– Showcase Talent. Serve Humanity.

Alec Mueller is a 17-year-old magician and mentalist. Bringing experience from the stage of Americas Got Talent to multiple fox news appearances and countless local performances, he can’t wait to bring his act here today.

Meistersingers is a distinguished choral group from Cherry Creek High School. This group consists of the 2016-2017 school year alumni of Meistersingers, who were able to travel to Iceland to perform in various parts of the country during the spring of 2017. The group also consists of members of the Colorado All State Choir 2016, 2017, and 2018. The group now attends different universities, including the University of Denver, University of Notre Dame, University of North Texas, University of Northern Colorado, and Vanderbilt University and study a wide variety of majors, such as music, business, and biology. Members of this group include Natalie Block, Channing Chi, Zach Corwin, Maddy Harding, Chris Martin, Rachel Moes, and Kate Ragan. This is their first time performing together again since graduating!

Master Hypnotist Tracy Gray delivers high energy, fun-filled comedy hypnosis show that is tailored to our audience and contains material appropriate for our guests.  Her decades of education experience with students of all ages allows her to form a relationship with our guests quickly and effectively, setting the perfect pace for your entertainment.

Tracy’s shows are informative, laid back, fun, and full of surprises!  Each show is interactive with lots of music and has been customized to our event.  The audience and volunteers will all find something to love in this show!  Tracy strives to show people that they can be so much more when they realize the power of their own subconscious.

Shaolin Hung Mei Kung Fu is a non-profit association offering a comprehensive system of martial practices intended to cultivate the defense skills, health, knowledge, character and spiritual development of its students. Although the martial applications of Shaolin Hung Mei form its foundation, history, theory, philosophy, and culture are integral to its structure. The organization bridges the gap between Eastern and Western ideas and people by exposing the greater metro communities to a variety of Chinese traditions.  www.shaolinhungmei.org or 303.507.3800.

The demonstration for this event will consist of a traditional Chinese Lion Dance. Over many generations, the performance of the Lion Dance has come to signify chasing away evil spirits and welcoming good luck and good fortune to all. There are many variations of Lion Dances. Typically, the highlight of the performance is the Lion “picking the greens,” most often a head of lettuce. The picking of the greens meant that there would be a good harvest. Over the passage of time, the picking of the greens became symbolic for prosperity.

Vivek Wadhwa said, “What you want in a mentor is someone who truly cares for you and who will look after your interests and not just their own.” What this homeless person had in mind was soly to support us.

This section is dedicated to this articulate and compassionate homeless person who became our first sales mentor. We didn’t even catch his name.

Stephen Zhang is a sophomore at Cherry Creek High School. He founded Youth Creates LLC because he firmly believes in the power and potential that youth hold.  He knows that the youth are capable of incredible achievements and is devoted to creating resources and opportunities for them to thrive. He hopes he can maximize benefaction by enlisting others to serve the community with their talents and ideas. The Gala for a Cure event is one of such events to make a meaningful impact. By organizing talents and giving them the spotlight, the event creates a great platform for the performers to present their gift and to give back to the community. This fundraising event has the sole purpose of supporting Cancer League of Colorado, a reputable non-profit organization raising millions of dollars to fund cancer research. The humanitarian cause to fight cancer has a special meaning to Stephen as his grandfather died from cancer. Stephen and his team are proud to be part of this effort. Stephen aspires to become a doctor and continue to help people.

Stephen lives with his parents and younger brother, whom he loves dearly.

Currently, I am a member of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Audit Committee for M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. (“MDC”), one of the largest homebuilding companies in the United States. In addition, I am beginning my tenth consecutive year as President of Cancer League of Colorado, an all-volunteer non-profit organization that raises money to support cancer research and related patient care services in Colorado.

In August 2008, I retired from MDC after 20 years of service, including 19 years as Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining MDC, I spent 11 years with Occidental Petroleum Corporation (“Oxy”) in various corporate tax-related management positions in their Houston, Tulsa and Los Angeles offices, the latest of which was Director of Tax Planning at Oxy’s headquarters in Los Angeles. I started my professional career in 1976 as a tax accountant for Texas Eastern Transmission Corporation in Shreveport, Louisiana, before joining Oxy in 1977 in Houston.

I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin (BBA in accounting) in 1976 after earning the first two years of my undergraduate education at Texas Christian University and the third at the University of Texas at Arlington. I also hold a CPA license in the state of Texas. I have a wife of 45 years, two adult married children, and six grandchildren.

Suzanne moved to Colorado in 2014, a graduate of San Diego State University with a BS in communications. She worked in media and Communications for 14 years and was a previous Sales Manager for NBC Television, CBS and GSM for Sierra Broadcasting Corporation.

Suzanne is very passionate about the community and believes in giving back. She served on the Board of Directors for Rotary International and focused her efforts on International Service and Community Projects. Also, a member of the International Broadcasters Idea Bank. She has volunteered with various charities since moving to Denver including fundraising for the Colorado Ballet and helping with the Denver Center for Performing Arts. She also volunteered with San Diego Zoo Global.

Suzanne Currently serves as VP Elect/Communications and media for the Cancer League of Colorado, she loves this charity because 100% of funds raised goes to Cancer research and programs in the State.

Suzanne is married and has 3 beloved children.

Channing is a rising junior at Vanderbilt University, majoring in Medicine, Health and Society as well as Molecular and Cellular Biology on the pre-medical track. He is extremely dedicated to helping others and impacting other’s lives positively. He has taken multiple medical service trips to third-world countries such as Peru and the Dominican Republic. He also works at the Jeff Rathmell lab, where he researches potential cancer immunotherapies, and tutors Vanderbilt students in General Chemistry and Biological Sciences. Outside of academics, Channing enjoys singing in choir and fencing.

Andrew Lu is currently a sophomore at Cherry Creek High School. He heard the name of Cancer League of Colorado since he started doing his scientific research in an Oncology Lab at the University of Colorado. The research Andrew participates has been continuously supported by Cancer League of Colorado, which strongly motivates Andrew to join Youth Creates and to co-organize “Gala for a Cure”, the fundraising event for Cancer League of Colorado. Besides his academic activity at school, Andrew actively participates in Cherry Creek High School’s Chamber orchestra as well as the prestigious Young Artists Orchestra of Denver. He also enjoys giving back to the community through cello at the Swedish Medical Center, where he helps lead the music therapy program and spreads the love of music. Other hobbies include debate and varsity tennis at his school.

Derek Li is a junior student of Cherry Creek High School. Math, economics and computer science are his favorite subjects. Derek has participated in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) club of Cherry Creek High School since 9th grade and has learned business-related knowledge through the comprehensive and wonderful activities provided by FBLA. Derek is excited to join Youth Creates, a company created by high school students and to work together, create together, enjoy the experience together and make a difference for our community together.