Sponsors and Donors Wanted!
Our sponsors and donors make this event possible every year. If you’d like to contribute to Empowerment Express 2026 with a financial contribution, a donated item for our silent auction, or both, we would love to accept your support. Email our event team and let’s get started! All contributions are tax-deductible, and we will provide a receipt for your records. All auction items must be received in time for the auction to open on September 28.
Empowerment Express
Friday, October 2, 2026
6:00–8:00pm on the Leadville Railroad
Join ALC for our annual fundraiser aboard the historic Leadville Railroad. Empowerment Express brings our community together for an unforgettable evening of connection, purpose, and hope – all in support of survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes, as well as neighbors facing housing instability throughout Lake County.
What to Expect
- A scenic 2-hour train ride through breathtaking Colorado views
- Dinner courtesy of Silver Llama Market & Eatery
- Alcoholic drinks from Mt. Massive Liquors, plus N/A options & soft drinks
- A curated silent auction, featuring exclusive in-person only items
- A meaningful night in support of safety, stability, and empowerment for all
Ticket tiers range from general entry to enhanced options that deepen your impact and event experience, including limited seats on the caboose.
Explore the Silent Auction
Explore the silent auction:
Create an account and start your wish list today. New items are added regularly. Online bidding opens Mon. September 28, and closes Sun. October 4 at 11:59pm MT. Not located in Leadville? No problem! You can still support ALC from anywhere in the US. Bid online & winners just pay shipping.
Every ticket, auction bid, and contribution helps power life-saving services. Thank you so much for helping us reach our $18,000 fundraising goal.
Previously purchased a ticket for the July event? Please check your email for details on next steps.
Questions? Email us at advancement@advocatesoflakecounty.org.
We can’t wait to gather with you and move hope forward!
With Gratitude to Our Sponsors
Empowerment Express wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our sponsors. Whether at the Mount Hope, Mount Sherman, Mount Massive, or Mount Elbert level, their support helps cover the cost of ALC’s largest fundraising event and powers our mission year-round – providing a 24/7 crisis hotline, safe housing, legal advocacy, access to basic needs, and prevention and education efforts for survivors and neighbors throughout Lake County.
Like the peaks they’re named for, each tier of support helps us climb closer to our goals, and every sponsor – at every level – is helping move hope forward.
To every sponsor who has stood by us: thank you. Your partnership makes it possible for us to keep showing up for our community, and we’re deeply grateful for your commitment to safety, stability, and empowerment for all.
Sponsorship tiers:
- Tier 1: Mount Hope ($200-$499)
- Tier 2: Mount Sherman ($500-$999)
- Tier 3: Mount Massive ($1,000-$1,999)
- Tier 4: Mount Elbert ($2,000+)
Find more sponsorship details here. If you’d like to sponsor this year’s Empowerment Express, we would love to partner with you. Please contact us at advancement@advocatesoflakecounty.org.
Mount Hope Sponsors ($200-$499)
Mount Sherman Sponsors ($500-$999)
Mount Massive Sponsors ($1,000-$1,999)
Mount Elbert Sponsors ($2,000+)
Thank You to Our Board
Empowerment Express wouldn’t happen without the dedication of ALC’s Board of Directors. Their time, talent, and treasure power this event – and everything ALC does – year-round.
Jenelle Stefanic, Chair
Andy Hofer, Vice Chair
Leigh Foster, Treasurer
Alex “Xander” Cutler, Secretary
Wendy Wyskiel, Director-at-Large
Thank you for showing up for survivors, for our unhoused neighbors, and for this community – on and off the tracks.
About ALC & Empowerment Express
Voted 2023 and 2024 Best Nonprofit in Leadville/Twin Lakes, Advocates of Lake County has been providing services to survivors of violence and individuals experiencing housing insecurity for over 40 years.
The money we raise through our annual Empowerment Express fundraiser — including ticket sales, silent auction proceeds, donations, and sponsorships — provides critical support by replenishing our general operating budget.
The bulk of ALC’s funding comes from government grants that are designated for specific uses and cannot be used in any other way — and almost all of our grants are dwindling due to major cuts to victim/survivor, violence rpevention, and homelessness services at the federal level.
Unrestricted funding is vital for a crisis response organization like ALC since expenses can arise for clients that cannot be planned for. The General Operating Budget allows ALC to immediately adapt to the needs of our clients and to cover expenses that cannot be covered by federal grants.
Thank you for your support!