Due to the ongoing risk of the pandemic, the Jefferson County Good News Coalition will hold the Annual Good News event virtually on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at 7:30 a.m. To access the virtual event link, register at goodnewsjeffco.org

This year’s theme is “Jeffco’s Inspiration: Heroes Bringing Us Together” and the keynote address will be delivered by Omar Montgomery, director of Black Student Services for the University of Colorado-Denver, and president of the Aurora Branch of the NAACP.

“The Good News Coalition is very proud of the work of this year’s awardees,” stated Sara Spaulding, chair of the Jefferson County Good News Coalition. “Thanks to videography students from Warren Tech, during this virtual event we are able to celebrate the commitment, courage, and dedication of these community heroes who worked tirelessly to bring us together during what was a very challenging year.”

Neal Browne will again serve as the master of ceremonies and the honorees will be recognized in a video created by Warren Tech students. Lakewood High School junior Morgan Fritzler will perform the National Anthem. This year’s Hall of Fame Inductee is Pam Russell, former Public Information Officer for the 1st Judicial District Attorney. She is being recognized for more than 30 years of service to the community and for her many years on the Board of the Jeffco Good News Coalition. Special thanks to the 2021 event sponsors: American Association of University Women, City of Wheat Ridge, Community First Foundation, Developmental Disabilities Resource Center, Jefferson Center for Mental Health, Kiwanis Club of Alameda West Foundation, Sooper Credit Union, and Westerra Credit Union.

Since breakfast won’t be served during this virtual format, the event is free this year with a suggested donation of $10. Funds will be presented to awardees. Donation information may be found online goodnewsjeffco.org.

About the Good News Breakfast

The purpose of the Good News Breakfast is to promote a sense of community, enhance and reaffirm spiritual values, and recognize the good things happening in Jefferson County. Volunteers from business, human services, faith community, education, and government organizations plan and host the annual event, which traditionally draws more than 500 people. The idea for this unique countywide celebration originated in 1989 when Terry Nelson, Jim Billings and Alan Landes decided that too often the only news they heard was negative. They knew that there were many positive happenings in Jefferson County, so they brought together a coalition of people from churches and synagogues, service and professional organizations, businesses and schools. That group became the Good News Coalition.