Bear to Make a Difference Gala - Matthew Shepard Foundation

Thank you to everyone who attended the 2019 Bear to Make a Difference Gala and helped us raise over $250,000 to support the work of the Matthew Shepard Foundation and our commitment to a future free from hate.
View our gala photos below.

Saturday, October 26, 2019 at 6:00pm

Hilton Denver City Center
1701 California Street
Denver, CO, 80202

Special Guests Dennis and Judy Shepard

*Scroll down to see more 2019 gala photos.

Gala tickets

Ticket Prices
Early Bird Table (until 8/15/2019): $2000
Early Bird Ticket (until 8/15/2019): $225

Purchase tickets >

Become a sponsor

You can help make this evening a huge success by becoming an event sponsor. Find out more information about our multiple sponsorship options.

Become a volunteer

A key component to our gala success is the help we receive from passionate supporters like you. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities to be a part of this great event.

Donate an auction item

If you are interested in contributing an item to the Bear to Make a Difference Gala Auction, please fill out our online form.

Donation form >

Hotel reservation

There is a Matthew Shepard Foundation reservation block at the Hilton Denver City Center
1701 California Street
Denver, CO, 80202

What do I wear?

This year’s attire is black-tie optional.

2019 Award Recipients

Samira Wiley

Making a Difference Award Honoree

Former US Attorney General Eric Holder

Making a Difference Award Honoree

Anthony Aragon & David Westman

Dennis Dougherty Award for Community Leadership

Seth Owen

Spirit of Matthew Award

Bear to Make a Difference Gala 2018

Bare to Make a Difference Cabaret

Join us for a pre-gala event on Friday, October 25th featuring The Skivvies.

Doors 7:30p.m., Show 8p.m. | The Roxy Theater, 2549 Welton St., Denver

PURCHASE TICKETS General Admission – $25 | Seated Admission – $50

Thanks to our sponsors

Presenting

Premier Partner

Hope Partner

Host Partners

Sam Estep & William Haworth

Advocate Partners

Patron Partners

Friends of the Foundation

Steven Dettelbach & Karil Bialostosky

John Walsh & Lisa Christian

Wine Sponsor

Spirit Sponsor

Marketing Mainstay

National Media Sponsor

Production Sponsor

Official Hotel Sponsor