2016 Craig Hospital PUSH Dinner

Saturday, April 30, 2016
at 5:30pm

HYATT REGENCY DENVER AT COLORADO CONVENTION CENTER
650 15TH ST., DENVER, CO 80202

Hosted Valet Parking

An inspirational evening that helps Craig Hospital patients and their families Redefine Possible

Craig Hospital’s biggest fundraiser of the year, the annual PUSH dinner, raises money to support Craig Hospital’s programs and research. The 2016 event, presented by Great-West/Empower Retirement raised more than $1.8 million for Craig Hospital programs and patients. Thank you to all who attended or donated!

Photobooth

Did you have your photo taken in our photobooth? Your photo is available for free download on the Craig blog.

What's Next?

If you made an auction purchase or a donation, you will receive an acknowledgement letter and tax deduction form within a few weeks. If you purchased an item but did not take it home with you on Saturday, someone will contact you to make arrangements for pick-up at the Craig Hospital Foundation offices.

Join us for a Craig Hospital Tour

Are you new to the "Craig Family?" Haven't had a chance to visit the campus recently? Please join us for a tour and learn more about the excitement at Craig Hospital. Contact foundation@craighospital.org or 303-789-8650 to set up a tour.

Congratulations to the 2016 Honorees:

Inspiration Award Honoree: Mike Utley

The Inspiration Award recognizes an individual who stands out as positive and influential role model for the community Craig serves. Award recipients have positively impacted others around them and have contributed meaningfully to increasing the quality of life for people with spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries, while achieving significant success in their personal and professional lives.

The 2016 Inspiration Award will be given to Mike Utley. On November 17, 1991, the Detroit Lions’ offensive guard was paralyzed during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at the Silverdome in Detroit, MI. Mike’s courageous “Thumbs Up” gesture as he was carried from the field has come to symbolize his fighting spirit.

Mike rehabilitated from his injury at Craig Hospital. With the help of his agent, Bruce Allen, Mike went on to found the Mike Utley Foundation. Established to find a cure for spinal cord injuries the Foundation supports select research, rehabilitation and education for SCI.

Dave and Gail Liniger Spirit of Craig Award Honorees: Brian and Alice Brown

This award recognizes Craig graduate who, through their community service, professional achievement, and personal support of Craig’s patients, graduates, and mission, significantly brings to life the spirit of Craig Hospital to others in the community.

The 2016 Dave and Gail Liniger Spirit of Craig Award will be given to South Metro Fire Fleet Services Bureau Chief Brian Brown and his wife Alice. In 2006, Brian sustained a severe traumatic brain injury when in a cycling accident on Mt. Evans. His rehabilitation at Craig made it possible for him to return to work 11 months post-injury.

Brian and Alice became passionate Craig supporters, founding and organizing the Racing For Hope Cycling Classic, a competitive race to raise money for Craig. As faithful volunteers, the Browns have served at Craig’s Family Night and have shared their story in Craig Hospital solicitations, media interviews, and the recent Redefining Possible portrait series. Alice is an active PUSH volunteer.

2016 PUSH Chairs

Don Childears, CEO and president of the Colorado Bankers Association
Linda Childears, CEO and president of the Daniels Fund

2016 PUSH Committee Members

Peter Burg
Mark Campbell
Don and Linda Childears, Co-Chairs
Steve Elken
Amy Farnan
Mary Feller
Mike Fordyce
Mark Glaser
Don Kortz
Bill Lindsay
Suzanne Lynch
Dan Morrison
Nanine Odell
Steve Peters
Art Seiden
Mary Sissel
Alan Weintraub, M.D.
Skip Weller

2016 PUSH Auction Committee Members

Mureen Brothers
Alice Brown
Terri Fordyce
Laurie Fenske
Candice Kiesow
Suzanne Lynch

2016 Program Committee

Jordan Ames
Mary Feller
Mike Fordyce
Mark Glaser
Suzanne Lynch
Jake Manley
Alan Weintraub, M.D.

EVENT MANAGER

Suzanne Lynch

TBI Outpatient Terre Engdahl sang the National Anthem with Sarah Thompson, Craig's Music Therapist
PUSH 2016 Photobooth
Foundation Executive Director Mary Feller, Craig CEO Mike Fordyce and PUSH Chairs Don and Linda Childears
Governor John Hickenlooper spoke at PUSH 2016
Inspiration award winner Mike Utley with his wife Danielle and Craig CEO Mike Fordyce
Dave and Gail Liniger Spirit of Craig Award winners Brian and Alice Brown
Craig After Dark featured music and dancing with the Spotlight Band