The 3rd Annual WINGS OF HOPE BENEFIT was held at The Wildlife Experience with keynote speaker ERIC ALEXANDER, recounting his historic climb to the top of Mt. Everest. Emcee JOHN BRACKNEY introduced WINGS OF HOPE founder MAUREEN SHUL, who, in her remarks, announced the establishment of the first endowment at the CU Cancer Center for pancreatic cancer research by WINGS OF HOPE. Dr. COLIN WEEKES shared with the sellout audience how the $45,000 received by the CU Cancer Center after last year's event was used, and the current research projects taking place. KELLEY GLEASON, KATHRYN HABER and JIM COMERFORD shared their personal experiences with pancreatic cancer that touched every person in the audience. A WINGS OF HOPE video was shown that highlighted MELANIE AVNER'S personal account of how pancreatic cancer impacted her life, as well as local author and artist ARTURO GARCIA, a pancreatic cancer survivor. Arturo Garcia's artwork was not only on display and for sale before and after the event, he also generously donated one of his more popular paintings, "Broncos," for the live auction. GARY CORBETT brought his own unique energy as auctioneer and had the crowd thoroughly entertained and giving generously to the WINGS OF HOPE efforts.
Heartfelt thanks to our generous sponsors, attendees, donors, speakers, auctioneer and volunteers who made the evening so profoundly meaningful and successful.
Special thanks to photographer LYNN ZAHORIK for the following photos.
Volunteers Cindy Hazlehurst, Nancy Carroll and Alison Biggs
Volunteer KIM HOFFMAN
Auction item Mazatlan vacation
Local author, artist and pancreatic cancer survivor
ARTURO GARCIA showcasing his artwork
Checking in
Loads of food, drinks and desserts
ERIC ALEXANDER and MAUREEN SHUL
Maureen Shul and Betsy Hogan
Dr. Colin Weekes, Maureen Shul, Phil Cernanec, Cathy Schwartz
Chip and Debbie Coppola, Maureen Shul
Maureen Shul, Dr. Colin Weekes
Stacy Ohlsson and Gary Corbett
Maureen Shul with Peter and David Jones
Neil and Anna Mallinson
Randy Ohlson and daughters
Courtney Walsh, Maureen Shul, Charlie Johnson
Dr. and Elizabeth Weekes, son Isaiah and
parents Joseph and Margaret Weekes
Maureen Shul, Molly Markert and Elias Gebru
John Brackney and Keith Gardner
Connie Via, Maureen Shul, Mary Jamison, Dr. Colin Weekes
The Buffington Family
The Bohlen Family
John Brackney, Maureen Shul
Gary Corbett, Arturo Garcia and "Broncos" painting being auctioned
Eric Alexander
Eric Alexander book signing
Eric Alexander book signing
Rogers Hemphill (middle) and APG Team
THANK YOU to the best volunteers ever!!
JOIN THE EFFORT…BE A PART OF THE POSSIBLE, BE THE HOPE.