DENVER, CO ­- May 13, 2009 - The Denver Department of Human Services invites the media and the public to a special auction on Friday, May 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. at 774 Santa Fe Drive. The auction will benefit youth at the Family Crisis Center.

Youth from the Family Crisis Center worked with local artists to paint and decorate dolls to auction at the fundraiser. Half of the proceeds will go directly to the child artist and the other half will benefit the Family Crisis Center. Each doll is unique, just like the young artists.

The Chicano Humanities Arts Council donated the space and Robinson Dairy donated ice cream for the event. King Soopers and Wal-Mart also donated to the event.

WHAT: Auction benefiting youth at the Family Crisis Center

WHEN: Friday, May 15, 6 to 8 p.m.

WHERE: Chicano Humanities Arts Council (CHAC)
774 Santa Fe Drive , Denver

PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES INCLUDE:

· Mayor John Hickenlooper will speak at 6:15 p.m.

· Youth from the Family Crisis Center will show off their artwork (uniquely decorated porcelain dolls)

· Short program at 6:15 p.m. emceed by Jess Ogas, public relations director for arc Thrift Stores

· Steve Bates, director of the Family Crisis Center

*The media is asked not to take photos of the faces of the foster youth in order to protect confidentiality. Interviews will be made available with specific youth who have photo releases.

About the Family Crisis Center
The Family Crisis Center is a therapeutic residential treatment facility operated by the Denver Department of Human Services for at risk youth ages 12-17. The FCC provides short-term treatment, educational, recreational and medical services for up to 56 boys and girls. In 2008, the Family Crisis Center served 461 youth in its residential treatment facility.

About the Chicano Humanities & Arts Council (CHAC)
The Chicano Humanities & Arts Council (CHAC) was founded in 1978 by a group of visual and performing artists. The organization was established as a place where Chicano/Latino artists were provided with a venue to explore visual and performance art and promote and preserve the Chicano/Latino culture through the expression of the arts. The gallery generally offers two shows each month by local visual art exhibits and performances by area musicians, actors, dancers, writers and poets.