Emily Griffith Foundation

Opportunity Rocks the Block Oct. 6

egf2011 — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 23:13:46 +0000

Emily Griffith Rocked the Block — Again!

One of Denver’s oldest education institutions just started a new tradition. The annual Emily Griffith Technical College Block Party. We’re all about helping students succeed. Our slogan, ” for all who wish to learn,” is as true today as on September 9, 1916, when a visionary school teacher, Emily Griffith, convinced the district to let her open “Opportunity School” for adult education. Since then, more than 1.6 million people have benefited – gaining skills, getting jobs, and contributing to the community.

Hundreds of students, staff and community members turned out on Friday to see what this legendary institution is all about. Opportunity Rocks the Block treated visitors to live music, live graffiti, a fashion show, great food and more. Festivities began with a Parade of Nations featuring ESL students from 60 countries, some of whom are pictured above. The block party featured great food and entertainment, free hair cuts and manicures, makeup and hand massages from esthetician students, a vintage auto show, and booths from many Emily Griffith programs.

Did you see the airplane from the Aircraft Training Center, parked right on Welton Street? I caught a couple of instructors sitting on the wings to keep it from flying away in the wind. Stay tuned for more photos!

Emily Griffith Technical College’s 95th Anniversary Gala — What A Party!

egf2011 — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 22:22:59 +0000

As photographer for the event, I got to witness nearly 300 glittering patrons and guests at this historic happening go wild for just one night. Good thing I was busy, or I would have been tempted to have Christmas in September with the $21000-worth of irresistible silent auction items displayed on two long tables at the back of the Seawell Grand Ballroom. Emily’s guests were smart to scoop up more than $10,000 worth of beautiful bargains — from artwork to trips to luggage — before the night was over.

Okay, I did take a little break from photographing all of those beautiful people. The dinner by Epicurean Catering was first-class, but my favorite tidbit was the multilayered chocolate desert made more delectable by a tiny bit of rum or some such beverage.

Miss Emily Griffith herself, or someone just like her, cheerfully greeted guests at the top of the stairs leading to the ballroom. I thought Emily looked quite lovely in her turn-of-the-previous-century attire. Longer skirts are back in, I think, for fall. As the evening progressed, dignitaries, teachers and honored guests took to the dance floor en masse, cued by the rousing sounds of the Moses Jones Band and ballroom lighting that changed from floral to florescent.

That’s enough of what you really didn’t want to miss — for now. Thank you to all who attended and partied the night away for a great cause — Emily Griffith Technical College’s 95th Anniversary. Where else in Denver can you get technical training in more than 40 programs — from aviation to welding? Tuition is a fraction of what you’d pay at other area community colleges.

I will admit, I’m a bit biased about Emily Griffith Technical College. The passion of the teachers, students and staff to continue Miss Emily’s legacy — education “for all who wish to learn” — is simply contagious. Check out the college website for more inspiring news: www.emilygriffith.edu

‘Emily Then and Now’ — 95 Years Never Looked So Good

egf2011 — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 22:20:52 +0000

On Friday, September 9, 2011, Emily Griffith Technical College turned 95. We celebrated with nearly 300 revelers at the Seawell Grand Ballroom at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. No silent auction item was left untouched. No hands could refrain from applauding the brief, but brilliant speakers. No one could resist the succulent salmon and steak dinner. No feet could keep from tapping or dancing when the high-energy Moses Jones 12-piece ensemble took charge of the festivities. Yes, it was a night to remember. I know, because I was there, and I hardly remember the time passing.

I can’t imagine the changes to Emily Griffith Technical College and the Mile High City in another 95 years. Judging from the ‘Emily Then and Now’ movie on the Seawell’s big screens that put the party into historical context, the changes will likely be in technology and fashions, but not in the main product of this storied institution, namely, education.

Curious? Take a peek at the Emily Griffith Technical College site.

Hello, Everyone!

egf2011 — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 19:53:41 +0000

We are excited to launch the new Emily Griffith Foundation blog. Here you will find lively updates on how the Foundation is helping to change lives by supporting the exceptional education institution for adults — Emily Griffith Technical College.

Where else in Denver (or Colorado or the country, for that matter) can adults go for training or retraining in the hottest technical fields? Where you can graduate from most programs with in-demand skills in a year? And where people from all education, social, ethnic and economic backgrounds can succeed? As far as I know, only Emily Griffith offers such an education experience.

You have t0 know a bit about this landmark school to appreciate why Emily Griffith Foundation is so important — and why you should get involved. It’s helped more than 1.6 million adult students hit the restart button on their lives through education. Success starts with education, and for 10,000 students each year, education dreams come true right here at Emily Griffith.

We really need your help to keep this fabulous Denver institution going strong. In the interim, while we work on our new website, you can contribute via PayPal on www.emilygriffithfoundation.org. Thousands of students and dozens of technical career programs — from aviation technician, to cosmetology, to welding, depend on our foundation’s support — made possible by people like you.

Stay tuned to see what’s new — like the Emily Griffith Technical College Block Party that drew hundreds of people on Oct. 6.