At the Wildlife Experience October 14, 2006, when Red Wagon Ball Emcee Libby Weaver told 430-plus guests in attendance that Advocates for Children needed to raise twice the funds to provide a CASA to every child who needs one, no one expected the crowd would meet the challenge in a single night. But that’s just about what happened, as civic, business and community leaders raised their paddles often and generously during the live auction, bringing the total raised by this year’s Red Wagon Ball to $350,000 -- $170,000 more than the previous record. Several auction items – among them a Milan Hejduk Colorado Avalanche jersey – were sold then donated back to be auctioned off again and again. During the “paddle raiser” portion of the program, when attendees have the opportunity to sponsor a CASA child, over $182,000 was raised.

The highlight of the evening was presentation of the Friend of Children Award to this year’s honorees: Pierre and Coco Lacroix, of the Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club. During his gracious acceptance speech, Pierre Lacroix made sure to acknowledge Kroenke Sports Enterprises and the Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club, who share in his support of Advocates for Children.

Presenting sponsor of the event was Town and Country Foods, owned by Simon and Shellie Moore of Elizabeth, Colorado. Moved by the inspirational program, Simon Moore took even his wife by surprised when he donated another $50,000, raising to over $107,000 the Moores’ total gift to this year’s Red Wagon Ball. Said Shellie Moore: “At our first Red Wagon Ball eight years ago, we were just starting our business. Simon was so moved that night that he donated $800, which was the best we could do at the time. Each year since, our business has become more and more successful, and we’ve considered it our great privilege to continue sharing our good fortune with Advocates for Children.” Shellie Moore is currently Chair of Advocates’ Board of Directors.

With a total contribution of over $77,000, the night’s other top bidders were the Moores’ good friends, Larry and Karen Lommen of L & K Ranch in Elizabeth. The Lommens donated $50,000 during the “Sponsor a Child” portion of the program, and made successful bids of more than $27,000 during the live auction.

The night’s Gold Sponsor was Newmont Mining. Other sponsors included: American Design and Landscape, Land Rover Denver East, Via West, Fox 31 News, Faegre & Benson, John Elway Toyota Scion, Robert & Virginia Ware, the Employees Fund of the Boeing Company, and Marshall and Joyce Gottesfeld.

Returning for the fifth year in a row, Fox 31 News anchors Libby Weaver and Ron Zapollo emceed the program, which culminated in a live auction conducted by celebrity auctioneer, Gary Corbett. For the sixth year, Amy Leonard served as event Chair.

Valerie Lunka, who created the first Red Wagon Ball ten years ago and who has overseen the event every year since, was the surprised recipient of this year’s “Speaking Up” Award. Over the past ten years, the Red Wagon Ball has generated over $1.4 million to support the children that Advocates for Children serves.

Among those in attendance were: Wes and Kris Becker, Rabbi Steve and Joyce Foster, Hal and Connie Roth, Ted and Cindy Senko, Rep. Nancy and Terry Todd, Steve and Karen Gottesfeld, Bill and Karen Young, Kevin and Marcie Taylor, Bob and Cindy Jensen, Rob and Allison Melun, Jack and Jane North, Graham and Heather Benes, Laird and Stephanie Blue, Mike and Amy Krza, Larry Pieters, Pat and Linda Sullivan, and Rod and Jill Tabberer.