2009 Walk Of Dreams

On Saturday, September 12, 2009, the Marriott Denver City Center was transformed into an island paradise, despite the cold front that had moved in that morning. Nearly 250 people braved the cool weather in their favorite cocktail beach attire to support Operation Walk Denver!

During the cocktail hour, a different kind of silent auction was held in which guests walked among displayed surgical instruments and donated the amount to purchase one or several items. These critical supplies will be purchased and used on an upcoming trip. People who donated $250 or more received a beautiful leather-bound book of Colorado photographer John Fielder’s extraordinary work.

Dr. Todd Miner, Operation Walk Denver Board Chair, kicked off the evening as emcee. Dr. Douglas A. Dennis, Executive Director and Founder of Operation Walk Denver, gave a presentation explaining the debilitating effects of arthritis and other degenerative joint conditions. So that attendees could see where dollars collected go and how they are used, the presentation was followed by a touching video of grateful patients in Panama who have received life-changing orthopedic surgery.

Auctioneer Gary Corbett infused humor and fun into the live auction, which featured golf and vacation packages and an opportunity to join the Operation Walk Denver team on trips to Guatemala and Panama in 2010, to see first-hand the amazing work of Operation Walk.

An evening highlight was a paddle auction in which Jim P. Boyle, Operation Walk Denver Medical Coordinator, challenged guests to follow in the footsteps of our youngest donor, five year old Levi Kettler. Levi, grandson of Peggy Kettler, Operation Walk Denver Logistics Coordinator, chose to donate all his hard-earned summer proceeds from a successful lemonade stand venture to Operation Walk Denver! What an inspiration!

The evening concluded with dancing to Beach Boys tunes performed by the Kahuna Beach Party.

We express our sincere appreciation to event sponsors, donors and attendees who together raised more than last year – and enough to fund one of the two annual trips in 2010! It is only through this generosity that our wonderful team of medical personnel is able to continue this significant work. Thank you!