Rising to the Moment: Candice Jones Reflects on Nearly Two Decades of Impact

After 18 years with Denver Health Foundation (DHF), Candice Jones is stepping into a new role with Colorado Ballet. During her tenure, Candice played a central role in shaping DHF’s events, communications, and major gift strategies, helping raise millions in support of Denver Health’s essential mission. Before she begins her next chapter, we sat down with Candice to reflect on the evolution of DHF, the moments that tested her resolve, and what it looks like when donors and staff rise to meet a challenge together.

You’ve held many roles over the years. What surprises you most about your journey with Denver Health Foundation?

When I look back, I’m not surprised by how Denver Health Foundation has grown. When I started, there were about 4,000 employees at Denver Health. Now there are more than 8,000 people. DHF was still young when I joined, and it’s been amazing to watch it grow in step with the health system.

What has surprised me most is my own path. I came to DHF to focus on events, was a certified event planner. I had a background in art and dance, a creative streak, and I thought events would be a perfect balance of my right and left brain. I didn’t expect to stay so long, or to grow into a fundraising role. But the mission, and the people, kept me here.

What first brought you to DHF?

A friend helped me get connected. She had been working at DHF while also coaching a high school dance team. One of her students had a family connection to DHF’s leadership. When she decided to leave, she recommended me and said, “I know someone even better.” Paula Herzmark, the Executive Director at the time, took a chance on me.

I came for the role, but I stayed for the mission and the people. I didn’t fully understand Denver Health’s impact when I was hired, but it didn’t take long to see how deeply it mattered.

Is there a moment that stands out as a turning point for you or Denver Health Foundation?

Several come to mind. One big one was our 2010 Foundation Gala, celebrating Denver Health’s 150th anniversary. That year, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood performed, and the event saw unprecedented growth, attracting new donors and elevating DHF’s visibility in a major way. It was just me managing it on the events side, with incredible support from committees and staff. That Gala elevated what our events could be, and brought new donors into the fold.

Another turning point was COVID-19. I had just transitioned into a Major Gifts role, and everything changed overnight. But that moment also showed me how deeply people care. Donors wanted to be part of the solution. They weren’t just writing checks. They were asking how they could help. It was powerful to be in that space, guiding people who wanted to make a real difference during a crisis.

What made DHF’s events so successful during your tenure?

We built most of them from the ground up. Outside of the Gala, every other event we created was brand new. Hot Rocks Griller Challenge, Key to the Cure, Men’s Night Out — these were fresh ideas at the time. Denver’s food scene was taking off, and we saw an opportunity to do something creative that also highlighted our mission.

People want a reason to socialize, to meet new people, and be part of something new and creative. There was always a meaningful reason behind the fun. I think that combination really resonated with people.

You’ve seen what real partnership looks like between donors and DHF. Can you describe that?

When donors are deeply aligned with our mission, and there’s a program that matches their passion, it creates a powerful connection. Whether it’s expanding access to care, supporting underserved communities, or strengthening mental health services, the alignment between a donor’s personal experience and our work leads to some of the most generous, impactful giving.

I’ve also seen families who’ve lost loved ones — especially children — choose to honor them by creating something lasting at Denver Health. It’s not always because their family member received care here, but because they want other families to have access to the kind of care they believe everyone deserves. That empathy fuels real change.

What advice would you give to someone new to philanthropy, whether they’re fundraising or giving?

Communicate. Be thoughtful. And look for ways for people to be part of the vision, not just the process. People want to be part of something bigger than themselves. Our job is to invite them in, help them see their role in it, and make space for their values to take shape through giving.

What are you taking with you into your new role at Colorado Ballet?

All of it, really. The technical skills, of course: strategy, relationship management, donor stewardship. But more than that, I’m taking the relationships, the creativity, and the understanding that the work is about people. I’ve spent so many years growing alongside this place. I’ve known multiple generations of staff, donors, and partners. You don’t forget that.

Any final reflections as you step into this next chapter?

I feel incredibly lucky. Someone took a chance on me early on, and I’ve had the opportunity to keep growing ever since. The mission of Denver Health and DHF has given me a sense of purpose. This has been more than a job. It’s been a place where I’ve built lifelong connections and contributed to something deeply meaningful. I’m proud to carry that forward.

Meet the Denver Health Foundation Staff

The mission of Denver Health and DHF has given me a sense of purpose. This has been more than a job. It’s been a place where I’ve built lifelong connections and contributed to something deeply meaningful. I’m proud to carry that forward.

Candice Jones

Major Gifts Officer, Denver Health Foundation