PAGE 10 | THE VILLAGER • July 9, 2020
Inspired by TV hit Shark Tank, Tank, South Metro Denver Chamber hosts The Tank There is still time to contribute for “A Mighty Cause”
This fifth annual fundraiser otherwise not know.” continues to bring the for profits Diane RaPue from SMDC is and not-for-profits in our comchamber staff liaison to the Nonmunity together. Amazing orgaprofit & Business Partnership nizations and their current needs Committee. Diane, the were revealed in a committee and event virtual program this chair Barb Findlay year for The Tank. worked diligently to “This would not be make this year’s fundpossible without raiser a success. Barb generous businesses,” generously donated to said President and each nonprofit. CEO of South Metro Nonprofits are choDenver Chamsen by the SMSC ber (SMDC), committee from Jeff Keener. The an application Presenting Sponprocess and sor was Charles normally have Schwab in Lone exhibits at the Tree with an onevent. This year, Casey Cortese, Managing screen segment by four local nonDirector, Schwab Community Managing DirecServices profits pitched Photo courtesy of Charles Schwab tor Community their unique proServices, Casey grams via video. Cortese. “Giving The Sharks is the responsibilinteracted with ity of corporate the presenters as citizens, making usual. Shark catmeaningful contriegories included butions,” she said. Great White In the founding Shark – Chris video, Charles Tyrell of Chris’s Schwab talked Garage Doors. about the cycles Bull Sharks were and persistence Lonnie Glessner being the heartbeat of Draper & of this country. Kramer MortPlatinum gage and Ali sponsors were: Blaylock of PhilAAA Colorado, adelphia InsurFooters Caterance. Tiger Sharks were: Express ing and Lightsail Video. Gold Employment Professionals – LitSponsors: 1st Bank, LS Design tleton, H.M. Brown & AssociMarketing, The Sanctuary Golf ates, Mint Health Clinics – Lone – Casey Cortese, Course, Silver Sponsors: Alpine Tree, NerdsToGo and Perigee Managing Director, Bank, ColoradoBiz Magazine, Consulting Inc. In addition, Tiger Colorado SBDC-Aurora/South Sharks included Lauren Atherton Schwab Community Metro SBDC, Farmer’s Insurof Heartspark Design and Ken Services ance – Kathy Wells Insurance Migaki of Kenneth Migaki. Agency, Inc. and First Western Trust Bank. what you do!” From the comBoo Cosby was fort of their homes, spokesperson for Café hosts for the day, 180 in Englewood Meghann Conter operating since 2010. and Ron Ben-JoThe nonprofit is seekseph joked that ing $10,000 to provide they didn’t even 2,000 more meals that have to wear pants will impact some of for the production. the most vulnerable. A AAA Colorado’s full belly equals a full Skylar McKinley heart. The establishsaid: “Fundraising ment offers a safe place is the lifeblood of with love, respect and supporting the comservice. Nonprofits almunity.” Platinum Emcee Ron Ben-Joseph Emcee Meghann Conter ways plan for the unexsponsor Tom Barr, pected but didn’t exPresident and Executive Produc- Anthony Lambatos who has pect COVID. Café 180 donated er of Lightsail Video talked about been with the event since its 500 meals to first responders and his company’s job being to tell inception gave his message exover 4,000 total to quarantines a story. “Nonprofits can tell you tolling staff members and gave and shut-ins. The concept is a about experiences that you would a quote from Steve Jobs: “Love “hand up.” If diners cannot afford
In the Founder video, Charles Schwab recalls many cycles over the years of depression to exuberance, and talks about persistence being the heartbeat of this country, “Stick with it”, he says.
“Schwab’s responsibility as a corporate citizen is to make meaningful contributions to the communities where we live and work.”
to pay for their meals, they may donate their time by cleaning and volunteering their services in exchange for a nutritious meal. COVERED brings awareness to the cruelty of sex trafficking and exploitation. The presentation was by Johanna Spille. The goal at Covered is to empower each sex trafficking survivor with the hope that leads to physical, mental, emotional and spiritual healing and eradicate sex trafficking in Colorado. It costs $7,500 for safe housing for one survivor and child who really need a two-year program to create a community of love and support to get back on their feet and escape the cycle. Covered helped 28 last year but had to turn away 52. Statistics are staggering – over one million were enslaved and abused in the U.S. last year. Many struggle with suicide and the level of trauma. Drennen’s Dreams Foundation, presented by Scott Henderson is a national drowning prevention and water safety nonprofit organization founded by Bill and Melissa O’Melia, their friends and community. Drennen was the victim of a tragic drowning accident. In his memory, the primary focus of Drennen’s Dreams is promoting drowning prevention and education of aquatics professionals to ensure that no more unnecessary deaths occur. In the U.S., there are 10 drownings per day- 3,600 annually and 1,000 are young children. The nonprofit is seeking $7,500 to support a mobile app to raise awareness and prevention with
Barb Findlay, Chair of The Tank 2020 Tank photos courtesy of SMDC
education. Hope’s Promise was presented by Rachel Bates and provides adoption services, orphan care and pregnancy counseling and was just approved for foster care. Through its ministry of adoption and orphan care, the nonprofit walks with expectant parents, hopeful adoptive families, and orphaned children around the world through life’s difficult chapters and educating pregnant women about their options and preventing them from being preyed upon by out-of-state agencies. The nonprofit is seeking $10,000 to counsel and support 100 more women vulnerable to solicitation. Very special thanks to Diane RaPue for above and beyond assistance with this coverage. Contributions can still be made to these charities through Friday, July 24 by going to: https//www.mightycause.com/ event/2020tank.
The staff at South Metro Denver Chamber: Member Engagement & Business Development Executives Kristy Howell and Diane RaPue with President & CEO Jeff Keener and Executive Assistant & Office Manager Cass Harman
