By Molly Monroe and Jodi Peterson-Stigers
The community showed up in full force to celebrate our FREDs at the Second Annual FRED Awards to raise over $100,000 for Interfaith Sanctuary. It was a night filled with joy, gratitude, and deep appreciation for the remarkable people we honored.
The heart of the night belonged to our FRED Award recipients. Their stories of fearlessness, resilience, empathy, and dynamism that capture true boots on the ground leadership inspired the entire room.
The music bumpers, performed by the band led by Curtis Stigers with Casey Miller, Dave Manion, Bernie Reilly, and Katrina Nicolayeff, each one chosen to match the spirit and personality of the honoree lifted the energy even higher.
The awards themselves were extraordinary. Correctional Industries crafted stunning FRED Award plaques, each featuring a boot complete with real laces, symbolizing the theme of the night and the incredible community that walks alongside Interfaith Sanctuary every day.
Highlights from the FRED Awards:
Guest of the Year
In his acceptance speech, Shiloh Price expressed how he entered Interfaith scared, but was wrapped up in care that made him feel seen. He battled anger and disappointment, but grew in resilience and confidence. “I am proud to stand here not in spite of where I was left but because of how far I’ve managed to rise from it,” he said. His words received a standing ovation from the audience.
Employee of the Year
Director of Case Management Stacey White was honored as the employee of year who acknowledged her fellow staff as “fierce advocates”. “Your hard work, compassion, and the commitment you show to your community is an honor to stand and work beside,” she said.
Volunteer of the Year
Jim Rudolph humbly accepted his award for volunteer of the year, baffled at how he could possibly be the recipient of an award alongside all the other amazing recipients.
Warrior of the Year
“In an ideal world, Interfaith Sanctuary would be unnecessary” Geoffrey Wardle, the recipient of the Warrior of the Year award, said. The pro bono lawyer for Interfaith Sanctuary has worked tirelessly to fight with Interfaith through legal battles. Caring for those experiencing homelessness is near and dear to his heart
Faith Group and Faith Leader of the Year
Cathedral of the Rockies and pastor Duane Anders received the award for faith group of the year. The congregation raised $116,000 in one Sunday by simply passing their offering plate through the congregation. Pastor Anders quoted a scripture in Micah 6:8 that communicates what he sees partners of Interfaith doing on a day to day basis, “Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly.”
Donor of the Year
Jodi Peterson-Stigers awarded Bobbi Hansberger with the “Donor of the Year” award. Peterson-Stigers said that she calls Hansberger, who encourages Peterson-Stigers in moments of despair. “It’s inspiring to support an organization that is capable of supporting others,” Hansberger said after the gala.
Partner of the Year
The only bank that allowed Interfaith to take out a loan, Heritage Bank, received their second Fred award for Partner of the Year. Dan Fisher accepted the award and chalked himself up to be “just the spreadsheet guy.” Fisher spent hours upon hours crunching the numbers that didn’t seem to be in the nonprofit’s favor, but kept up faith in Interfaith.
FRED of the Year
Nick Guho was honored as the Fred of the Year for keeping his boots on the ground since the day Interfaith Sanctuary was born. From acquiring Interfaith’s first building where the current emergency shelter resides, to building the new shelter home on State Street, Guho never wavered. “I never doubted Interfaith would get here,” he said.
Another highlight of the evening was the silent auction, where attendees could bid on one-of-a-kind boots hand-painted by our local artist community. The artists all donated their time and talent to make these truly special boots for our cause. The Boots on the Ground artists were: Jodi Miller, John Milan, Bobby Gaytan, Jennifer Parks, Joelle Ater, Chris “Critter” Alvarez, Julie Loomis, Becka Schrinsky, Wendy Blickenstaff, Bobby Gayton and Ethereal Ink artists, Julian, Emily, Renee and Kas.
Organizations, foundations, families, staff, and volunteers who have walked beside Interfaith over the years came together to make the Second Annual FRED Awards a night to remember. Everyone showed up not just with their boots, but with their hearts. The room was overflowing with generosity, gratitude, and pure goodness and you could feel Fred Cornforth, the man who inspired it all, right there with us in spirit.