DENVER, CO--(Marketwired - Sep 11, 2015) - The Colorado I Have a Dream® Foundation (CIHAD) will honor Chris Romer and Robert B. Hottman during "Dream Street," the nonprofit's annual gala, Thursday, November 5, 2015 in the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center. CIHAD helps Denver's most underrepresented youth achieve their dreams through an award-winning, multi-year program of mentoring, academic assistance, life-skills development, cultural enrichment and partial scholarships for higher education.
Romer will receive the organization's McHugh Award, which acknowledges individuals for their exemplary efforts to level the playing field in education, as exhibited by Jerome and Anabel McHugh. Hottman is the 2015 recipient of the CIHAD Dream Maker Award, which is presented to a community leader whose commitment to quality education has had an enduring impact on area youth. Gala tickets are available at https://www.blacktie-colorado.com/rsvp/rsvp.cfm?eventcode=%27%3EJ%5EW%2E0WZ%21%40%20%20.
"Throughout his life Chris Romer has shown his commitment to ensuring quality education for every child," said Rachael Gazdick, the foundation's president and chief executive officer. "And Bob Hottman's many contributions in our community to improve the future for local youth are exemplary. CIHAD is grateful for the dedication of these worthy recipients of our organization's highest awards."
Romer is co-founder and president of American Honors, an honors program offered at select community colleges across the country. A former Colorado State Senator, Romer is a founder and a past president of the Colorado I Have A Dream® Foundation.
"I'm honored and humbled to be receiving the McHugh Award this year," Romer said. "When I co-founded CIHAD 27 years ago, I did so based upon the dream that one day all Colorado students will have the support they need to graduate high school and be college ready. The lessons learned at CIHAD still drive my passion for education today -- personal advising, high expectations and unconditional love. Annabel and Jerry McHugh taught us all through their extraordinary work. Their impact has changed the lives of thousands of Colorado students."
Hottman is chief executive officer of EKS&H, one of Denver's largest accounting firms and business advisors. In addition to serving as a board member for numerous civic organizations and his many other contributions to local nonprofits, Hottman has inspired a philanthropic culture at EKS&H, where all employees are strongly encouraged to engage in community service.
"Since its founding in 1988, the Colorado I Have a Dream Foundation has offered more than 800 'Dreamers' the chance to achieve educational, personal and professional success virtually unimaginable otherwise," said Hottman. "It is with great respect that I accept an award from such an inspiring organization, and I offer my sincere encouragement as it helps make foundational change in our community."
CIHAD impacts the lives of Denver Metro youth from kindergarten through high school by providing access to resources that go beyond the classroom. The expectation is that all Dreamers will be prepared for college, obtain a degree, and will have a viable path for entry into the workforce. CIHAD empowers Dreamers to meet these expectations by providing them with an array of tools designed to address key focus areas: academic enrichment, cultural enrichment and civic engagement, life skills development (soft skills development) and social-emotional supports, post-secondary educational pursuits, and career readiness. To learn more, visit http://www.cihadf.org/.
