A Thriving Denver Comes Together for Health and Hope

Nearly 1,200 guests gathered for the 2025 Denver Health Foundation Gala on Saturday, November 1, at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center. Centered on the theme “Thriving Denver,” the event raised more than $1.5 million in support of Denver Health’s mission to advance health and well-being across our community.

CBS Colorado “First at 4” anchor Mekialaya White emceed the evening, while former Denver Broncos player and motivational speaker Reggie Rivers energized the crowd as auctioneer.

The evening featured remarks from Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, Denver Health CEO Donna Lynne, DrPH, and Denver Health Foundation Board Chair Josh Hanfling, as well as a special video message from Presenting Sponsor Thiry-O’Leary Foundation.

As the Presenting Sponsor, Thiry-O’Leary Foundation helped make this year’s gala possible through their continued commitment to Denver Health’s mission. Their generosity reflects a deep belief in the power of accessible, compassionate health care to help Denver thrive.

In her remarks, Lynne acknowledged the critical support made possible through the voter-approved 2Q sales tax initiative, which provides roughly $65 million in sustainable annual funding for essential services. She also emphasized that philanthropy remains vital to sustaining Denver Health’s mission amid growing community needs.

“Public funding helps us keep pace, but philanthropy allows us to go further,” Lynne said. “Together, they ensure Denver Health can continue providing exceptional care for everyone who depends on us.”

During the evening’s awards presentation, Caring for Denver Foundation received the Foundation of Denver Health Award, recognizing their outstanding philanthropic partnership and lasting impact on behavioral health in our community.

Created by Denver voters in 2018, Caring for Denver Foundation transforms mental health and substance use care through community-driven grantmaking, learning, and engagement. Guided by the voices of Denver residents, the foundation has helped Denver Health expand critical behavioral health services for those most in need, including high-risk youth, people experiencing homelessness, and individuals involved in the justice system. Their partnership with Denver Health illustrates how community investment can drive lasting change in behavioral health across Denver.

Josh Hanfling was honored with the Wellington E. Webb Award for Excellence in Health Care Philanthropy, presented in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Denver Health and his lasting civic commitment to advancing the well-being of our community.

A civic leader, philanthropist, and longtime Board Chair, Hanfling has dedicated more than a decade of service to Denver Health Foundation, including 10 years as Chair of the Board. He has championed initiatives at the intersection of public safety and health, strengthening Denver’s emergency response systems and expanding access to care. His impact includes critical support for orthopedics, advocacy for first responders through the Paramedics Awards Celebration, and introducing countless new supporters to Denver Health.

During his remarks, Hanfling announced a $100,000 pledge to the Westside Family Health Center Capital Campaign, furthering his legacy of leadership and commitment to Denver’s health and well-being, and reflected on the vital role Denver Health plays in the life of the city and the shared responsibility to ensure its future strength.

“Denver Health is a lifeline for this city and beyond,” said Hanfling. “Supporting it isn’t just philanthropy. It’s about making sure Denver thrives.”

Hanfling’s message captured the spirit of the evening, reminding guests that Denver Health’s impact extends far beyond hospital walls and that civic leaders, donors, and community members all share in the commitment to care for everyone who calls Denver home. 

In his remarks, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston spoke about Denver Health’s essential role in caring for every person who calls the city home. He emphasized that a thriving Denver depends on a shared commitment to compassion, inclusion, and access to care for all. The Mayor’s message highlighted the city’s partnership with Denver Health and the importance of standing together to ensure that every resident, regardless of background, circumstance, or identity, can live a healthy and dignified life.

The evening’s featured entertainment came from Flobots, the Denver-based alternative hip-hop brought the crowd to its feet, pairing musical artistry with a message of empathy, unity, and action, perfectly capturing the spirit of “Thriving Denver.” 

During the reception, guests enjoyed a soulful performance by Yasminemani, a Denver-based singer-songwriter and actress whose music blends her Black American and Caribbean heritage into a sound all her own. The Denver Gay Men’s Chorus then led attendees into dinner with a joyful procession of song, setting the stage for award-winning jazz pianist Tenia Renee Nelson, whose performance during dinner filled the ballroom with artistry, energy, and hometown pride.

The 2025 Denver Health Foundation Gala featured a spirited live auction that inspired enthusiastic bidding throughout the night. The evening concluded with a paddle raise that invited guests to make direct contributions in support of Denver Health’s mission. Together with proceeds from the live auction, the effort raised nearly $450,000 to help expand access to high-quality, compassionate care across our community.

Denver Health Foundation Interim Executive Director Sean VanBerschot expressed deep gratitude for the turnout and extraordinary generosity shown throughout the evening.

“The outpouring of support at this year’s gala was truly inspiring,” said VanBerschot. “Each gift — whether through sponsorship, auction participation, or direct giving — reflects a shared belief in the importance of exceptional, accessible health care for all. We are profoundly grateful to our donors, partners, and community for helping Denver Health continue to thrive and serve those who need us most.”