The Denver Scholarship Foundation raised more than $2 million at its Oct. 21 fundraising dinner, an astounding result for only the second annual event in the non-profit’s history. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg delivered an inspiring keynote address about the critical link between education and our community’s long-term economic vitality as part of an overall message stressing the need for reform in the American education system.

“Students in the United States are falling through the cracks and struggling to compete in today’s global economy,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “New York City has made great gains in ensuring that every child who graduates high school is ready to start college or a career. But unfortunately, our state has not been able to implement large-scale, comprehensive reforms. The reforms adopted in Colorado are really a model for the Empire State, as well as the entire country.”

In only four years, DSF and the 12 Future Centers it operates inside Denver’ high schools, have increased the number of students who have enrolled in college by 52 percent, from 1,066 in 2006 to 1,615 last fall. The foundation has provided more than 3,000 scholarships totaling $7.4 million to DPS graduates, 78 percent of whom will be the first in their families to graduate from college. DSF also provides college and financial aid advice, which so far has helped 7,200 DPS seniors win approximately $62 million in additional scholarships.

Denver businessman Tim Marquez, and his wife Bernadette co-founded DSF in 2006 with Gov.-Elect John Hickenlooper.

“Supporting education in our community is both a moral and a practical imperative for the corporate community,” said Marquez. “I am grateful for the tremendous response we’ve received at this event, and in particular for the overwhelming generosity of my colleagues in the oil and gas industry. “

The audience of more than 1,600 philanthropic and business leaders gave a standing ovation to Edgar Robles and Tyler Cobb, two former DPS students who are now attending college by way of DSF scholarships and guidance. Watch their stories here.