The Special Blend +
The Shaka Franklin Foundation for Youth
An Intergenerational Music Experiment
You are invited to join us for a summer evening
of music & fine Italian cuisine
Sunday, June 23, 2024
Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center
350 South Dahlia Street, Phillips Social Hall
Denver, CO 80246
4-6 p.m. Food, drinks and social hour
6-6:30 p.m. Introductions - Master of Ceremonies: Wade Manning
6:30-9 p.m. Concert by Special Blend, an Intergenerational
Music Experiment
Featuring musicians from the North High School Jazz Ensemble
Special Guest Vocalist Madison Manning
White Rabbit Rock & Blues Band
Italian Cuisine expertly prepared by
Gallo Italian Supper Club & Bakery
Chef Gaspare Licata
Proceeds from this event go towards scholarships & support
for the youth band members and the development of the
Soaring Spirit Retreat at the Circle Heart Ranch in Westcliffe,
Colorado, a nonprofit project.
Become a Sponsor
Sponsor Levels
Food & Beverages included with all levels of support
Platinum $10,000
Preferred Table for 8
Recognition in program and by MC
Recognition on event banner
Gold $5,000
Preferred Table for 8
Recognition in program and by MC
Recognition on event banner
Silver $3,000
Table for 8
Recognition in program and by MC
Recognition on event banner
Bronze $1,000
Table for 8
Recognition in program
Recognition on event banner
Table $800
Table for 8
Listing program
Individual Tickets $100
Pay by Credit Card:
Call The Shaka Franklin Foundation for Youth at
303.337.2515
Pay by Check:
Make check payable to —
The Shaka Franklin Foundation for Youth
You may mail a check to:
8101 E. Dartmouth Ave., Unit 11
Denver, CO 80231
Learn more about this event
The Special Blend Experiment is a program designed to promote the well-being of youth and adults. Through intergenerational synergetic activities that enhance the enjoyment and well-being of all participants. Over the last decade, we have seen an increase in mental health issues in both youth and older adults. Associated with these issues is a lack of connectedness to the
community, struggles with resilience and a lack of positive role models and support. These root causes can lead to alienation, isolation, depression, mood disorders and behavioral issues including suicidal and violence against others. Intergenerational activities can enhance connectedness, create positive relationships and mentorships, enhance learning, improve self-esteem and resilience.
The Special Blend Experiment provides an environment for these
activities to develop and grow long lasting relationships. A partnership between the music group founded by Larry Janneck and his wife Carmen Messina Janneck and The Shaka Franklin Foundation for Youth led by Marianne and Les Franklin are the bedrock of this endeavor. The program primarily focuses on music and art as conduits to facilitate positive interactions among
the participants. ‘’The core group of participants are members of the Special Blend band who rehearse weekly in preparation for performing at music venues. The initial core group consists of High School students from Denver’s North High School and older adults including veterans and retired professional and amateur musicians. Sharing this experience has benefitted both the adults and the youth by building confidence in a constructive learning environment that promotes positive mental health. The Shaka Franklin Foundation for Youth provides additional resources for youth experiencing mental health
challenges. The Foundation envisions creating a year-round retreat where intergenerational activities will be provided with space to grow and thrive. Partnering with older adult organizations and veterans service organizations will provide additional resources for our adult participants.
This modest beginning for the Special Blend Experiment has been so successful that the group’s organizers are expanding the scope of the program to include developing a replication toolbox for other communities to use to develop similar programs. Long-term, a retreat located in the Wet Mountain Valley town of Westcliffe which will host events for communities wanting to experience the benefits of intergenerational collaboration through the arts and other activities is planned.
Moving forward
The Special Blend Experiment focuses on a two-part strategy for the future. The first part is to develop a sustainable program followed by a toolbox for other communities to replicate the success of the original Special Blend band. The toolbox will include suggestions for: identifying participants from both youth and older adult groups, funding opportunities, locations for activities, administrative requirements, outreach, and event venues. The second part of the strategy is the development of the Soaring Spirt Retreat which will be
located on the Circle Heart Ranch on 320 acres of land in the Wet Mountain Valley town of Westcliffe, Colorado owned by The Shaka Franklin Foundation for Youth. The retreat will include a large building housing both the music and art studios, classrooms, therapy rooms, general meeting areas and a kitchen. There will be an outdoor amphitheater for concerts. There will also be a barn for horses that will be used for horse therapy, boarding and other recreational
activities. There will be a residences for the retreat administrators. There will be a separate building housing and indoor motorcycle track to provide instruction to beginners on safely operating a motorcycle. Another building will house an indoor gun firing range and archery which will be used to teach gun safety and use. An outdoor skate park, an indoor ice rink, a field house, film production stufdio are also planned. There will be outdoor running and walking paths throughout the acreage.
The Retreat will initially be opened for periodic activities such as events booked by local or outside groups. Eventually, the Retreat aspires to be a year-round resource supporting the local residents with both activities and opportunities for employment and secondary benefits to the community.
Platinum $10,000
Preferred Table for 8
Recognition in program and by MC
Recognition on event banner
Gold $5,000
Preferred Table for 8
Recognition in program and by MC
Recognition on event banner
Silver $3,000
Table for 8
Recognition in program and by MC
Recognition on event banner
Bronze $1,000
Table for 8
Recognition in program
Recognition on event banner
Table $800
Table for 8
Listing program
Individual Tickets $100
Please make a payment for the total sponsorship or ticket amount by clicking the DONATE NOW button below.