Friday, June 12, 2009

GOV. RITTER RECEIVES DIABETES ASSOCIATION'S 2009 FATHER OF THE YEAR AWARD


 
Gov. Bill Ritter was one of four recipients to receive the American Diabetes Association's annual Father of the Year Award at the Grand Hyatt in downtown Denver last night.  Each year, the award is presented to outstanding fathers and area leaders who demonstrate the ability to balance their personal lives, serve as a role model for their children, and who make a positive difference in their community.
 
"This is such a great honor," Gov. Ritter said as he accepted the award from his four children.  "Being a father is the single most important thing one can do.  And it can't be lip service. Being a good father has to about action."
 
As he accepted the award, Gov. Ritter was joined on the stage by First Lady Jeannie Ritter and his four children, August, Abe, Tally, and Sam.  Gov. Ritter thanked his children and paid tribute to First Lady Jeannie Ritter, calling her a "phenomenal" partner in raising their children.
 
Other recipients honored included: Mike Anger, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine; Joe Blake, Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce, and Luis Colon, president and GM of Colon-Collawn, LLC.
 
The Father of the Year program is an annual event presented by the American Diabetes Association and the National Father's Day Council. The purpose of the event was to raise funds for and promote the work and mission of the American Diabetes Association.