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National Kidney Foundation Serving Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming Hosts 28th Annual Great Chefs of the West

(DENVER, CO) January 12, 2010—The National Kidney Foundation Serving Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming announces the 28th Annual Great Chefs of the West on Tuesday, February 8. The foundation’s largest fundraiser, Great Chefs of the West will be held at the EXDO Events Center (1399 35th Street, Denver). Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and a cocktail reception and silent auction at begin at 6:30 p.m.

“This year’s event already promises to exceed our expectations,” remarked Kathy Wegner, vice president of the division. “We thank event chairs Sue Shaffer, Lissy Garrison, and Michaelle Seeman for their dynamic leadership and exciting vision for our signature event.”

Denver’s finest restaurants and catering companies will provide hors d’oeuvres, entrees, and desserts in a dine-around atmosphere for the expected crowd of over 500. Confirmed restaurants and caterers thus far are the following: The Corner Office, Denver ChopHouse, Second Home, The Food Guy, Rialto Café, Oceanaire Seafood Room, The Lobby, The Palm, Biscuits and Berries, and Lovely Confections. Judges from Metromix, TasteCasting, Denver Magazine, and Out Front Colorado will determine the best appetizer, entrée, dessert, and overall restaurant.

Individual tickets are $150. Sponsorship opportunities and corporate tables are also available. To learn more and buy tickets, visit www.kidneycmw.org.

Musical entertainment will be provided by Six Feet Under the Starz. Media sponsors for the event are Metromix, 9News, Denver Magazine, Out Front Colorado, Mix100, and Kool 105.

“The funds raised from Great Chefs of the West go directly back into our community through programs such as early kidney disease detection and education for underserved communities,” said Wegner.
The National Kidney Foundation Serving Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming is dedicated to preventing kidney and urinary tract disease, improving the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases and increasing the availability of all organs for transplantation. For more information, visit www.kidneycmw.org.

National Kidney Foundation Celebrates 60 Years

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Boulder resident Signe Wheeler is celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the National Kidney Foundation (NKF). 65 year-old Wheeler, a kidney transplant recipient, competes regularly in the National Kidney Foundation U.S. Transplant Games and helped lead her team, Team Rocky Mountain, to win the 2010 Transplant Games.

Here is Signe in her own words:
I first met my friend, Pam Doverspike, out at our horse barn. I had no idea how our lives would intertwine in the most profound way possible. My dream was to ride my horse over the 500-mile Colorado Trail from Denver to Durango. During this time, I learned I had polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and that my kidneys were failing. Pam, upon hearing this, immediately said that she was there for me if I ever was in need. By the end of the ride, my kidney function had dropped to end stage. I was destined for either dialysis or a transplant. Upon my approval as a transplant candidate, she immediately applied to see if she was a match. Pam was a match and within three months, we had a very successful transplant. We both attended the U.S. National Kidney Foundation Transplant Games in Pittsburgh in 2007. Pam was presented with the humanitarian award through her employer, FedEx. She enjoyed the special recognition ceremony given to living donors at the Transplant Games. We continue in any way we can to promote organ donation and awareness in our communities, participating in kidney walks, health fair educational programs, and Transplant Games promotion. There is never any way to thank your donor or donor family enough. Only through the joy of living every precious day can mirror the thankfulness that I wake up with every day of my life.

“We appreciate the generous public support of the National Kidney Foundation over the years,” remarked Kathy Wegner, vice president of the division. “In 1950, when the NKF was founded, there were no dialysis treatments or transplants, which meant people with kidney failure had no form of treatment and did not survive. Today, individuals and families with kidney disease can often enjoy rich and productive lives.”

Through its offices nationwide, the NKF provides early detection screenings, valuable public and professional education, research for new treatments and therapies, and vital services to people with kidney disease, dialysis patients, transplant recipients and organ donors.

The need for our services remains critical. Twenty-six million Americans, one in nine adults, have chronic kidney disease and another 20 million are at risk.
“As we commemorate our 60th anniversary, we ask you to join us in recommitting ourselves to the fight against kidney disease,” finished Wegner.

To learn more and to donate to the 60th Anniversary Fund Campaign, visit www.kidney.org/60.

The National Kidney Foundation Serving Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming is dedicated to preventing kidney and urinary tract disease, improving the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases and increasing the availability of all organs for transplantation. For more information, visit www.kidneycmw.org.

Westminster Resident Missy Peterson Competes in U.S. Transplant Games

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A local group of athletes who share a unique bond are coming together for an athletic competition unlike any other—the National Kidney Foundation 2010 U.S. Transplant Games. Sponsored by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, the Games are an Olympic-style competition for recipients of life-saving transplants, including kidney, liver, heart, lung, pancreas and bone marrow. Organized by the National Kidney Foundation Serving CO, MT, and WY, Team Rocky Mountain will participate in the event to be held July 30 to August 4 in Madison, Wisconsin.

One athlete from Team Rocky Mountain is Missy Peterson, a Westminster resident, who was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at 18 months old and received a lung transplant at the age of 24.

Here is Missy’s story in her own words:

“I began the first journey of my life when I was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at the age of 18 months. I am now 37 years old and 13 years, 6 months post transplant. Growing up with a terminal illness was really the same to me as growing up healthy, since I only knew one way of living. I was able to do everything my friends did except for the frequent hospitalizations, and my family and friends treated me like a normal child. Into my high school and college years, my health began to deteriorate and my doctors began leading me to the next journey of my life.

At the urgencies of my doctors, I was listed in July of 1996 for a transplant and received one that December.

For the past 13 years, I have lived my life doing all the things I enjoy and more than I ever thought I would in my lifetime. I have participated in five U.S. Transplant Games and one World Transplant Games, taking in a total of 13 medals. I am in training once again for the 2010 U.S. Games in Madison. One of my biggest passions and the main event I compete in at the Games is swimming.

I am a firm believer that attitude is everything, and I am living proof that you can do whatever you put your mind to. Set goals for yourself, put a plan in place, and you will achieve those goals. Life has been good to me so far.”

Held biennially, the National Kidney Foundation U.S. Transplant Games draw transplant athletes from across the country who compete for gold, silver and bronze medals in one or more of 12 sports, including cycling, golf, racquetball, swimming, tennis, and track and field events. With an anticipated 7,000 athletes participating, the 2010 U.S. Transplant Games promise to be the largest-ever gathering of transplant recipients.

More than 100,000 Americans are currently waiting for transplants of vital organs. Eighteen people die each day while waiting.

For questions or to find out how you can support Team Rocky Mountain, call Lynn Hellickson at 720.748.9991 ext. 113 or visit www.transplantgames.org.

National Kidney Foundation Hosts Second Annual Billings Kidney Walk

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The National Kidney Foundation Serving Colorado, Montana and Wyoming will host the Second Annual Billings Kidney Walk on Saturday, September 18 at Pioneer Park (Virginia Lane and Avenue D, Billings).

Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. Walkers can register beforehand by visiting www.kidneywalk.org or calling Mary Hoadley at 800-263-4005 ext. 110. There is no registration fee, but all walkers are encouraged to fundraise. Individuals who raise $100 or more receive an official Kidney Walk t-shirt. Additional prizes are based on the amount of money raised by each participant.

Beginning at 10:00 a.m., the one to two-mile, non-competitive walk will raise funds and awareness of early prevention of kidney and urinary tract diseases and the need for organ donation.

“This is the second year for the Billings Kidney Walk,” said Kathy Wegner, Regional Vice President of the foundation. “Last year, we raised $25,000 to assist local patient, education, and prevention programs, with more than 83 cents of every dollar raised going back to local Montana services.”

The event will raise funds to support the various patient and community assistance programs, as well as kidney health screenings in Montana.

The National Kidney Foundation Serving Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming is dedicated to preventing kidney and urinary tract disease, improving the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases and increasing the availability of all organs for transplantation. For more information, visit www.kidneycmw.org.

Denver Resident James Watson Competes in U.S. Transplant Games

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A local group of athletes who share a unique bond are coming together for an athletic competition unlike any other—the National Kidney Foundation 2010 U.S. Transplant Games. Sponsored by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, the Games are an Olympic-style competition for recipients of life-saving transplants, including kidney, liver, heart, lung, pancreas and bone marrow. Organized by the National Kidney Foundation Serving CO, MT, and WY, Team Rocky Mountain will participate in the event to be held July 30 to August 4 in Madison, Wisconsin.

One athlete from Team Rocky Mountain is James Watson, a Denver resident, who was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis and received a double lung transplant in 2005.

Here is James in his own words:

“I am 33 years old and am living with Cystic Fibrosis; all my life, I have had to do multiple breathing treatments a day and take many antibiotics. Five years ago my lungs and breathing were getting worse and not responsive to the medications, so I was placed on the lung transplant list as a precaution. In May 2005 I was moved to the very top of the list, since I had acquired diabetes and my lungs had not improved. On May 31 the call came at 10:30 pm that they had a donor match for my new lungs. In the early morning of June 1, I went to the hospital for my double lung transplant.

After the transplant came a lot of rehabilitation, walking, and exercise. Then I started playing racquetball again, lifting weights, but wasn’t quite ready for my real passion, ice hockey.

In October 2005 I suffered a severe bowel blockage, which required a drug-induced coma, which was a 12 day event. I was hospitalized for 23 days and lost over 20 pounds.

It took a couple months to gain the weight back and get back into the shape. I am happy to say now I am back playing ice hockey again, once a week for men’s recreational league team. I have attended two U.S. Transplant Games and the World Transplant Games in Finland.

At these games I have met many new and wonderful people who I hopefully stay friends with forever. I plan to attend as many Transplant Games as I can! “

Held biennially, the National Kidney Foundation U.S. Transplant Games draw transplant athletes from across the country who compete for gold, silver and bronze medals in one or more of 12 sports, including cycling, golf, racquetball, swimming, tennis, and track and field events. With an anticipated 7,000 athletes participating, the 2010 U.S. Transplant Games promise to be the largest-ever gathering of transplant recipients.

More than 100,000 Americans are currently waiting for transplants of vital organs. Eighteen people die each day while waiting.

For questions or to find out how you can support Team Rocky Mountain, call Lynn Hellickson at 720.748.9991 ext. 113 or visit www.transplantgames.org.

National Kidney Foundation Cadillac Golf Classic Raises $70,000

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The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) Serving Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming today announced the winners and proceeds of its NKF Cadillac Golf Classic. The event, held at Blackstone Country Club on June 21, raised more than $70,000.

The NKF Cadillac Golf Classic is the nation's premier amateur golf event for charity, as the first place team at each of the 30 events coast to coast are invited to play for the National Championship at fabled Pebble Beach in January 2011.
Members of the first place team, Genentech, were Steve Eller, Jack Evans, Chris Heath, and John Zimmerman. Ford Kimball, John Kopperud, Matt Neils, and Jeff Perreault were members of the second-place Fascination Street Gallery team. Major sponsors of the event included Don Massey Cadillac, Genentech, PING, and Schlegel Williams Construction.

“The National Kidney Foundation Cadillac Golf Classic Tournament is a competitive and fun event which calls attention to the prevention of kidney disease and the need for organ donation,” said Regional Vice President Kathy Wegner. “Kidney disease affects one in nine American adults and is expected to double in the next decade. Across Colorado, Montana and Wyoming, there are over 4,000 people receiving life-saving dialysis and another 1,000 waiting for a kidney transplant in order to survive.”

The National Kidney Foundation Serving Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming is dedicated to preventing kidney and urinary tract disease, improving the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases and increasing the availability of all organs for transplantation. For more information, visit www.kidneycmw.org.

National Kidney Foundation Names Regional Vice President and Chairman

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The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) Serving Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming announced today that Kathy Wegner has been named the Regional Vice President of the organization. Previously, Wegner was the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Public Policy with the Downtown Denver Partnership.

“The NKF serving Colorado, Montana and Wyoming has a tremendous board, strong committees, and a dedicated staff,” remarked Wegner. “I am excited to help make an impact on our community and spread the word about early detection of kidney disease, which affects one in every nine persons,” remarked Wegner.

Additionally, the organization has named Bryan Williams as the chairman of its board of directors. Williams is the president of Schlegel Williams Construction, located in Aurora.

“I enjoy working with my fellow board members and the foundation staff to provide patient and community services that makes a difference in the lives of those who suffer from kidney disease,” said Williams. “My construction company, Schlegel Williams Construction, has been building kidney dialysis centers for the past 15 years, and I believe that we are helping save lives with every new dialysis center we complete.”

The National Kidney Foundation Serving Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming is dedicated to preventing kidney and urinary tract disease, improving the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases and increasing the availability of all organs for transplantation. For more information, visit www.kidneycmw.org.

Boulder Resident Melia Cargill Competes in U.S. Transplant Games

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A local group of athletes who share a unique bond are coming together for an athletic competition unlike any other—the National Kidney Foundation 2010 U.S. Transplant Games. Sponsored by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, the Games are an Olympic-style competition for recipients of life-saving transplants, including kidney, liver, heart, lung, pancreas and bone marrow. Organized by the National Kidney Foundation Serving CO, MT, and WY, Team Rocky Mountain will participate in the event to be held July 30 to August 4 in Madison, Wisconsin.

One athlete from Team Rocky Mountain is four year-old Melia Cargill, who received a liver transplant at eight months of age.
Here is Crystal Cargill, Melia’s mother, in her own words:

“Melia was our first child. We like to joke that she was our rough introduction to parenthood. She was born with a rare metabolic disorder called Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency--a long, serious name for a serious disease that led us down a long road. There is no way to test for the disorder during the pregnancy.

Melia started to exhibit symptoms shortly after birth. She stopped nursing, became lethargic, and started having seizures. Three days after she was born, Flight for Life came and took her to The Children's Hospital in Denver. She was continuing to deteriorate quickly, but Children’s Hospital had specialists familiar with this rare disorder. They were able to stabilize her and we were able to take her home after three weeks. Unfortunately, her body could not remain stabilized and she would have an episode with no notice. Melia’s liver was missing one of the enzymes that is needed to break down protein, without it the result was life threatening. There is no way to describe the fear of racing the clock, knowing that your child's body and brain is filling with toxic ammonia that could lead to brain damage, coma, and eventually death. Melia needed a new liver to survive.

Melia was on the waiting list for three months before receiving her new liver at the tender age of eight months. When we brought her in for surgery, I told her to ‘show them who's boss.’ She did and she continues to do so. She is now a sweet and sassy preschooler. She can out-talk an auctioneer and runs to get everywhere. She knows her correct dose of Prograf and is brave about her ‘poke-pokes.’ There is no way to describe what her transplant has done and how it has changed our lives. We now live with hope. We can imagine her graduating from high school. As a dear friend pointed out, it not only saved Melia's life, but it saved mine as well.

We are so excited for Melia to compete in her first Transplant Games this summer. There are so many reasons that we want this to be the beginning of a long, meaningful tradition. We are thrilled that she will be able to meet so many others who have been through similar experiences. Melia will begin to understand she is part of a community of survivors. We are proud that she can compete, that she can use her body and learn how strong she is. We are honored to be a part of a celebration and promotion of transplantation. And we are humbled to be doing it all in memory of her donor, sweet Sebastian, and in honor of his courageous family.”

Held biennially, the National Kidney Foundation U.S. Transplant Games draw transplant athletes from across the country who compete for gold, silver and bronze medals in one or more of 12 sports, including cycling, golf, racquetball, swimming, tennis, and track and field events. With an anticipated 7,000 athletes participating, the 2010 U.S. Transplant Games promise to be the largest-ever gathering of transplant recipients.

More than 100,000 Americans are currently waiting for transplants of vital organs. Eighteen people die each day while waiting.

For questions or to find out how you can support Team Rocky Mountain, call Lynn Hellickson at 720.748.9991 ext. 113 or visit www.transplantgames.org.

National Kidney Foundation Celebrates 60 Years

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The National Kidney Foundation Serving Colorado, Montana and Wyoming announces the 60th Anniversary of the National Kidney Foundation (NKF).

“We appreciate the generous public support of the National Kidney Foundation over the years,” remarked Judy Norman, vice president of the division. “In 1950, when the NKF was founded, there were no dialysis treatments or transplants, which meant people with kidney failure had no form of treatment and did not survive. Today, individuals and families with kidney disease can often enjoy rich and productive lives.”

Through its offices nationwide, the NKF provides early detection screenings, valuable public and professional education, research for new treatments and therapies, and vital services to people with kidney disease, dialysis patients, transplant recipients and organ donors.

The need for our services remains critical. Twenty-six million Americans, one in nine adults, have chronic kidney disease and another 20 million are at risk.

“As we commemorate our 60th anniversary, we ask you to join us in recommitting ourselves to the fight against kidney disease,” finished Norman.

To learn more and to donate to the 60th Anniversary Fund Campaign, visit www.kidney.org/60.

The National Kidney Foundation Serving Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming is dedicated to preventing kidney and urinary tract disease, improving the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases and increasing the availability of all organs for transplantation. For more information, visit www.kidneycimw.org.

National Kidney Foundation Serving Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming Hosts 27th Annual Great Chefs of the West

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The National Kidney Foundation Serving Colorado, Montana and Wyoming hosted the 27th Annual Great Chefs of the West on February 16. The foundation’s largest fundraiser, Great Chefs of the West was held at the EXDO Events Center (1399 35th Street, Denver), starting with a cocktail reception and silent auction.

“We revitalized this well-known event with many new exciting aspects,” remarked Judy Norman, vice president of the division. “As our venue, EXDO itself brought a stylish, contemporary vibe to our event. Our four young professional parties leading up to this event built tremendous support and excitement.”

Some of Denver’s finest restaurants provided hors d’oeuvres, entrees, and desserts in a dine-around atmosphere for the expected crowd of over 500: Baur’s Ristorante, Denver Chophouse, Bistro One, Happy Cakes Bakeshop, Hard Rock Café, Jonesy’s EatBar, Second Home, The Corner Office, and Wystone’s Tea Bar.

Celebrity judges included local comedian and veterinarian Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald, Molly Hughes of CBS4, and Terry Vitale of Colorado Expression Magazine.

The National Kidney Foundation Serving Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming is dedicated to preventing kidney and urinary tract disease, improving the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases and increasing the availability of all organs for transplantation. For more information, visit www.kidneycimw.org


*Photos by Ron Washington

National Kidney Foundation Serving Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming Names New Members to Board of Directors

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The National Kidney Foundation Serving Colorado, Montana and Wyoming announced new members and officers to its board of directors:
• Keith Ashby, Board Member
• Ron Washington, Board Member
• Bryan Williams, Vice President
• Lissy Garrison, Board Member

“We could not have found four more dedicated board members who are extremely passionate about our cause,” remarked Judy Norman, vice president of the division.
“Ashby and Washington have both had kidney transplants and Williams’ company builds dialysis centers, so they all have personal connections.

The National Kidney Foundation Serving Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming is dedicated to preventing kidney and urinary tract disease, improving the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases and increasing the availability of all organs for transplantation. For more information, visit www.kidneycimw.org.

Great Chefs of the West Kick Off Party: January 27

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Wednesday, January 27
8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Jonesy’s EatBar
400 E. 20th Ave., Denver
Corner of 20th and Logan

The National Kidney Foundation Serving CO, MT & WY presents the 27th Annual Great Chefs of the West on February 16 at Exdo Events Center. Attracting nearly 600 supporters, this year’s event promises to be better than ever with Denver’s finest restaurants providing delicious hors d’oeuvres, exciting entrees, and divine desserts in a dine-around atmosphere. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.kidneycimw.org/gcotw.

Join us January 27 for a Kick Off Party to learn more about the Great Chefs of the West event, purchase tickets, live music, and enjoy a tasting with Jonesy’s culinary mastermind, Chef Brendan Doyle.

Opening in June 2008, Jonesy’s EatBar is the brainchild of Owner Leigh Jones, who wanted a restaurant that was warm and comfortable, a focus on local craft beers, exceptional list of wines, and favorite global comfort foods. She termed her new establishment a “gastropub,” which is the British term for a public house which specializes in high-quality food—a step above the more basic “pub grub.” Visit jeatbar.com for more.

Ticket price is $20 per person. Purchase in advance at www.blacktie-colorado.com/rsvp and enter event code “GreatChefs,” or purchase at the door. The $20 ticket price can be applied toward your February 16 Great Chefs ticket price.
Parking information: A free parking garage is available at 1970 Pennsylvania St., pay $1 to park at the 20th and Logan lot, or use street parking.
RSVP to Tracey.Nilson@kidney.org or call (720) 748-9991 ext. 116.

Young Professionals Committee:
Jim Guttau, chair
Dana Berry
Anne Donley
Georgia Gallagher
Jill Hodges
Kasia Iwaniczko
Jenny Salimi
Lea Tucker
Jessica Hood

The party will continue after 10:00 p.m. next door at Horseshoe Lounge: www.thehorseshoelounge.com.

Great Chefs of the West YPs: A New Image for the National Kidney Foundation of CO, MT, & WY

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Today, it is important for nonprofits to get creative and think outside the box when raising money and reaching out to new people. One of the most effective movements in the Colorado nonprofit scene has been the creation of young professionals committees. Many nonprofits are assessing their current donor profiles and are finding that their main benefactors are in the 50 year-old and over category. If these charities never reach out to a younger demographic, what happens when their donors pass away? The time is now to cultivate new, young leadership and donors.

For the National Kidney Foundation of CO, MT, and WY, the executive director and team wanted a fresh new image for the organization. Yes, the first and easiest step is to move away from the tired old ballroom gala and present a hip, more informal cocktail party. Second, I wanted to create a group of well-known young professionals (YPs) in Denver—who also get things done. That’s the important part. They can be socialites, but do they follow through and execute tasks when on a committee? This group of YPs would be responsible for organizing their own events that would compliment and help spread word-of-mouth buzz for the big Great Chefs of the West event in February 2010.

Assembling a group of ten stellar YPs, we first met in October 2008 and formed the Great Chefs of the West YP committee. We planned our first event for January 2009, which was held at One Lincoln Park at a penthouse condominium. The committee rallied, and we produced an event attended by over 200 YPs, complete with a DJ, vodka bar, wine bar, appetizers from two restaurants, and a photographer. We spent just $50 for the entire occasion (on linens and coat hangers) and created a great stir in the community about the Great Chefs YP events.

Second Home was the venue for our next event in May 2009. The format of this event was a guest bartending event, with the ten committee members mixing up a signature drink—the MORjito. This time, we did raise money from the sale of the signature drinks ($5 each) and from tips; we raised around $2,000 for the foundation and commanded an attendance of 200 once again.

Our third event will be held October 25 at Gourmet Fine Catering. We’re bringing the focus back to exemplary food and outstanding chefs, so the party will be right in the kitchen—a 12,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility. We’ll charge $20 this time, which will include live music, vodka bar, wine bar, and chef creations demonstrated live by the Gourmet culinary team. We got creative, too, and will be applying the $20 ticket price toward the February Great Chefs event ticket—a kind of layaway program to entice YPs to attend.

In January, we will hold one final “kick-off” party, and again, we’ll apply a $20 ticket price to the February event ticket.

Overall, the YP committee has definitely increased the visibility of the foundation—not only amongst YPs—but in the community. Because we are doing innovative, new events, we are garnering more coverage for the foundation than ever before. With more media coverage comes more awareness, and increased awareness helps increase funds.

A quote I heard from a YP best sums this up: “I know I have kidneys and am aware of what they do. I knew there probably had to be a foundation for kidneys, as almost every organ has its own charity. But, I hadn’t heard of the National Kidney Foundation of CO, MT, and WY before and didn’t realize they were headquartered right here in Denver. It’s exciting to be part of their new YP initiative and spread the word to my friends.”

Thank you to my phenomenal YP committee members:
Dana Berry
Anne Donley
Georgia Gallagher
Jill Hodges
Kasia Iwaniczko
Jenny Salimi
Jessica Hood
Lea Tucker

-Jim Guttau, Great Chefs of the West YP committee chairperson

Gourmet Fine Catering to Host Great Chefs of the West Young Professionals Event

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What:

The National Kidney Foundation of CO, MT and WY presents the third Great Chefs of the West Young Professionals (YP) event of 2009 at Gourmet Fine Catering.

Called “Chef’s Table: Eat. Drink. Gather. Gourmet.,” this YP event will focus on the chefs of Gourmet Fine Catering and their culinary creations. Hosted at Gourmet’s 12,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility, Gourmet’s top chefs will showcase their culinary skills live in their own impressive environment. Guests will get a behind-the-scenes look at a full-service, high-volume production kitchen and will sample an array of sizzling hors d’oeuvres.

When:

Sunday, October 25 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Where:

Gourmet Fine Catering, 3600 E. 40th Ave., Denver

How:

Tickets are $20 per person, and all proceeds benefit the National Kidney Foundation. Ticket price includes open bar and chef creations, and can be applied toward the purchase price of a ticket to the February 16 Great Chefs event.
To purchase tickets online, please go to www.blacktie-colorado.com/rsvp and enter event code: NKF1025.

Who:
Members of the Young Professionals Committee:
Jim Guttau, chair
Dana Berry
Anne Donley
Georgia Gallagher
Jill Hodges
Kasia Iwaniczko
Jenny Salimi
Jessica Hood
Lea Tucker

More information:

The National Kidney Foundation of CO, MT and WY will host the 27th Annual Great Chefs of the West on February 16, which will feature Denver’s greatest culinary talents. YP events throughout 2009 will help generate buzz amongst young professionals (ages 21-39) for the Great Chefs event. For more information, visit www.kidneycimw.org/gcotw.

The National Kidney Foundation of Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming is dedicated to preventing kidney and urinary tract disease, improving the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases and increasing the availability of all organs for transplantation. Visit the organization’s website at www.kidneycimw.org.

Denver Resident Competes in World Transplant Games

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The World Transplant Games is the world’s largest organ donor awareness event, and Queensland, Australia was the home to the 17th World Transplant Games for eight days.

Denver resident and kidney transplant recipient Keith Ashby competed in the 5K run, 400 meter, and the 800 meter run. Keith competed at the U.S. Transplant Games last year in Pittsburgh and thought it would be a good experience to compete on a higher level. His transplant was May 4, 2006 at the University of Colorado Hospital, and his stepson was his donor. The interesting part of Keith’s story is that he is African American, and his stepson is Caucasian.

“I did very well and ran my best time in the 5K road race, which was 24 minutes," commented Ashby. "I was the first finisher for the American team, but the man who won it in my age group was from Italy and he finished in 17 minutes and 20 seconds. The experience compared to the U.S. Transplant Games does not even compare. To meet all of these wonderful athletes from all over the world who have had kidney, heart, lung, liver transplants is amazing. Also to meet other people who are on my team is truly worth the trip, because we do not get a chance to really get to know other people from other teams during the U.S. games. The best moment was the closing ceremonies—after you have met all of these wonderful people from all over the world having a shared bond of having received a transplanted organ.”

For more information, visit http://worldtransplantgames09.com/.

The National Kidney Foundation of Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming sponsored Ashby in his journey to Australia. To learn more, visit www.kidneycimw.org.

JIM GUTTAU WINS MISSION CHAMPION AWARD

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NATIONAL KIDNEY FOUNDATION BESTOWS HONOR

Jim Guttau, principal of Guttau Public Relations, was honored by the
National Kidney Foundation of Colorado, Montana and Wyoming at its annual awards recognition reception on June 16 at Loews Denver Hotel.

The annual awards reception was created to recognize individuals who help further the mission of the foundation. The Mission Champion Award is given to outstanding volunteers who have gone the extra mile in helping the NKF-CMW expand awareness and fulfill their mission. Guttau received the Mission Champion Award, because of his efforts to expand awareness about kidney disease to a generation of young adults who otherwise would know very little about kidney disease.

“Kidney disease strikes people of all ages,” remarked Judy Norman, Executive Director. “ Jim has made great strides in engaging a new generation of NKF-CMW supporters. He has effectively recruited a group of young professionals who are enthusiastic, talented, and willing to give of their time in support of NKF-CMW. Jim's leadership and dedicated commitment to our NKF affiliate has helped reach and engage a new audience of supporters and community leaders.”

The National Kidney Foundation of Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming is dedicated to preventing kidney and urinary tract disease, improving the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases and increasing the availability of all organs for transplantation. For more information, visit www.kidneycimw.org.

Since 2005, Guttau Public Relations has implemented effective and innovative public relations campaigns for local and national clients like Jamba Juice. For more information about the firm and its results, visit www.guttaupr.com.

Photo by Nate Jenkins

22nd Denver Golf Classic Hosted by the National Kidney Foundation of CO, MT, & WY

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Winning Team Invited to National Championship at Pebble Beach

The National Kidney Foundation of Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming (NKF-CMW) announced the 22nd Annual Denver Golf Classic will be held Monday, July 27 at Columbine Country Club (17 Fairway Lane, Columbine Valley, CO).

“Last year’s event was attended by 140 golfers and raised over $84,000,” commented Judy Norman, executive director of the foundation. “The National Kidney Foundation’s golf classic is the nation's premier amateur golf event for charity, and the top two qualifying teams are invited to compete for the national championship held at the Pebble Beach Resort in February 2010.”

To welcome the golf teams and celebrate with all supporters of the NKF-CMW, the Golf Classic Kick-off Party will be held on Saturday, July 25 at Fascination St. Art Gallery (315 Detroit St., Denver) from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Silent auction, raffle, and featured art proceeds will benefit the foundation.

For more information and to participate in the Denver Golf Classic, contact Tracey Nilson (720) 748-9991 ext. 116 or tnilson@kidneycimw.org.

The NKF-CMW is dedicated to preventing kidney and urinary tract disease, improving the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases and increasing the availability of all organs for transplantation. For more information, visit www.kidneycimw.org.