ASHLEY'S LIST

I was lucky enough to attend the 20th Annual Limelight Awards put on by the LoDo District, Inc. this week. It was a grand event with all many of Denver's movers and shakers! Kevin Taylor knows how to rock the menu at the Opera House - stunning venue.

What made this particular event so special was learning about the changes that Denver has seen over the last 20 years and meeting the people who have dedicated so much of their time to turning Denver an amazing city. I felt humbled indeed, when Dana Crawford took to the stage and talked so candidly about where Denver was 20 years ago and the time, planning and involvement it has taken to get simple things changed. What a women, a pioneer and such an asset to our city. I felt lucky to meet Dana in person that night and I believe Dana is Denver's darling.

There were many wonderful people in the room that night. Mayor Hickenlooper, Newly retired new anchor from Channel 7 Bill Clark was the lovely emcee. Dave Moore, the brilliant mind behind the ROCKTOBER marketing campaign and so many more. I so enjoyed learning about the people who have contributed to our city and how much love there is is for the small town we call home. No matter what anyone says - Denver will always be a town. Our town.

We are lucky to have such leaders and committed citizens. This is what makes any place great and it is rare to find such a nook where people are so genuinely proud of their streets, parks, rivers, renovations and public transportation (more to come!)

Here it is:

• What Can I DO to Keep Denver GREAT?
• How Can I Get INVOLVED?
• How Do I EDUCATE Myself About Issues Concerning My Community?
• How Can I PARTICIPATE? the challenge that I have decided to take on:

I invite you all to ask yourself these questions. Maybe you are involved. GREAT! If you aren't, perhaps it is time to give back. I am challenging myself and each one of you to do something that makes a difference for our TOWN! I am including resources on this list and I want to dedicate this to all the people that have been working over the years to create a culture and environment that lends itself to prideful living and a juicy lifestyle.

I am proud to call Denver, home.

HGTV’s Change the World. Start at Home campaign is a community revitalization project in ten cities, one of which is Denver. Each community will receive funding for specific community projects. However, people can vote for the cities they feel are the most deserving of a makeover. The most ‘popular’ cities will receive additional funding from HGTV and be featured on the network.

If Denver is selected, the Curtis Park District in Five Points neighborhood will receive much needed attention through the renovation of the Curtis Park Community Center building and church. The community center has been closed in recent years due to repair issues and asbestos contamination. Their current funds only cover removal of the asbestos. However, HGTV funds will help create new programs for seniors and children and of course help revitalize the neighborhood.

Also planned is funding for Denver’s Mile High Million program whose goal is to add one million new trees to the Denver Metro by the year 2025. HGTV will support a tree planting program on Stout Street and Park Avenue to beautify and improve the area. 

Be part of the change and vote for Denver! Vote for Denver at the following URL:
www.hgtv.com/hgtv/ah_change_the_world/text/0,,HGT...

Bookmark the site because you can vote once each day from each computer until the end of December. By voting for Denver you will help revitalize a great, historic Denver community.