Cunningham Foundation To Hold Benefit Reception

DENVER (CBS4) - A cocktail reception has been set up to benefit The Cunningham Foundation in the memory of Noel Cunningham, a popular Denver restaurateur who died in early December.

The complimentary public reception will be held Feb. 2 at the Buell Theater from 5-6:30 p.m. A VIP reception will follow at the Seawell Ballroom at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $150.

The reception is to "honor the memory of Noel Cunningham and to insure the continued funding of his foundation," according to The Cunningham Foundation website.

Cunningham was known as much for his generosity as a philanthropist as he was for his restaurant Strings, a swanky eatery in uptown Denver. Strings was Cunningham's livelihood, but charity work was his passion and legacy.

Once the youngest sous chef at London's Savoy Hotel, Cunningham found his greatest joy in feeding those dying of hunger. The Cunningham Foundation was dedicated to helping children in Ethiopia.

Cunningham's family said he committed suicide after dealing with health problems. The family also said it wants people to remember Cunningham's compassion and generosity.

Cunningham talked about how he wanted to be remembered in an interview with CBS4 several years ago. Here is what he said:

"When the time comes for moving on, we're not going to get any credit or points for having an extra house or 5 cars or this or that. Hopefully we get some points that we cared."

For more information on the reception, visit The Cunningham Foundation website.