Press releases are provided to Yellow Scene Magazine. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

Fri., April 17, 2025

CONTACT

Lea Deveraux

lea.devereaux@unitedwaydenver.org

720.518.6222

Mile High United Way Raises Over $500,000 at 27th Annual Women United Luncheon

Over 1,000 Attendees Gather to Celebrate the Power of Women & Girls

DENVER, COLO. – Mile High United Way raised more than $500,000 at its 27th Annual Women United Luncheon, held at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center. Proceeds from the event will support critical programs that empower women and girls across Metro Denver, including access to stable housing, career pathways and high-quality child care.

Over 1,000 attendees joined Mile High United Way President and CEO Christine Benero and Academy Award-winning actress and guest speaker Mary Steenburgen for an inspiring afternoon focused on advancing opportunity and equity for women and girls. Over the past 27 years, the luncheon has raised more than $5 million in support of the organization’s Women United initiative.

“Today is not just about supporting Mile High United Way. It’s also a day when we, as community leaders, show united, unwavering support for Colorado’s women and girls and all of our community,” said Christine Benero, president and CEO of Mile High United Way. “When we step forward to support women and girls, we create a ripple of change.”

This year’s theme, Timeless, highlighted the enduring values of kindness, courage, integrity, and humility – principles that continue to guide the Women United community and its impact.

“For nearly three decades, this event has celebrated not only the strength of women, but the collective impact we can have when we lead with purpose,” Benero added. “ The compassion and encouragement we offer today becomes the strength they will carry forward for generations to come.”

The event also honored Arlene Hirschfeld with the 2026 Frances Wisebart Jacobs Award, recognizing her lifetime of leadership, philanthropy, and advocacy on behalf of women, children, education, and the arts. Named after one of Colorado’s most influential philanthropic leaders, the award pays tribute to Frances Wisebart Jacobs, whose legacy includes founding Mile High United Way, Jewish Family Service of Colorado, and National Jewish Health.

Hirschfeld’s decades of service include leadership roles with the Junior League of Denver, Rose Community Foundation, JEWISHcolorado, the Denver Art Museum, the Women’s Foundation of Colorado, and Girl Scouts of Colorado. She was inducted into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame in 2006.

“Each of us has one key thing in common: we care about others, and we show up for our community. Women United gives us such a powerful way to channel that passion – bringing together people who don’t only want to write a check, but who also want to roll up their sleeves and truly make a difference in the lives of others,” said Arlene Hirschfeld.

Attendees also heard from featured speaker Mary Steenburgen, an Academy Award- and Golden Globe-winning actress whose decades-long career has been marked by iconic performances across film and television, as well as a deep commitment to philanthropy.

Mile High United Way early learning instructor and former program participant Dulce Pugh also spoke to attendees.

“Each person who has invested in Mile High United Way has become part of my story. The positive impact on families – parents and children helped here today – is timeless. Together, we are creating a new path for families,” said Dulce Pugh.

Click here for photos from the event. B-roll is available upon request.

The Women United Luncheon was presented by HCA HealthONE. The Speaker Sponsor was BOK Financial. The Frances Wisebart Jacobs Sponsor was ENT Financial. The Meet & Greet Sponsor was Southwest Airlines. The Giving Sponsor was Bank of Colorado. The VIP Reception Sponsor was the Morgridge Family Foundation. The Broadcast Sponsor was CBS Colorado, and the Print Sponsor was 5280 Magazine. Confident Sponsors were CoBank, Davis Graham, Molson Coors Beverage Company, PCL, and Suncor. Determined Sponsors were Congruex, Deloitte, Delta Dental of Colorado, EY, FirstBank, IMA Financial Group & Syntrinsic, Karen Kennedy, KeyBank, Northern Trust, Richmond American Foundation, Sullivan Financial Planning, and Xcel Energy.

About Mile High United Way

Working side-by-side with the community, Mile High United Way takes on critical human services issues facing our seven-county footprint, including the Metro Denver, Boulder, and Broomfield communities. Our united approach changes the odds for all children, families, and individuals in our community, so that all have the opportunity to succeed. Learn more at unitedwaydenver.org and follow us on social media @UnitedWayDenver.

###