It was a great joy to gather at Clara Brown Commons last Friday in celebration of peacemaking—and four beloved Denver peacemakers in particular. We were so inspired, challenged, and encouraged! Afterward, among many appreciations, I received one practical word of advice for next year: each table needs a box of tissues. Tears flowed freely amid authentic stories not only of the beauty of peacemaking, but the cost. Each awardee has suffered much in life, both in the course of their calling and in the journey of humanity we all share. Each has allowed their wounds to become wombs of transformation within themselves and the many lives they touch.

Rhonda Fowler was presented with the Perseverance Award. Rhonda is a former resident of Joshua Station and mother of eight children. Her story includes numerous traumatic and challenging events, both preceding her family’s time in our residential program and in the years after. Rhonda’s relentless commitment to healing and forward steps has allowed her experiences to forge great beauty—a light to countless people who now look to her for support, wisdom, inspiration. Rhonda is a longtime leader on Mile High Ministries’ Christmas Store team, and you’ll never find a bigger Broncos fan.

Mark Donovan was presented with the Innovation Award. Mark is a Denver-based entrepreneur and philanthropist committed to fighting all forms of injustice and protecting our planet for future generations. He received a B.A. in Economics from Harvard and is a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School. In 2020 he founded the Denver Basic Income Project to advance the use of guaranteed income to invest in people and their ability to thrive when given trust, hope, and a financial foundation. Mark is the father of three boys and is an avid skier, outdoorsman, and musician.

Eddie Mae Woolfolk was presented with the Legacy Award. Eddie is executive director of the Community Outreach Service Center, founder and president of Faith Management & Realty, and founder of Charity’s House Ministry in Denver’s Five Points Neighborhood. She also serves as Administrative Assistant and Program Director at Agape Christian Church. Her groundbreaking work over five decades in Denver includes starting a transitional house to house men of color that are being released from the justice system. Eddie has created and managed many supportive services such as counseling, mental health education and treatment, peer mentoring and navigation.

Robert Woolfolk (“Pastor Bob”) was presented with the Legacy Award. Pastor Bob is mentioned as a City Father in many circles in Denver. He is Pastor Emeritus at Agape Christian Church, where he has served since 1976. Pastor Bob holds numerous degrees including from Denver seminary, where he is an instructor and director of multiple initiatives, and a field supervisor for Iliff School of Theology. He helped establish numerous Denver ministries including The Sky’s The Limit Summer Day Camp, Whiz Kids, and Inner City Christian School. With his wife Eddie, Pastor Bob parents six adult children and 35 grand- and great-grandchildren. Pastor Bob was unable to attend the ceremony due to illness, so Eddie accepted the award on his behalf.

Our beautiful (and delicious) breakfast event was generously sponsored by Benefit$mart, Law Office of Mark Berry, Colorado Access, CrossPurpose, Edward Jones Investments (Marcy McGovern), Pivot Energy, Project Renew, Redeemer Christian Church, Sacred Place, and other anonymous sponsors. Thank you for lifting up the vital work of peacemaking in our beloved city!