December

Introducing ‘Civic Inspirations’

New Early Bird series helps Roadrunners connect with and support our community — and this edition offers an easy way to tackle holiday shopping.

By Elizabeth Parmelee

December 3, 2018

Just south of the Colfax at Auraria light-rail station lies the La Alma Lincoln Park neighborhood, home of the thriving Santa Fe Arts District and recognized by the American Planning Association as a great American neighborhood. Metropolitan State University of Denver maintains close ties to the neighborhood thanks to the history of our campus but also through the University’s Center for Visual Arts and the DIME-Denver campus.

What makes this neighborhood great? Beyond the galleries, cultural venues and restaurants, deeper than its history as one of Denver’s oldest neighborhoods and a hub of the Chicano movement, the roots of the neighborhood lie in its supportive and caring community. Now, the neighborhood is rallying to support the Denver Inner City Parish, one of the city’s best-known local nonprofits. Founded in 1960 to fill the gap left by churches moving to the suburbs, the organization transforms the lives of vulnerable children and adults through programs that interrupt violence, disrupt poverty and empower socio-economic progress. Overwhelmed by the needs of Denver’s low-income residents, however, the Parish was nearly forced to close in August.

Denver Inner City Parish Executive Director Larry Martinez – a native of the La Alma Lincoln Park neighborhood — noted that La Alma Lincoln Park remains one of the highest-need areas in Denver, serving infants to elders.

“We didn’t think we were going to make it, but we’re getting back to our roots and our community — and donors are showing us that they support that decision,” Martinez said. “We’re still here, we’re here to stay, and we will continue to be a resource that our community can lean on.”

To raise funds for the Parish, the Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association and Food Bridge International Marketplace — a nonprofit incubator working with local immigrant and refugee food entrepreneurs — are holding a No-Show Ball on Dec. 12. Food Bridge will provide Ethiopian dinners for a ball where you don’t even need to show up. Instead, for a $20 donation to the Denver Inner City Parish, an Ethiopian dinner (chicken or vegan) will be packaged and delivered to your home. Indulge with a midweek break from cooking or surprise a loved one with a ready-made meal delivered to their door (delivery within 5 miles of MSU Denver).

To purchase a No-Show Ball ticket with cash or check, contact La Alma Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association President Christine Sprague and a volunteer to bring you a ticket and collect your donation. You can also visit Fundly and purchase via credit card ($1 service fee added). The Denver Inner City Parish also accepts donations directly.