The Center for American Values in Pueblo brought its patriotic story and supporters to town March 2, introducing Medal of Honor recipients and its core-values mission of honor, integrity and patriotism.More than 225 were on hand for a dinner and auction at Broadmoor West."We don't want the center to be a secret," said Dalton Sprouse, CAV's Development Director.Guests and donors from the Pikes Peak region, Denver and other areas statewide, teaming with a large group from Pueblo, responded in a breathtaking way, raising almost $400,000 for outreach programs and to further the mission of what co-founder Drew Dix calls a focus on what makes this country great. “We are always reminding people of the sacrifices of those who came before that can never be forgotten.”The center, which documents 140 Medal of Honor honorees including four from Pueblo, which is known as the Home of Heroes, reaches out to students with tours and educational programs. “We’re letting the young people know there is something greater than themselves,” said Dix.A highlight of the fundraiser was a one-of-a-kind live auction of a golf outing with Medal of Honor recipient Salvatore Giunta, “CSI: New York” memorabilia from actor Gary Sinise, a movie appearance with the Doc Holliday Tombstone Troupe in Arizona, a call to a favorite child from John Ratzenberger (Hamm in “Toy Story”), a trip to the Indy 500 with the National Guard Panther Racing team and driver JR Hildebrand, and a custom 1911-A1 .45 caliber collector’s gun.The race package went for an amazing $70,000 and includes the bidder’s company logo on the car. Top bidder was Dr. Rudy Padula from Pueblo. The custom gun was sold twice, bringing in $80,000 each time.Dix, himself a Medal of Honor recipient, thanked the CAV founding donors: Bernadette and Dr. Adolph Padula, the Anschutz Foundation, The Daniels Fund, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, Kerry and Dan DeRose and El Pomar Foundation. Serving on the board of directors are Brad Padula, Dix, Susan Smith and Bob Root. Advisory Council members include Tom Allee, Ruben Archuleta, Medal of Honor recipient Sal Giunta, Jeff Potter, Jane Rawlings and Dr. Scott Siegfried.Website: americanvaluescenter.org
Kristil Padula had the top bid to join "Doc" Holliday and his Tombstone Troupe on the set of an original film in Tombstone, Ariz. Medal of Honor recipients Drew Dix and George Sakato will have roles. Photo by Photo by Linda Navarro
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