What is BAD?
BAD’s mission is to inform and connect the community while supporting charities for women, children and LGBT causes. We provide social and recreational opportunities for the lesbian community. Through these events, BAD serves as a conduit for political, community and charitable organizations to spread their messages and to receive our support. Although BAD is principally an event planning business, we donate a portion of our proceeds to charity every quarter (scroll down to see the list of charities we’ve supported). BAD is an inclusive group and is committed to supporting and promoting diversity at all events. Although we’re primarily an organization for lesbians, we warmly welcome all our LGBT friends and straight allies.
BAD History
BAD began in the fall of 2002 when a group of women were discussing their desire to get together for happy hour on a regular basis. Given the lack of women’s venues, Dede Frain, consummate networker and tireless organizer, sent a single email invitation for a “December Happy Hour”. After the second happy hour, Dede realized that the network was growing fast and she officially started First Friday. Her dear friend Ellen Keating coined the “Babes Around Denver” name and “BAD” was formed! First Friday has grown dramatically over the last six years with attendance now exceeding 1,500 women, ranging in age from 21-75 EVERY month. With such a diverse base, it was only natural that BAD should evolve to include a wider variety of events. At present we host Babes In Business Professional Women’s networking meetings, singles parties, theater parties and various recreational outings including an annual ski train trip. BAD helps various charities and political organizations promote many of their events and this fosters our mission of connecting the community. We just hosted our 78th First Friday and received a 2009 “Best of Denver” award from Westword. for ‘Best Club Night – Reader’s Choice. First Friday is now the LARGEST MONTHLY WOMEN’S PARTY IN THE NATION and we appreciate the loyalty and support we have received from BAD women in Colorado.
List of Charities Supported by Babes Around Denver
Alexander Foundation
Alzheimer’s Association
American Lung Association
American Red Cross
ATL Foundation
Boulder Pride
Boulder Valley Humane Society
Breathe Better Foundation
CAF (Challenged Athlete Found)
Colo Anti Violence Program
Colo Ovarian Cancer Alliance
Colorado Humane Society
Denver Safehouse
Gathering Place
Listen Foundation
Max Fund
MESA
Metro Scholarship (MSCD)
Mi Casa
Mile High Youth Corps
National Sports Center for Disabled
NCLR
OASOS (Boulder Pride)
PFLAG 5/8/06
Project Angel Heart
Rainbow Alley (The Center)
Red Cross
Rocky Mtn Ctr Musical Arts
Safehouse
Sing for The Cure
Smedley Elementary
Susan Komen Foundation
The Center
The Delores Project
Women’s Bean Project
Women’s Lighthouse Project
