(COLORADO SPRINGS) — A national organization headquartered in Colorado Springs is set to hold its largest annual fundraiser in April. Angels of America’s Fallen supports the children of fallen military and first responders by encouraging and funding healthy, positive activities from the loss of the parent through age 19.

Joe Lewis, Founder and CEO of Angels joined Matt Meister, Chief Meteorologist, on set to highlight the upcoming event.

“They help (Angel Kids) from being withdrawn, depressed, or running with the wrong crowd,” Lewis said about the activities the nonprofit provides. “We want to see kids doing something positive through their childhood as they revisit the loss and they hit different stages of maturity and it impacts them differently.”

Activities aren’t limited, it’s up to the child receiving support.

“We’ve done flight lessons, welding, baking lessons, and of course all the sports and music and arts,” Lewis said. “Whatever their passion is, as long as it’s healthy and has a coach or instructor, we are going to say yes.”

The waiting list of Gold Star Families hoping to be supported by Angels continues to grow.

“We’ve got about 610 kids on the waiting list,” said Lewis. “And although we have fewer troops deployed we have the price to pay for two decades of war and our first responders are in harm’s way here at home.”

9th Annual Angel Gala

Saturday, April 13 at 5:30 p.m.

Broadmoor International Center

Tickets and sponsorships are available at aoafallen.org

The event features a reception, dinner, and program that features performances and presentations from Angel Kids showing their skills and talents in the activity they are being supported. “The kids performing and the keynote speakers are families that we support,” said Lewis. “It’s a really fun time.”

Matt Meister will serve as emcee for the Angel Gala again in 2024.