One of Kimi's earliest memories of lending a helping hand came from childhood visits to the Central City Opera House, where her family put her to work during the annual fashion show. Little Kimi passed out flowers and delivered gift bags to visitors. She remembers thinking how much fun it was to dress up and make people feel welcome.
In high school she volunteered by serving on student council, refereeing soccer games, and managing the boys' basketball team. She also helped out during Special Olympics competitions.
Once in college, she became vice president of the Pan-Hellenic Association. Her first job was hostess at the DTC Hyatt, where she experienced the unusual thrill of making fajitas for the rock group Sound Garden. "I was the only one who recognized them!" she adds.
Kimi went on to become the Hospitality & Restaurant Manager for the Hyatt, which meant a salary, benefits, and incredibly bad hours. During the famous '97 blizzard, she was trapped at the hotel for days, working long shifts to cover for employees who couldn't make it in. She was so overwhelmed by the dining demands of the nearly full hotel that when guests offered to help clean tables in the dining room, she gladly accepted their unexpected offer!
Hyatt also believed strongly in volunteerism, and Kimi continued her work with Special Olympics for seven years.
Career-wise, Kimi's goal is to continue in real estate, as she loves meeting people, and helping couples "find that perfect home." She especially likes working with first-time buyers, and helping them realize their dream of home ownership.
Personally, she wants to travel more, and of course there's always the dating scene. But it is in the non-profit world where she most wants to continue making a difference. Kimi knows there are many ways a person can offer help. "Even if it's referring someone to a non-profit or sympathetic ear, what matters is you are helping the person get to that next point... a person or service they wouldn't have found on their own."
Some of Kimi's favorite events are the Symphony Guild's wine tasting, and the Distinguished Speakers Series at DCPA. She is also fond of the Denver Ballet Scholarship, which her grandmother created, and recently had the good fortune to run into one of the recipients. She was touched to hear how much the scholarship had meant to the woman as a young girl.
Finally, many blacktie readers already know Kimi's grandmother is the gracious and generous philanthropist Florence Ruston. When asked whether she felt any pressure growing up to emulate her benevolent grandmother, Kimi promptly replied, "No, there was never any pressure. We were simply always taught to volunteer."
And so the family tradition lives on...
Which social event is your favorite? Denver Center for the Performing Arts….Saturday Night Alive
What are your volunteer activities? I volunteer for Colorado Symphony, Children’s Diabetes, American Heart Association and the Denver Center Alliance
When you move, what will your home tell its next owner, about you? That I was never home…all my walls are still white.
What three words would you use to describe yourself? Independent, fun and compassionate
What three words would others use to describe you? Caretaker, funny and busy
What was your first job / worst job? The worst job that I almost took was to sell knives door to door during the summer. At the end of the interview, I said that I wasn’t going to be a”good fit” for the company and ran out the door!
If there were one thing you would change about yourself, what would it be? To spend more time with my friends and keep in better touch with the old ones
What is your greatest indulgence? To slow down and take time for me.
What is a 'perfect Saturday' for you? To sleep in and watch “cheesy” TV shows while making breakfast. Then to go meet up with friends and enjoy the evening.
Favorite vacation spot? Also... name a place you would NEVER travel to... I love to go anywhere that has sun, fun and a beach. I would never travel to a country that allows women to be viewed as a second class citizen.
Who is the most interesting celebrity you ever met? I met Penny Marshall at the Children’s Diabetes Foundation’s Carousal Ball of Hope in Beverly Hills. I was so amazed at how real and down to earth she was. She had bid on two adorable puppies in the silent auction and had won both of them. In the course of the conversation, she couldn’t figure out how the puppies were going to fit in with her dogs and offered one of them to me. I gave her my number and said “Call me, if you need any help!” Needless to say I am still waiting for my dog!
Do you have any pets? I have a Maltese puppy named “Peepers”. He is so cute and loves being involved and a part of the action. He goes with me everywhere! I just put him in his purse and he is content to watch the world go by.
Which talent would you most like to have? I would love to be able to sing. I am such a terrible singer that I don’t even sing in the shower!
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Being able to try new things
What is your most treasured possession? My family.
What is the quality you most like in a man? Honesty and a sense of humor
What is the quality you most like in a woman? Honesty and a sense of humor
Favorite books / writers? Are you reading anything right now? Tom Clancy
Favorite local restaurant (dress, then casual)? Cucina Colore and Little Ollies
Favorite food? Favorite drink? Sushi and anything with Cheese! Stoli O and 7UP.
What is the best advice you have ever received? It is okay to ask for help.
What is your motto? Try everything and have no regrets in life.
What is your most treasured possession? afasdfdf
