Friday, September 7 th marked the inaugural fundraiser gala for the High Line Canal – an elegant affair that included cocktails and dinner under the teepees in Aurora with distinguished attendees from across the region
Aurora, CO (September 12, 2018) – The non-profit High Line Canal Conservancy (Conservancy) hosted the organization’s inaugural Dine for the High Line on Friday, September 7, 2018. Community members and leaders from across the region attended this outdoor celebration along the Canal and its canopy of cottonwoods, while raising funds to ensure a vibrant and long-term future for the iconic 71-mile High Line Canal.
Drawing inspiration from the natural and historical quality of the 135-year old Canal, the first-time event was held along a scenic section of trail at the Community College of Aurora. Event attendees crossed the High Line Canal on a pedestrian bridge, opening up a view to the elegant event distinguished by teepee-style tents and a beautiful view to historic DeLaney Community Farm.
The evening began with a cocktail reception with music followed by a seated dinner for over 300 guests under iconic teepee-style tents. Guests enjoyed local, farm-fresh fare served family style by Catering by Design. Event co-chairs Carol McDermott and Kathy Tyree kicked off the program, introducing Harriet Crittenden LaMair, High Line Canal Conservancy Executive Director, and Dirk McDermott, Conservancy Board Chair. Both LaMair and McDermott stressed the extraordinary progress made over the past few years and the urgency of support to fulfill the ambitious implementation plans to protect and enhance the High Line Canal for generations to come.
Attendees included representatives from all 11 jurisdictions along the Canal’s reach, including Senator Michael Bennet and Aurora Mayor Bob LeGare, and community leaders such as Pamela Beardsley and Amy Halperin Wood.
“It was inspiring to see such a committed crowd connecting under the iconic teepees along such a beautiful stretch of the Canal in Aurora. Leaders from across the region mingled with community supporters unified with the passion and intention on preserving the 71-mile High Line Canal as a legacy greenway for the region,” said Harriet LaMair, Conservancy Executive Director. “We are deeply dependent on financial support from each of you to pursue the Community Vision for the Canal. Tell your friends about our work for the Canal and please support our efforts – it truly does take a region to stand up for the Canal.”
As part of the festivities, the Conservancy honored Denver Water as this year’s High Line Hero, commemorating the honor with a cape placed on Jim Lochhead, Denver Water President and CEO. Denver Water, as owner of the Canal since 1924, has provided incredible leadership, stewardship and commitment to the long-term preservation and enhancement of the historic corridor. As the Canal is outliving its historic use as an irrigation channel, the Conservancy, along with Denver Water, jurisdictional partners and the public are working to preserve, protect and enhance the ecological and recreational resource by re- imagining it as a 71-mile park.
