Many touching words were spoken at the Porter-Billups Leadership Academy Gala, but the ones that resonated most came from founder Lonnie Porter himself.
After emphasizing his belief that if given the opportunity, every kid will shine, Porter took a deep breath and added: “If I had just one wish to be granted it is that He would give me 74 more years to do just this.”
“Just this” is how for 22 years, the 2001 inductee to the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame and the winningest coach in Colorado’s men’s basketball history has put kids from at-risk backgrounds on the path to success by instilling in them just how important an education can be.
Along with professional educators, volunteers and co-director Chauncey Billups, Porter makes learning fun by bringing 190 youngsters to the PBLA site on the Regis University campus for three weeks every summer for six hours of instruction per day. Subjects range from basic life skills to history, social justice, human rights, writing and art.
There is no tuition, and transportation to and from campus is provided, as are meals.
Funding comes from the annual gala and a golf tournament held every summer, along with sponsorships, in-kind gifts and individual donations.
“I love everything about the PBLA,” says David Kubik, a member of the nonprofit organization’s Advisory Board. “I’ve never seen a place that cares for and builds into these students more passion, love and practical life skills. Lonnie Porter has opened his heart … and filled these kids with the hope and motivation to have an exceptional life.”
The gala, emceed by radio personality Susie Wargin, was held at the Ritz-Carlton Denver and raised $205,000 to expand PBLA programs, offer deeper support to existing students and to recruit even more than the current average of 190 per year.
Special guests included Regis University President John Fitzgibbons; Sabrina and Bob Willis (he’s the University of Denver’s associate athletic director and was the first to write a check when Lonnie Porter started what was then known as the Lonnie Porter Summer Academy); Kevin Kelly, who, as president of Delaware North’s Travel Hospitality Services, pledged his company’s support of the PBLA for the next 10 years; Don and Laurie Hicks, whose Shortline Auto Group is a longtime supporter of the PBLA; Donna Ogorek, a vice president of Sooper Credit Union, one of the gala’s presenting sponsors; Dr. Mitchell Seemann, whose Panorama Orthopedic & Spine Center also was a presenting sponsor; Silver Sponsor Bill Fortune; and PBLA graduate Megan Coffey Parker, who went on to receive three college degrees and become an elementary school teacher.
“Coach (Porter) instilled in me that I could be a leader and change the world,” she said, adding that he also was there for her during some tough times.
“I was a swimmer in high school, but I also had asthma, which made it hard. I was ready to throw in the towel, and when Coach heard that he sent me a card of encouragement that I carry with me to this day.” And, when her mother passed from cancer, Porter was the first to extend condolences.
The sold-out crowd of 400 also included Dana Manyothane, program manager for the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District; Rhetta Shead, director of administration for Cleo Parker Robinson Dance; attorney Penfield Tate and his wife, Paulette; Hispanic Chamber President Mike Ferrufino; Dr. Alan Synn; attorney April Jones and her husband, Darryl, the chief real estate officer for Denver International Airport; Kevin and Wanda Harris; Alicia Harvey; Sunny Porter and Piper Billups, the wives of Lonnie Porter and Chauncey Billups; Wil Alston; and Tracy Taylor with his wife, Sandra Roberts-Taylor.
