11th Annual Bear to Make a Difference Gala and Celebrity Teddy Bear Auction
In February of 2002, a group of passionate individuals put together an idea for a silent auction of teddy bears and would benefit the Matthew Shepard Foundation. Many local Denver notables designed and dressed teddy bears and held a silent auction that raised just over five thousand dollars for the Matthew Shepard Foundation. In the years since, the event has become the largest annual fundraiser for the organization, with attendees from around the world. Te event has grown to include many special autographed bears and other items from celebrities, including Elton John, Drew Barrymore, Dolly Parton, Barbra Streisand, Jon Stewart, Barry Manilow, Liza Minnelli, Melissa Etheridge, Bette Midler, and Lady Gaga. We hope you plan to join us for this very special evening as we honor those in our community making a difference and continue to celebrate the work of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, now in its 13th year.
Purchase your Tickets today and receive our
early bird discount before September 7th.
SILENT AUCTION & RECEPTION
5:00PM on the Galleria of the Denver Center of Performing Arts Complex
DINNER & AWARDS
7:00PM in the Seawell Grand Ballroom
2012 HONOREES
2012 Making a Difference Award Recipient
Alan Cumming
Scottish stage, television and film actor, singer, writer, director, producer
and author and LGBTQ activist
SPIRIT OF MATTHEW AWARD
Do you know of an outstanding youth in doing great work in our community?
Nominate them for the 2012 Spirit of Matthew Award
Learn More About the Spirit Of Matthew Award
ENTERTAINMENT AND SPEAKERS
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| Judy Shepard Director, Board President Matthew Shepard Foundation |
Mike Nelson ABC Channel 7 News Chief Meteorologist |
SPONSORS & PARTNERS
A special thank you to our generous sponsors
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| Miller Coors | Love & Pride | Light Source Creative |
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| Human Rights Campaign | State Farm Insurance | Orbitz |
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| Out Front Colorado | Best Buy | Julius & Simpson |
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| HW Home | Pop Chips | Barefoot Wine |
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| Epicurean Catering | Seawell Ballroom | Center Plate |
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| Purple Crayons |
TICKETING
Tickets are now available through our Matthew Shepard Foundation Online Store
Tickets are $175 each before September 7th and $200 after September 7th.
Those interested in being a Table Captain and hosting your own table of 10,
should contact Development Director, Greg Greenhalge at greg.greenhalge@matthewshepard.org
ACCOMMODATIONS
We recommend the following hotels when making your travel arrangements
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TEDDY BEAR AUCTION
The Foundation staff and celebrities, musicians, and activist alike, are working hard to bring you some of the best one-of-a-kind Teddy Bears to this years Gala.
Check back often to see which bears will be featured at this years event.
Special thanks to the cast of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Season 4
for designing some fabulous bears for the Foundation – check it on LogoTV here!
