The Joseph family’s combined efforts have resulted in raising both money and awareness for Urban Peak and homeless youth throughout the Denver area. Pictured below left to right: Jeff and Kirby Joseph, Justin Joseph, Josh Benker, and Cheryl and Gary Joseph.

By Amy Shanahan; courtesy photos

The second annual Urban Nights event in support of Urban Peak was a tremendous success! The event, held on August 1 under the viaduct at Mile High Station in Denver, brought together fashion, music and a fabulous party while highlighting the tremendous plight of youth homelessness in Colorado.

Urban Nights is an extravaganza that is produced and largely underwritten by the Joseph Family Foundation. Castle Pines Village residents Cheryl and Gary Joseph, along with their two sons and their families created the foundation, and two years ago they chose Urban Peak to be the principle beneficiary of their funding.

Urban Peak is the only organization in Denver that serves youth ages 15-25 who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless. The non-profit organization runs a shelter and outreach center and offers education and employment assistance as well as counseling services. According to Cheryl Joseph, “our event has brought new focus on youth homelessness and the volunteers who have worked countless hours towards helping teens and young adults in need.”

This year the Urban Nights event featured a spectacular fashion show that highlighted unique fashion designs from the 2012 winner of Project Runway All-Stars, Mondo Guerra and inspired by artwork created by Urban Peak youth.  Cheryl Joseph remarked, “The production Mondo brought to the runway stole the show.”

Musical guest Charice from the hit TV show “Glee” had the crowd on their feet dancing, and a silent and live auction rounded out the successful evening.

The Urban Nights event raised more than $350,000 which was given directly to Urban Peak. Gary Joseph is already looking ahead to next year: “With the addition this year of several partners and sponsors who have committed to long-term partnerships with Urban Nights, we look forward to increasing our net proceeds to Urban Peak each year,” remarked Joseph.

Dan Hanley, the director of development and public affairs for Urban Peak remarked, “Urban Nights has become one of the “must attend” social events of the year and I was thrilled with the growth of the event this year. The Joseph Family Foundation and the Urban Nights committee all outdid themselves in surpassing even last year’s event! We at Urban Peak are incredibly grateful for all of the time, money, and talent put together to not only raise money for Urban Peak but to give a voice to thousands of young people who experience the brutality of homelessness.”

Urban Nights 2015 is already scheduled for August 29, 2015. For more information about Urban Nights, visit www.UrbanNightsDenver.org. For more information about Urban Peak and ways to donate or volunteer, visit www.UrbanPeak.org.