UPCOMING EVENTS

Celebrity Bartenders 2024

ROGER HADIX, Author and Sports Historian. Roger “Digger” Hadix has written and published books on “Baseball in Colorado Springs”, and his most recent to be released January 2024, “Colorado Ice Hockey “. Besides authoring about history, he experiences history playing baseball on the Colorado Vintage Base Ball Association Team. Roger will be signing some copies of his books to be auctioned at the evening’s event. The “Colorado Ice Hockey” book includes photographs, taken by our Pro Players Association CEO, Gary R. Adler.

CHRIS BREWER is a retired football running back who played two seasons in the National Football League with the Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears. He was drafted by the Broncos in the ninth round of the 1984 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Arizona and attended George Washington High School in Denver, Colorado. Brewer was also a member of the Denver Dynamite and New England Steamrollers of the Arena Football League. Chris was elected to the Executive Board in July 2021.

KATIE COMPTON is an American former bicycle racer. She specialized in cyclo-cross racing and is a 15-time national champion. Compton formerly piloted a tandem with a blind partner in Paralympic events. She has won the USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships Elite Women's title in an unbroken 15- win streak every season from 2004 to 2018. Since she took part in Paralympic events, she cannot enter any bicycle races which award UCI points. Since she was unable to take part in major races before the National Championship, her win was a surprise to other racers, fans and journalists, ending her Paralympic career under UCI regulations. In 2007, she became the first American woman to podium in the Cyclo-cross World Championships (held in the Cyclo-cross capital of the world that year—Belgium)

     

Paralympic Games
as pilot for Karissa Whitsell
Gold medal – first place2004 Athensroad race/time trial
Gold medal – first place2004 Athens3 km individual pursuit
Silver medal – second place2004 Athens1 km time trial
Bronze medal – third place2004 Athenssprint
Women's Cyclo-cross
World Championships
Silver medal – second placeHooglede-Gits 2007Women elite race
Silver medal – second placeSankt Wendel 2011Women elite race
Silver medal – second placeLouisville 2013Women elite race
Silver medal – second placeValkenburg 2018Women elite race
Bronze medal – third placeHoogerheide 2009Women elite race
SCOTT KILBURY as someone who loves the great outdoors, Scott is happy to call Colorado Springs his home.  Scott enjoys getting out in nature with a good hike, a ride on his mountain bike and fishing.  
 
Scott Kilbury joined the FOX21News team in 2016 as an award-winning news anchor with more than two decades of broadcasting experience. He most recently anchored the news at WHEC in Rochester, NY, and news and sports at KOLD in Tucson.
 
Kilbury has received five Southwest Rocky Mountain Emmy Awards, including Best News Anchor, Best Sports Anchor and recognition for feature and sports reporting. He has garnered more than a dozen Associated Press Awards in Montana, Nebraska, Arizona, New York and Colorado.
 
While Kilbury earned his degree in journalism at the University of Arizona, he reported with KUAT radio and began his television career as an interning producer at the NBC television affiliate in Tucson.  At the same time, Kilbury was a teaching parent for the hearing-impaired students at the Arizona State School for the Deaf and Blind.  Kilbury, who is fluent in American sign language, also relished coaching athletics and announcing games for the visually impaired at ASDB.
 
He maintains this same energy today in covering the day’s events and keeping up with his three children.

 
JESSICA MENDOZA is an avid Broncos and Nuggets fan. As a Colorado native, Jessica is proud to be a Thompson Valley High alum. She started off as a writer but fell in love with broadcast after joining CSU's television station where she anchored sports and traveled to cover CSU athletics.

Her internship in Denver solidified her passion for journalism and pushed her to pursue a career in reporting.

She started her professional career in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and after two years reporting on news and sports in the Chippewa Valley returns home to run the sports department at KKTV. During her first week at KKTV, Jessica had the chance to experience covering the Colorado Avalanche hoisting the Stanley Cup for the first time in more than 20 years!

Jessica loves following the professional teams out of Denver, but also loves covering local sports from the high school level to the RMAC.

Education
  • Colorado State University 
  • Journalism and Broadcast Media
  • Sports Production Minor

MIKE HEITMANN is a professional auctioneer and the owner of MH Bar Auction, Calhan, CO. From California to Montana to Colorado Mike is renowned for his Pro Rodeo Announcing. Pikes Peak or Bust to the NFR to the National Western, he's done them all! He also is a 

WARREN JACKSON, Wide Receiver, LA Rams, played as a star receiver for Colorado State University, he was drafted by the Denver Broncos. He went on to be traded to the Minnesota Vikings and this past year landed at the LA Rams. CSU Highlights: 2020 Preseason All-Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year;
2020 Preseason All-Mountain West; 2020 Biletnikoff Award Watch List; 2020 Maxwell Award Watch List; 2020 Athlon Sports Preseason All-Mountain West, first team; 2020 Phil Steele Preseason All-Mountain West, first team; 2019 All-Mountain West, first team.

MAYOR MITCH LAKIND, Mayor of the Town of Monument, Colorado. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1986 to 1991. He also spent three years in the Arizona Army National Guard and one year with the US Air Force as a contractor at Thule AB in Greenland. He first moved to Colorado for a brief time in 2004 and then moved back to the Monument area in 2018. He is originally from New Jersey.

 

 

 

More to bios be posted shortly...

  

 

CELEBRITY BARTENDER/WAITER NIGHT 

HERE'S A THROWBACK ON CELELBRITY WAITER NIGHT HELD AT THE COORS FIELD CLUB LEVEL

The very successful event was held to benefit the American Diabetes Association. Musical performance provided by Michael Martin Murphy. Celebrity waiters included the likes of Denver Broncos & NFL Alumni Michael Young, Greg Robinson, Jim Jensen, Dave Studdard, Ron Egloff, Terry Nugent, Greg Feasel, Keli McGregor, Media Personalities Gil Whiteley, Bob the Beerman, Debi Moore, Aimee Sporer, Dan Caplis, Sam Adams, and more.

       

Mrs. Colorado Debi Moore(left) and Indianapolis Colts Terry Nugent(right), coordinate the introduction of the Celebrity Waiters. Up for introduction is Sports Radio's Gil Whiteley ready to take his dinner orders.                                                                             

Having fun on the dance floor is PPA CEO Gary R. Adler, Event Committee Member Lynn Schoolcraft, an event guest, Denver Broncos Coach Greg Robinson, another event guest and Denver Broncos Jim Jensen.

All Photos ©Blind Images

 

THE BENEFITTING CHARITY IS HOPEKIDS. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE CHARITY VISIT THEIR WEBSITE: hopekids.org 

CELEBRITIES WHO PARTICIPATED INCLUDE:

DENVER BRONCOS MARK COOPER, ERIK PEARS CHRIS BREWER, RALPH TAMM; MS. U.S. COLORADO SHENA WHITE; RACECENTRAL'S KURT HANSEN & SYDNEY CORRA; DENVER 7'S NICK ROTHSCHILD; FOX31'S ARRAN ANDERSEN, KDVR/KWGN SPORT'S JULIA MAGUIRE; SINGER/COMPOSER ERIC ELISON...

Thanks to DJ Brandon Sipres for providing his talents to our event! Thanks to Gordon Lightfoot Tribute Artist Eric Elison for his impromtu performance!

                            All Photos ©Blind Images 2022

Celebrity Bartender Night Tickets

TICKET SALES AVAILABLE THRU EVENTBRITE

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UNABLE TO ATTEND, BUT INTERESTED IN DONATING TO THE CAUSE

PAST EVENTS

Celebrity Bartender Night for Adam's County Fallen Officer Fund

Heath Gumm's Family and Pro Players Association Celebrity Staff

Lazy Dog Bar & Grill, Westminster, CO

February 24, 2018

Kurt Hansen interviewing with FOX TV about the Gumm event.

Oh what a night of fun, excitement, good cheer, and celebrities for a great cause! Denver Broncos and other celebrities bar tended bar for tips for charity to benefit the Douglas County Fallen Officers Fund. Bartenders included Denver Broncos Billy Thompson, Dave Studdard, Larry Evans, Michael Ditchfield, Mark Cooper, Pro Freestyle Skier & TV Producer John 'Sandy' Santucci, Denver Broncos Superfan LimoDriver, Arena League Hall of Famer's Myron Jefferson and Fred Gayles, Sports Radio's Lisa Belkov-Snyder, 7NEWS Tony Kovaleski, CU Buffs Big 12 National Champion QB Bobby Pesavento, RaceCentral's Kurt Hansen, Pro Bull Rider Travis Hohl, Heavyweight Boxer Chris 'DaFuture' Green, Bantamweight Boxer Anthony Griego.

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

All Photos by Blind Images©2018

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THE SHACK CELEBRITY BARTENDERS included:

Denver Broncos Bill Harris

KOA Sports Corey Lopez and Shannon Scott

CBS4 Tom Mustin

Pro Boxing Chris "Da Future" Green

Pro Skiing John "Sandy" Santucci

Fomula 1 Racing/ RaceCental Radio Kurt Hansen

ESPN Radio Fred McHenry

Denver Broncos SuperFan The Limo Driver


 

 

   
 

   
 

   

 

All Photos by Blind Images©2017

Tuesday, August 1, 2017, 7:00pm-10:00pm

Pro Players Association Celebrity Bartender Night at The Playing Field, Colorado Springs to benefit Police Officer Larry Danrnall's "Fight for Life"

Thanks to our Bartenders: Larry Evans, Goose Gossage, Mark McGrath, Ashley Giovanna; and our Sponsors: Anheuser-Busch, The Playing Field, Academy Art & Frame Co., and The Jeffrey Alan Band.

  

  

  

All Photos by Blind Images c2017

Wednesday, March 15, 2017, 7:00pm-10:00pm 

Pro Players Association Celebrity Bartender Night at Pasta Jay's, 9226 Park Meadows Drive, Lone Tree

Silent Auction & 50/50

Sal Mancini Guitarist/Singer provided Musical Entertainment 

Blind Images©2016

Sponsored by Anheuser-Busch, Academy Art & Frame, Pasta Jay's

 

Saturday, February 18, 7:00pm-10:00pm 

Pro Players Association Celebrity Bartender Night at Buckskin's Saloon, 5607 N. Hwy 85, Sedalia

Bartenders Signed-Up Included:

Mark Jackson, Tony Kovaleski, Larry Evans, Bob McCaslin, Mark Cooper

Musical Entertainment by LEE & Co.

Silent Auction & 50/50

Sponsored by Anheuser-Busch, Academy Art & Frame, LEE & Co.,  Buckskin's Saloon

   

    

                   Tony Kovaleski getting a mixer tip.                        The "Welcome Crew" Rich Kantor and Bob Estes.

     

                    Fred Gayles pouring a beer.                                Paul Howard chats with the bar owner.

     

          Gary Adler goofing with Bartender Mark Jackson.                  Jacque Howard enjoying the festivities.

     

         Cas Foste and Susan Negley hugging the LimoDriver.         Bartender Larry Evans going over the menu.

     

              LEE & Co. kept the beat going all night long!                               A good crowd at the bar.

     

              Cas Foste pulled the winning door prize ticket.   Chrysandra Brunson, a friend and Susan Negley having fun.

All Photos by Blind Images©2017

 

CELEBRITY BARTENDER NIGHT TO BENEFIT THE FRIENDS OF JAKE FUND FOR SERVICE DOGS

Saturday, June 6, 7pm - 10pm

THE NEXT DOOR BAR, 217 4th STREET, CASTLE ROCK

Celebrities mingled as they tended bar, several awesome auction items sold, Craig Hauenstein provided live musical entertainment.

Celebrities who attended included: Heavyweight Boxer Chris 'DaFuture' Green, Denver Broncos Alum Larry Evans, Dave Studdard, ChrisBrewer, Mile High Sports Radio's Gil Whiteley, Sports Radio's Fred McHenry, Special Guest Bartender Castle Rock's Own -'The Brooklyn Vet' Dr. Deb Patterson.

The event was sponsored by Budweiser, Brooklyn Veterinary Clinic, Castle Rock, Synergy Animal Wellness, Highlands Ranch, and Academy Art & Frame Company, Colorado Springs.

Dave Studdard & Gil Whiteley     Chris Green, Fred McHenry, Chris Brewer, Larry Evans 

  Craig Hauenstein performs & Storm listens

  Larry Evans and Dr. Deb Patterson mixing drinks  

  The crowd at Celebrity Bartender Night        

  A couple of several door prize winners

All Photos by Blind Images©2015

CELEBRITY BARTENDER NIGHT BENEFIT for ALZHEIMER'S RESEARCH & TREATMENT and PRO PLAYERS ASSOCIATION COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS

This event was a BLAST! Thanks to the celebs for bartending including former Denver Broncos Mark Cooper, Ron Egloff, and Larry Evans and Ralph Tamm, Heavyweight Boxer Chris 'DaFuture' Green, Mile High Sports Radio Hosts Gil Whiteley and Krissi Bex, Castle Rock Citizen of the Year John Manka and the Mayor of Castle Rock Paul Donahue. The Silent Auction was almost a sell-out! The next day several texts were received from the celebs: "When can we do it again?" So, yes it was a success! 

 

        

           A full house made for a great event!..........                              Was almost a sell-out on auction items!

     

 

Chris Green, Mark Cooper, Larry Evans and John Grant serving up the drinks for tips .

                                 

 

SELFIE! None other than the GREATS Woody Paige and Gil Whiteley pose with CEO Gary R. Adler at Celebrity Bartender Night, Castle Rock.

 

 

All Photos by Blind Images©2015

CELEBRITY BARTENDER NIGHT for CHARITY at Sullivan's Steakhouse, Denver to benefit A Precious Child, August 22, 2013

       

                             Bobby Pesavento                                                          Myron Jefferson

              

                                           Chris Green                                                                 Jake Schroeder

                      Michael Ditchfield                                                                          Mark Randall

                     

            Mike Klis being served by Lisa Snyder                                 Carina Martin speaks with Ron Egloff

   Pro Players Association Auction Assistance Program

All Photos by Blind Images©2013

CELEBRITY BARTENDER NIGHT for CHARITY at The Drink & The Mix, February 17, 2011

Pro Players Association's "Celebrity Bartender Night", was held Thursday, February 17, 2011, 7:30 pm – 2am at The Drink & The Mix, 1320 15th Street, Denver, CO.

Celebrities from sports, media and entertainment, along with some special guests, tended bar. All tips generated at the bar were donated to Colorado Youth in Music Benefits Academic Learning.

Bartenders included former Broncos Ron Egloff and TC Caldwell, former CU & Crush QB Bobby Pesavento, Arena Football Hall of Famers Myron Jefferson and Freddie Gayles, former NEWS4 Anchor Molly Hughes

An awesome evening was complete with music/video/lighting entertainment provided by DJ Vuu  for the dance floor. A Silent and Live Auction was held, and door prize giveaways were drawn throughout the event.

Thanks to our sponsors The Drink and The Mix, Shamrock Foods, Bacardi, Coors Light, Mobile Memorabilia, Steve Miller of American Auctions, LLC, Malcolm Farley Fine Art, and DJ Vuu.

Celebrity Bartender Night at Pasta Jay’s Lone Tree,

September 18, 2009

Pasta Jay’s Lone Tree hosted Celebrity Bartender Night Friday night.  Over 15 retired NFL, AFL, MLB and Boxing Champions took over the restaurant and worked for tips, with all money raised going to benefit the Military Family Relief Fund.

Thanks to Shawna Mckeown for her great photos.

The Military Family Relief Fund assists Colorado military families impacted by mobilization, including National Guard members and reservists deployed as a result of mobilizations since 9/11. It also provides financial assistance for active duty military members deployed to hostile fire zones.  Not only does the fund make up loss in salary, but families may also qualify for help defraying increased expenses for food, housing, utilities, medical service, and other expenses incurred when a family member leaves civilian employment.

CELEBRITY BARTENDER NIGHT AT THE "VAULT", April 22, 2009

Celebrities from sports, media and entertainment, along with some special guests, tended bar for tips that were donated to the Fetal Hope Foundation and Pro Players Association, both 501c3 charities. 

The celebrities included former Broncos Dave Studdard, Mark Cooper, Willie Oshodin, AFL Hall of Famer Fred Gayles, Arena League’s Myron Jefferson, Bobby Pesavento (also former CU QB), MLB Hall of Fame Umpire Bob McCaslin, and media personality Mile High Sports Radio host Gil Whiteley.

An awesome evening was complete with musical entertainment presented by local radio DJ Mike Harris. A Silent Auction was held, and door prize giveaways were drawn throughout the evening. Some examples of the 30 great items included in the silent auction were: Fender Acoustic Guitar; Boxing and Kickboxing Lessons; Carmello Anthony autographed jersey and Colorado Avalanche team autographed hockey stick; Sun Mountain golf bag and custom driver.

Bobby Pesavento, former CU Buff and AFL QB, serves up a drink at Celebrity Bartender Night at the Blake Street Vault. Thanks to Bobby P for inviting all his CU buds!

 Mile High Sports Radio personality Gil Whiteley (left) schmoozing with some guests at Celebrity Bartender Night, April 22, 2009.

Joe Foley (former Bronco Steve's brother), former Bronco Dave Studdard, and MLB Hall of Famer Bob McCaslin sharing stories over a brew at Celebrity Bartender Night.

Pro Players Association CEO Gary R. Adler (left) and Fetal Hope Foundation CEO Lonnie Somers (3rd from left) present an NFL Football autographed by all the celebrities who bartended to the owners of the Blake Street Vault, Tim Kilgannon and Kim Reuter in recognition of their support, assistance, and providing the establishment and staff services for use of the event.

 All Photos by Blind Images©2009

CELEBRITY BARTENDER NIGHT BROUGHT OUT THE TROOPS,

Joe's Crab Shack, Parker, June 4, 2008

Pro Players Association presented a Celebrity Bartender Night at Joe's Crab Shack, Parker, on Wednesday, June 4th at 7pm.

The event was held to benefit the Military Family Relief Fund. Funds raised will aid active-military families in all services of the armed forces to help defray the costs of food, housing, utilities, medical services, and other expenses. 

Celebrities from sports, media and entertainment, as well as some special guests, served up drinks for tips to benefit the charity. Celebrities who bartended were Mark Cooper, Paul Howard, Bobby Lashley, Marvin Montgomery, Ralph Tamm, Aaron Smith, Bob Mc Caslin, Jim Bob Rogers, Gil Whiteley, Colorado Mammoth Pete Jokicsh, and Parker Mayor David Casiano.

         U.S. Armed Forces Honor Guard proudly displays their colors at the  Celebrity Bartender Night for Military Family Relief Fund, June 4, 2008 in Parker, CO.

Pro Players Association CEO Gary R. Adler is congratulated by Parker Mayor David Casiano for presentation of the Military Family benefit.

An awesome evening complete with a patriotic kick-off at the commencement of the evening with the presentation of the colors by the US Marine Corps, US Army, US Air Force, and US Navy Color Guards to the playing of each unit's Hymn and then our National Anthem. DJ Mike Harris was spinning the hits from 7pm - 8pm, and was followed by a LIVE musical performance by "Chase N The Dream", from 8pm - 10pm on the Car Toys/JBL "Aftershock" mobile concert stage. A Silent Auction was held, and door prizes were drawn throughout the evening.

A $20 cover charge was paid at the door which included a featured drink, event t-shirt and door prize entry. 

Last year, Pro Players Association collected hundreds of school supplies for military families which were then distributed by the Salvation Army.

Denver Broncos Tyrone Braxton and Ralph Tamm prepared a concoction for a guest at Joe's Crab Shack, Parker on Celebrity Bartender Night. Photo by Blind Images©2008

DRINKING AT CHURCH TO HELP SICK KIDS, WHAT A CONCEPT!

The Church, Denver, November 2007

Hundreds turned out in their bling to raise some bucks for the kids at Children’s Hospital, Denver, drinking much more than just wine at Church.

Pro Players Association was honored to have been consulted on the project and asked to provide the celebrities for the event which rose over $250,000 for this most deserving cause.

Each of the three floors provided a different genre of musical entertainment and a mini “Taste of Denver” hailed the best of the best who donated their delicious foods for the evening.

All of our exceptional celebrity bartenders brought their creativity to the bars and racked up incredible tips for the charity.

Many, many thanks go out to Regis Christou for loaning us his awesome venue

for this most prestigious fund raising event.

Michael Ditchfield, Tom Ethington and Nick Carlson shaking-up some concoction bartending at Celebrity Bartender Night for Children's Hospital, Nov. 2007.

OH WHAT A NIGHT! Colorado Rockies Ryan Spilborghs, Colorado Mammoth/Outlaws Tom Ethington, Denver Broncos Mike Ditchfield, Tony of The Church, Colorado Mammoth/Outlaws Nick Carlson, and Denver Broncos Dave Studdard were among the celebrities pouring for Children's Hospital at The Church Nightclub, Denver.

All Photos by Blind Images©2007

CELEBRITIES POURED-OUT TO TEND BAR AND WILL BE BACK FOR ANOTHER ROUND
Former Bronco Mark Cooper and Boxing Great Ron Lyle tend bar at the Purple Martini event, March 15, 2007. 

Pro Players Association presented “Celebrity Bartender Night for Charity” at the Purple Martini in Greenwood Village, on March 15th which raised approximately $6,600 in funding for the Fetal Hope Foundation.

Professional athletes and media personalities from all around Colorado, came out to mix, shake, stir, pull and pour drinks behind the bar last Thursday night at the Purple Martini, Denver Tech Center. They stirred up some real fun and excitement while collecting tips and auctioning off some awesome items all for a great cause.

The bartenders included professional athletes and media personalities such as former Heavyweight Boxer Ron Lyle, former World Champion Boxer “Lightning” Lonnie Smith, current NASCAR Driver JimBob Rogers, 2007 NFL Draft Prospects - former University of Texas Longhorns Football National Champion Kasey Studdard, Ultimate Fighter/Kickboxer 5X World Champion Jeff “Big Diesel” Ford, former Green Bay Packer Walter Stanley, former Denver Broncos Ron Egloff, Aaron Smith, Mark Cooper, Le-Lo Lang, Larry Brunson, Michael Ditchfield, former Kansas City Chief Fred McHenry, USBA Boxer Andrea Orozco, Pro Bodybuilder and former Mr. America Tom Terwilliger, and 7NEWS Sports Anchor Steve Gottsegen. Some special guest “hero” bartenders who helped raise the excitement levels in the house were four members of the Colorado Army National Guard. They took command and had everyone cheering when they made their way behind the bar.

Awesome items were auctioned live by professional auctioneer Christine Dickensheet. Some highlights of the auction included the rights to display your business logo on a NASCAR, the opportunity to train with World Champion Kickboxer Jeff Ford, and the knockout bidding for the autographed boxing glove of World Champion “Lightning” Lonnie Smith! Then suddenly the front doors were thrown open to the roaring engine of a custom motorcycle blazing into the Purple’s lobby! True Kustom Paint & Fabrication and Mile High Polishing brought their award-winning bike inside for a glance of the fabulous artistic detail made available by their donation for the auction of a $2500 gift certificate towards custom work!

The most creative bartending award went to former Bronco Mark Cooper for his ingenious pouring of “Coop’s Stoplight”. The concoction was made of three-levels of red, yellow and green colored martinis, a real hit with the crowd! Later everyone joined in to dance to the sounds of the DJ’s spinning tunes.

The Fetal Hope Foundation's mission is to provide support, provide information, fund research, increase awareness and be an outlet for leading medical information pertaining to fetal distresses and syndromes. They are all about arming families with information to save their baby's lives.

Many thanks go out to the major sponsors of the evening, Purple Martini, Bacardi, Coors, First Data Corporation, KMGH-7 and FedEx-Kinkos. Thanks to all the celebrities for volunteering their time. Kudos to the Greenwood Village Police Department for their excellent extra attention provided for the event.

The event was so successful that another is in the planning stages. Don’t miss out on this night of fun, excitement, good cheer, and celebrities for a great cause! Keep checking here for more info on this upcoming event.

 

ABC News Anchors Bertha Lynn and Jim Hooley in a "LIVE" interview with Dave Studdard, former Denver Bronco about the Pro Players Association Celebrity Bartender Night. Many thanks to ABC-TV Denver Affiliate KMGH-7 for promoting our Celebrity Bartender Night…and kudos to Steve Gottsegen, Sports Anchor, who not only promoted the event on the air, but also came out to bartend!

All Photos by Blind Images©2007