Denver Bronco Legend Vance Johnson is back in town tomorrow, April 27, for a one day event. He will be the Keynote Speaker at the Friends of the Haven’s Spring Gala. Local media personality Angie Austin will emcee the event and Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey will be the Honoree.
Johnson played with the Broncos in their three Super Bowls appearances in the 1980’s. He was one of Quarterback John Elway’s three young wide receivers, infamously dubbed the “Three Amigos.” The other two members included Mark Jackson and Ricky Nattiel. They were Denver’s draft choices for the years 1985 (Johnson), 1986 (Jackson) and 1987 (Nattiel.) Johnson is also a former World-Class long jumper.
But Johnson’s life hasn’t been all peaches and cream. There was a dark side that included multiple divorces, estrangements with children and a much publicized substance abuse problem. He now dedicates his personal and professional life toward addiction recovery.
Johnson’s past, and more importantly his bright present and future, make him an excellent choice as Keynote for this year’s Spring Gala and fundraiser. The Haven’s and the Baby Haven’s goal is to be a place where women can recover from addictions and co-occurring mental illness; deliver healthy, drug-free infants (if pregnant; improve parenting skills and receive quality early educational services for their children. At The Haven’s facilities, they maintain and build upon cultural and family connections as sources of social support to become self-sufficient, confident, and productive members of the community.
Emcee Austin’s past has also been marred with substance abuse by her father and brothers. She literally escaped from a life that was rife with negativity and viciousness. Her co-dependent mother was ineffective in shielding young Austin from violent family members. Austin has been Keynote for an event for The Haven in the past and continues to support the organization’s efforts.
Although tickets for the Gala are sold out, questions or donations to the Friends of the Haven are being handled by Julianna Nelson at (303) 734-3354. Johnson, Austin and Three Amigos Mark Jackson are all members of Denver Speakers Bureau.
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