Stories of Hope, the Kempe Foundation’s biggest annual fundraiser, was filled with a celebration of children and families. We had over 250 guests, who experienced hopeful stories and experiences. During this amazing celebration, we were able to raise $450,000 to help children and families live healthier, safer lives. We made sure to imbue stories of hope in every facet of the night. From interactive stations to amazing speakers who shared their stories on the main stage, we were able to find hope everywhere. Here is a recap of the event.
We started the night with a Cocktail Reception
This portion of the evening offered five unique stations providing examples of how Kempe inspires hope. These five included:
- Know Your Kempe: videos were created showing guests an example of three programs including Fostering Healthy Futures (FHF), the CARE Network and the Child Welfare Training System (CWTS)
- CWTS Trivia Contest: guests were asked 10 questions about the CWTS from CWTS leadership. Three winners were randomly chosen for prizes.
- Meet a Home Visitation Program Manager: A Success Story from a prior SafeCare Participant. The Director of SafeCare and someone has personally and professionally used home visitation to support families
- Radio Kempe: Share Your Story of Hope: The Kempe podcast, Radio Kempe, was highlighted allowing guests to listen to podcasts and get interviewed on the spot.
- Roots at Kempe: attendees learned through examples on how previous Kempe professionals began their career at Kempe and used their skills to advance their careers to benefit children and families.
These stations were fully interactive, allowing guests to learn more about Kempe, and our mission by talking to dedicated individuals all while experiencing fun!
Hopeful stories on guest tables
As people moved from the cocktail reception to the main event, they were met with stories right on their tables. Three stories were shared through display cards around each centerpiece. These stories included:
- The inspiring story of a teen who engaged in risky behavior and changed her life because of Rocky Mountain Multisystemic Therapy
- The experiences of a forensic nurse who was trained through the CARE Network
- The story of a former mentor of Fostering Healthy Futures who testified at the Colorado state capitol.
Entertainment from the community
We were able to see amazing entertainment from the community during the event. Our amazing performers were able to captivate the audience, and tell us a little bit about their stories.
The Denver Nuggets Drumline performed in person to launch the evening’s festivities. The city of Denver was inspired throughout the 2022-2023 season where the Nuggets secured the best record in the West Division.
The local dance ensemble, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, has its own unique story. For five decades, they have developed into an internationally esteemed organization that operates beyond the traditional performing arts model. They did a touching dance performance that followed the drumline.
Inspirational stories on the main stage
In addition to the exciting entertainment guests heard from amazing speakers. Speakers ranged from professionals, experts, honorees, and community members who shared lived experiences.
Jon Kruljac, CEO of The Kempe Foundation shared his 32-year commitment to the cause at Kempe where he shared that over the years, he witnessed how the healing effects of care and compassion can create hope and change in people, communities, and systems.
Kentucky Youth Advocates, part of Together in Truth, shared their experiences as well. After running pilots in three states, including in Kentucky, Kempe aspires to convene Truth Telling circles in every state in the country. Kempe is already heavily invested in improving child welfare in Colorado through the state supported Child Welfare Training System whereby we train every case worker throughout Colorado.
Kathleen Nelson, the principal of Kemper Elementary School, shared her perspective about the Trauma Responsive and Implementation & Practice (TRIP) program. The TRIP program provides exceptional trauma-responsive and culturally appropriate practices to those desiring adult learning and systems improvements. One of the key TRIP initiatives is Trip in Schools, which began in Montezuma County at Kemper Elementary School. She shared how the dedication from the TRIP program directly helped teachers, administration, staff and the families of the school were positively impacted through trauma-informed trainings.
Kimberly and Williams Murray, who were the event’s Mission Moment Speakers shared about their blended family and initiative to launch the Shaylee Foundation. We also learned how their family received high-quality care from the Kempe Child Protection Team back in 2019. Learn more about the Murrays here.
Yvonne Camacho, who received the Imhoff Family Community Award shared about her time at Kempe. Yvonne’s commitment to children and families is evidenced by her many years of philanthropy, board participation and leadership. In her time on the Kempe Board of Directors, Yvonne served in multiple roles including Board Chair, Treasurer, and Chair of the Finance and Audit committees. Her leadership and contributions helped guide the Kempe Foundation through challenging financial times and complex transitions.
Dr. Antonia Chiesa, who received the Kempe Professional Award shared about her experience in helping children and families. Dr. Antonia Chiesa is an Associate Professor in Pediatrics-Child Abuse and Neglect for the Kempe Center, the Director of Healthcare Services at Kempe, Director of the Kempe Child Protection Team and Director of the Child Abuse Response and Evaluation (CARE) Network,. She has achieved several accomplishments in novel and innovated program development, including developing the only pediatric Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program and developed the largest and most comprehensive multidisciplinary follow-up clinic for patients with abusive head trauma.
Taking these stories of hope beyond
These stories of hope were able to touch the hearts of all our guests. But most importantly, they serve as a reminder of how important it is to protect the health and safety of children and families. These stories are a sign that the work we do is important, and will continue to be important.
The Kempe Foundation would like to extend big thanks to everyone who supported the Stories of Hope fundraiser. A special thank you for our sponsors listed below, and to all the guests, speakers, and entertainers who made the night possible.
