There were quite a few Jeffco "stars" in attendance at The Jefferson Foundation's "Sharing the Stars" Crystal Ball, on October 28, 2006. Even a mini-power outage at the beginning of the evening didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the 570 revelers who raised
over $200,000 to support Colorado's oldest non-profit education foundation, and Jeffco Public Schools. This year's 21st Crystal Ball acknowledged organizations, businesses, community resources, and Jefferson Foundation partners that support projects and programs in the Schools.
The evening program began with a stunning acappella rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner" by Columbine Blue High School Choir under the direction of
Lee Andres.
Lynn Setzer, Executive Director of Public Engagement and Communications Services for Jeffco Public Schools, shared emcee duties with Channel 7News anchor and graduate of Arvada High School,
Steve Saunders.
Dr. Cindy Stevenson, Superintendent of Jeffco Schools, presented the 2006 Distinguished Alumni Award to retired NASA astronaut
Jeff Ashby, a 1972 graduate of Evergreen High School. Dr. Stevenson recalled that the moon landing as a defining life-event for her, and noted that Ashby had watched that landing as a dishwasher at El Rancho Restaurant while a student. Stevenson introduced retired Spanish teacher
Art Madrid, whose encouragement was instrumental in Ashby's life. Madrid recalled a paper that Ashby wrote in Spanish about wanting to be an astronaut. In his remarks, Ashby credited Madrid's belief in him as a life lesson that he could accomplish anything if he tried. One of the live auction items included a three-by-three foot photo of Colorado taken by Ashby from the Space Shuttle Atlantis at an altitude of 240 miles.
The evening continued on a stellar theme with Jeffco School Board President,
Jane Barnes, and Jefferson Foundation Board Member,
Tori Merritts presenting the
2006 Crystal Globe for Distinguished Service Award to the
Kiwanis Clubs of Jefferson County. They were honored for the many Kiwanis projects in Jeffco schools which reflect the Kiwanis mission of "serving the children of the world."
Of particular note was the "Share the Stars" Campaign to build the Astronomy Building at Windy Peak Outdoor Education Lab School. The collaborative effort was so successful that $400,000 was raised and "Sharing the Stars" became the theme for this Crystal Ball, noted Merritts. Kiwanis Lieutenant Governor for Division 9,
Kelly Steck-James and Lieutenant Governor for Division 14,
Pat Leonard accepted the award.
After the Live Auction, a special plea for the "Serving Kids" program raised over $17,000, with a matching grant from the event title sponsor, the
Salazar Family Foundation. Serving Kids is a clothing program for Jeffco students in need, which receives Jefferson Foundation support.
Winner of the $4,000 vacation voucher raffle was
Dyann Enck.
Cynthia Bauman and
Susan Petri were awarded the yellow and white gold bracelet and diamond necklace donated by Purvis Jewelers.
To finish the evening,
Victoria Hursh sang "When You Wish Upon a Star" for her fellow Kiwanians. The evening concluded with dancing to the music of
Look Both Ways.
The Jefferson Foundation gratefully acknowledges the generous
Corporate Sponsorship of the following funding partners: Event Title Sponsor -
Salazar Family Foundation; Professor Level -
FirstBank Holding Co.; and Scholar Level funding partners -
Stifel Nicolaus, and
Wells Fargo Bank.
The non-profit Jefferson Foundation's mission is to assist Jeffco Public Schools in preparing all students for a successful future. The Foundation provides funding for programs that address literacy, preschool experience and innovation in the classroom, as well as social issues such as tolerance, non-violence, and teen suicide prevention. Working in cooperation with the District, the Foundation engages the community's support to make a positive change in public education.
For more information contact Anton Delgado 303-982-2210 www.jeffersonfoundation.org