Announcement
The beautiful Washington Park Boathouse - location of the IRC in Denver's Welcome Home Event 2023
The IRC in Denver's Welcome Home Event 2023, held on August 9th, was a great success. This year, the event featuring a cocktail hour, dinner, a mix of very personal and informative speeches, dancing, an art gallery, and expert panel discussion, was held right on the water at the Washington Park Boathouse - the perfect spot for a warm August summer night and to witness a stunning Colorado sunset.
Stunning sunset over the lake
Welcome Home is know as the IRC in Denver's annual signature fundraising event supporting all IRC programs. However, it has become so much more than that. It is a chance for loyal long-term supporters to meet staff, new or potential donors, gain information, and ask staff all the though questions. It is a chance for staff and supporters to reconnect, mingle, and enjoy the company of wonderful like-minded individuals while having a delicious meal in a gorgeous setting. It is a place for connection through learning, listening, discussing, networking, and having fun.
IRC staff bartending
IRC staff and supporters enjoying dinner catered by the Afghan favorite King of Shawarma and Kebob
The evening started out with Bella Diva World Dance, a Denver-based international dance company striving to bring the magic of global movement to Colorado, delighting the guests with their high energy dance performances.
The incredibly talented dancers from Bella Diva World Dance
Simultaneously, acclaimed photographer Tim Wood created a moving portrait gallery capturing the unbreakable spirit of IRC in Denver's clients.
A guest browsing the picture gallery created by acclaimed artist Tim Wood
Later, IRC staff honored community member whose commitment and contributions to the IRC in Denver are invaluable.
Award ceremony honoring outstanding supporters within the IRC in Denver's community
At the IRC in Denver, education is considered of high value. It is therefore no surprise that guests were invited to listen first to updates from Executive Director Tanya Vitusagavulu. Then IRC client and employee Homayoon Milad shared his extremely personal and moving story. Finally, guests joined in a lively discussion with the IRC in Denver's expert staff panel on their challenges, wins, hopes and dreams in the resettlement industry.
The IRC in Denver's expert panel answering questions
Welcome Home 2023 raised a net total of $17,651 to support the IRC in Denver's programs. However, we couldn’t have done it without YOU! It is only due to the giving hearts and selflessness of our supporters that we are able to support individuals on their journey from harm to home.
Further, we owe the utmost appreciation to our generous sponsors.
Bill Bradley, CEO of 5280 Waste Solutions, did not only generously support Welcome Home, but is know among IRC in Denver's employment team as a
"dedicated employer, who repeatedly hired from the IRC in Denver's talent pool during the APA evacuation. Additionally, he personally oversaw the training of one of our clients who had never held employment before evacuating to the US from Afghanistan."
5280 Waste Solutions is Denver’s only locally owned and operated waste and recycling hauler, recognizing that sustainability is a group effort, and taking pride in helping keep the Front Range clean and green. For them, it’s not about becoming a corporate giant in the waste industry—it never has been. The value of their work lies in focusing on the community they serve, because Colorado isn’t just where we they, it’s the place they call home.
Colorado Access Logo
Further, the IRC in Denver is grateful to their sponsor Colorado Access for their generous support of the event. Colorado Access is a local, nonprofit health care company that has been serving Coloradoans for 25 years. Their mission is to partner with communities and empower people through access to quality, equitable, and affordable care. Colorado Access enthusiastically supports the work of the IRC and the spirit of “Welcome Home”. They welcome you!
We truly hope you enjoyed yourself at our Welcome Home 2023 event and we look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events again soon. If you missed this event but would still like to support the IRC in Denver, you can donate to the IRC in Denver through our website!
Written by: Hanna Simmons
