February 4 was an unusually warm evening for February in Colorado, and that warmth was reflected in the hearts of more than 300 people who gathered at the Broomfield Omni Hotel to celebrate and support SPAN. We debuted mobile bidding for our silent auction, we dined and danced, and yes, we ate lots and lots of chocolate. But, most importantly, when the night was done, the 2017 Fling had raised $181,347! This record breaking total was driven by a record breaking Paddle Raiser that generated $63,000 in direct appeal donations. Attendees were moved and motivated by the night’s star, Alicia McMahon, a former SPAN client who shared her story of healing, hope and opportunity with the audience. Alicia, joined onstage by her daughters, spoke of the abuse, the strength and courage it took to transcend that violence, and of the support she received from SPAN. It was an inspiring story and attendees responded with equally inspiring generosity.
The Chocolate Lovers’ Fling is SPAN’s most important fundraiser and this one event supports nearly 10% of SPAN’s operating budget. The tremendous success of this event would not be possible without the hard work, talents and passion of SPAN’s Events Coordinator, Mary Pierce, or our Donor Development Coordinator, Aparna Harris. These two amazing people are supported by a group of great volunteers on the Fling Planning Committee.
The Fling also depends on the support of some great sponsors. Our core Fling support comes from long-time sponsors and personal supporters like Tim and Mary Black, and Black Roofing. Black Roofing has been in business since 1975 and specializes in complex commercial projects. They do a great job on residential roofing jobs too, but they also have bragging rights on rooftops all over the Front Range, including the new CU Practice Facility in Boulder and the fabulous Westin Hotel at DIA. Another example of this core support comes from annual Fling sponsorship from the Cadwell Family Foundation and Christie Cadwell.
Here is a complete list of Fling sponsors for 2017:
Chocolate vendors this year were Piece, Love & Chocolate, Chocolove, Cholaca, Nova Monda, Missy J’s, Truffles in Paradise, Good Day Chocolates, Breadworks and Cultura Craft Chocolate.
Thank you is not enough to say to all the fine people and businesses that make the Chocolate Lovers’ Fling possible. SPAN staff, Board members, volunteers an d clients are all so very grateful to everyone who supports this great event. Keep eating chocolate and we’ll see you Saturday, February 3, 2018!