Officially60! Celebration

This event has concluded. Thank you for celebrating with us!

On behalf of all of us at DDRC, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for joining us in celebrating our 60th Anniversary. Your presence made this milestone even more special, reminding us of the incredible community that surrounds and supports us. Thank you for the past six decades and we look forward to continuing to serve all of you.

Event Details

When: Saturday June 15th 1pm-4pm
Where: Arvada Center
Attire: Come as you are
Ages and Abilities: all-ages, all-abilities
Cost: FREE!

60 Years of Impact

DDRC's remarkable resilience and regular reinvention of our services to meet the community's needs have helped it stay on course through six generations. Learn more about each decade's defining moment at our milestone event.

Make a Milestone Recognition Gift

Celebrate this remarkable moment in time with a $6, $60, or $600 (or more) gift in recognition of the six decades that DDRC has been serving individuals and families in Colorado. Help us Go Beyond 60.

Donate Now

GO BEYOND 60!

Every donation is significant!

Showcase your enthusiasm for DDRC's 60 years of serving the community with a one-time gift of 60 dollars or signal your excitement of DDRC's 6 decades of making the world a more inclusive space for all with a $6 donation or express your desire for DDRC to operate for 600 years by making a $600 gift.

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DDRC-Officially60! Celebration -- what to expect

As DDRC commemorates its 60th anniversary on Saturday, June 15, we invite you to a milestone celebration. DDRC will host our biggest event of the year, DDRC-Officially60! Celebration.

This anticipated event assembles program participants, families, community members, and donors to highlight what has made our organization so special to so many over the last 60 years.

This event will have some of DDRC's favorite activities that everyone can enjoy:

Latte Lounge
Fresh Pretzels
History Walk
Henna Tattoos
Airbrush Tattoos
Face Painting
Balloon Twister
Caricature Artist
Food & Drinks
Large Yard Games
DJ Performance
DJ
Photo Booth
Dancing
…and More!

RSVP Today

Details

When: Saturday, June 15th, 1pm-4pm

Where: Arvada Center

Our Current Sponsors

Know Our History

1964-1974

✔ HB 1090 was passed, authorizing funding and board function for the establishment of community centers statewide. The first appropriation was $200,000 on a 50-50 match to the center. DDRC's Community Center Board was formed and Dr. Robert Weiland was elected board president – a position he held for the next 16 years. The Center opened in 1964 with 60 enrollees. The parents provided transportation and it appeared that community programs were needed and here to stay. By 1968-69 two temporary buildings were moved and installed behind George Hook School. One was used for Home Economic and other for Pre-vocational Training.

Random Decade fact: The Beatles arrive in New York for their first visit to the United States.

1974-1984

✔ A 1974 energy crisis provided some anxious times and cutbacks but didn't last long. Some of the classes moved to Fruitdale Baptist Church in 1973. Parents on the Board of Directors, led by then president Dick Markley, decided to approach the School District. Their idea was to generate enough money through the Bond Issue for the construction of two schools. They were successful. In 1975, designs for the two schools were finalized and one was built on the federal property at Hampden and S. Independence and named Robert Weiland School, after the board president. The other school was built on purchased property at W. 52nd just west of Ward Road and named Margaret Walters School, honoring a long-time Red Cross Volunteer. The schools opened on May 10, 1976.

Random Decade fact: People magazine began publishing.

1984-1994

✔ During these years, the board and staff also spent a considerable time searching for land and homes suitable for group homes. A home on Morrison Road became available, was purchased, renovated and opened to house 8 residents. The Center programs were meeting the needs of program participants and each program was striving to expand and enhance services. The board of Directors had changed when Dr. Robert Weiland decided it was time to step down as president and Louis Bruno was elected. By the mid 80's the center's budget was $6 million. Enrollment was over 550 in a day program and nearly 150 in residential. Administrative offices were expanded and additional changes in leadership happened in April of 1986 when Peg Johnstone retired and Art Hogling stepped in to continue to lead the charge.

Random Decade fact: The Chicago White Sox and Milwaukee Brewers played the longest game in MLB history—eight hours and six minutes and over 25 innings.

Go Beyond 60

Every donation is significant – from $6 to $600 or more!

Showcase your enthusiasm for DDRC's 60 years of serving the community with a one-time gift of 60 dollars or signal your excitement of DDRC's 6 decades of making the world a more inclusive space for all with a $6 donation or express your desire for DDRC to operate for 600 years by making a $600 gift.

Whichever amount you pick – your donation is significant in propelling our mission forward and tells our team, participants and community that you also believe in Creating Opportunities for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to Participate Fully in the Community

Help us build the next 60 years - make gifts of $6, $60, $600, $6,000, or any amount you want on our website today.

Donate Now

Celebrate on your Own

You can do anything to Celebrate DDRC's 60th anniversary.

From donating your time to planning a themed party in honor of DDRC with your friends and family to sharing your story and everything in between. We've always believed that with enough creativity everyone can find a way to get involved at DDRC.

No matter what you do, 100% of your effort signals that you care deeply about this mission and are part of our team that will propel DDRC into the next 60 years. Below are a few ideas to get you started:

Sign up to be a volunteer at the 60th celebration

Contact: Addie.Ewalt@ddrcco.com

Sign the virtual anniversary card

Leave your special message on our card.

Start your own Fundraiser

Many people have found unique ways to give back. Now, it's your turn. What will you do?Share your plans with us: Ashley.Brooks@ddrcco.com

Share your story about your history with DDRC

60 years is a long time to be in existence. We bet that you have a story to share about your engagement with DDRC at one point. Share your story on social and tag us using the #DDRCoffically60

DDRC-Officially60! Celebration Details

As DDRC commemorates its 60th anniversary, we invite you to our milestone celebration, featuring activities like:

Latte Lounge
Specialty Bavarian Pretzels
History Walk
Permanent jewelry***
Henna tattoos
Airbrush tattoos
Face painting
Balloon twister
Caricature artist
Complimentary Food & Drinks
Cookie bar***
Large yard games
Live music
DJ
Photobooth
Dancing
Giveaways
…and More!

RSVP today