a ten-foot custom dessert library. Bookcases were bejeweled with large volumes wrapped in Hope House bindings, topped with bite-sized confections such as melt in your mouth dark chocolate tiramisu spoons, to orangecello sponge shooters.
After indulging, Hope House shared a collection of heartfelt testimonies from teen moms and mentors. Not a dry eye in the crowd, the impact of the incredible transformations inspired a fervor among guests, raising their paddles for the cause. Hope House resident and Guest of Honor, Janay Berjarano provided impassioned closing remarks alongside Executive Director and Founder of Hope House, Lisa Steven. Berjarano has excelled through all levels of the Hope House program, earning her GED and plans to continue on to higher education.
Attendees were sent home with goodie-bags that included a copy of Sotheby’s International Realty magazine Connoisseur, adorned with a small sticker reading “Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty has made a donation on your behalf.” Hope House Board of Directors, and FSIR Real Estate Broker Crystal Hodge commented, “The event was a huge success. We are grateful for the charitable donations, which will directly impact the lives of Colorado teen moms, and empower these young women to become a thriving part of our community.”
The foundation plans to use the funds to increase mentorship and purchase an additional property for their residential program, which is the most costly yet essential component to the foundation’s mission. For ways to get involved or make a donation visit the Hope House of Colorado.