FREEDOM RUN SPONSOR

Andy Ades, Ades Design Builders

Like most people, Andy Ades will never be an Olympic champion.

"I'm mediocre at a lot of sports," he laughs.

Like most people, Andy will never know that special thrill of achievement when the tape breaks across his chest.

"I'm not a great runner," he admits. "I've never won a medal."

But, like most people who participate in Evergreen's annual Fourth of July Freedom Run 5K, Andy always gives Mount Evans Home Health and Hospice his best effort, and as an original and unflagging sponsor of the mountain area's most aerobic Independence Day celebration, Ades Design Builders always leads the pack and never fails to go the distance.

"When I look at the names of all the sponsors written on the back of the race T-shirt, I don't see a group of runners," Andy says. "I see a group of people who support Mount Evans."  

FREEDOM RUN SPONSORS

Barb Hadley and Phil Shanley,
Evergreen Fine Art

As longtime Evergreen residents, Barb Hadley and Phil Shanley feel fortunate to live in such a beautiful community. As the discerning eyes behind Evergreen Fine Art, they add beauty to their community on a daily basis. As founding members of Mount Evans Home Health and Hospice and ardent supporters and sponsors of the Freedom Run 5K, Barb and Phil are looking forward to a typically beautiful mountain-community Fourth of July.

"We're more bicyclists, ourselves,", says Phil, who sat on Mount Evans' original board and has never missed a chance to do the nonprofit a good turn in all the years since, "but I would think that any runner, serious or not, would enjoy participating in the race not just for the wonderful experience, but for the good it does Mount Evans. Hospice is such an important part of our community, and supporting it is very gratifying."

Beautifully said, Phil.  

FREEDOM RUN VOLUNTEER
Peggy Braun

Come this Fourth of July when you're kicking back on the grass after the Freedom Run 5K, take a moment to remember that Evergreen's best community-wide block party doesn't throw itself. That's Peggy Braun's job.

"I work with a lot of community volunteers to arrange all the activities after the race," says Peggy, a tireless Mount Evans Home Health and Hospice volunteer who dwells among the pines and peace at the top of Buffalo Park Road. "Among other things, this year we'll have spin art, a jump-castle and balloon sculptures for the kids, and a group of chiropractors, massage therapists and physical therapists will set up their tables on the grass and offer free massages to runners."

While a great party is its own reward, even more rewarding for Peggy is the opportunity to hang chilly with the neighbors and do a solid for Mount Evans.

"It's a good chance to engage the community, and it supports a vitally important organization."