What do you get when you put over 300 generous and energetic people, a lot of planning, a cadre of volunteers, and a beautiful venue all together with good food and wine? You get the incredible “Rockin’ Around the Clock” gala that we had on Saturday, April 8, 2017. The costumes and beautiful cars at the Blackhawk Automotive Museum transported guests back to an era of leather jackets, poodle skirts and hot rods. Good-natured bidding took our silent auction to new heights, and our auctioneers, Daniel and Jake, did a great job selling the amazing live auction lots that included a week at a French chateau, an African safari and a tickets to the Warrior’s playoff game, including a jersey signed by Steph Curry. The jivin’ continued to dancing with music provided by TJ Burke.

While the fun abounded, the highlights of the evening were those that emphasized the whole reason why we were all there. Our parent speakers, Jenny and Doug Anderson, did an incredible job of describing the impact that Xenophon has had not only on their son, Kyle, but on their entire family. Our Board President, Trudy Presser, also brought home the quality and impact of the many programs that Xenophon now offers. Laura Fend, who received the Jean Schaffner Spirit Award for the incredible time and talent that she brings to Xenophon was the quintenssential example of the type of people that can be found volunteering at the center.

We cannot express the level of gratitude we feel towards all those who participated: our sponsors, our gala donors, our auction donors, our gala committee, the volunteers who worked that evening, and of course, our staff who put hours and hours into creating the perfect event. All together, we raised over $190,000 for Xenophon. A truly amazing feat! Thank you, thank you from all the students and staff at the center. You rocked it!