News and notes from Imagine! and the Imagine! Foundation.

Good News Friday!

Feb-10-2023

ImagineFoundation

The 22nd Annual Imagine! Celebration was held on Saturday, February 4. By all measures, it was an astounding success. Preliminary results indicate we raised $438,085 to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in Boulder and Broomfield counties!

Below are some highlights of the evening.

A silent auction served as the backdrop for 400+ old friends to reconnect, and new friends to connect for the first time.

The evening’s program began with a very special video of Imagine! clients singing a “Imagine” with new lyrics that reflected our mission perfectly.

Then, Imagine! Foundation Board President Sandy Brown and Brenna Sala, who accepts services from Imagine!, started their role as emcees for a delightful evening.

Sandy and Brenna introduced this short video providing an overview of Imagine!’s services.

Then, Sandy and Brenna introduced auctioneer Jennifer Clifford, and she led a fantastic Live Auction.

The highlight of the Live Auction was the selling of a painting by Shelley, who accepts services from Imagine!. Shelley painted her masterpiece during the Silent Auction portion of the evening, and joined Jennifer on stage as her painting was sold (for a very generous amount!).

Following the Live Auction, Emeritus Imagine! Foundation Board member George Karakehian came up to introduce the special appeal.

After some heartfelt remarks, George showed a video sharing the story of Tye, a young man with intellectual disabilities who is able to contribute to his community through meaningful work thanks to Imagine!.

Tye and his family joined George on stage following the video.

It was a tag team effort this year to make this year’s Celebration happen – thanks to Suzy Gardner for getting it all started, and to Patti Micklin, for stepping in to carry it across the finish line. Special thanks to Brigitte Hipp for working so beautifully and hard, with Suzy, Patti and the Celebration Committee, and to the Imagine! employees who volunteered their time and talent to ensure a great time was had by all.

Finally, a big THANK YOU to the friends, neighbors, and businesses who sponsored the Imagine! Celebration.