Despite the television cameras, the mob of friendly fans and the steady stream of selfies, Gloria Miller, mom to Broncos linebacker Von Miller, perched on a couch in Ocean Prime’s bar and took the controlled chaos in stride.
After all, this was her son’s “Celebrity Steak Out” charity dinner to benefit Von’s Vision, a foundation with a mission to provide low-income Denver children with the eye care and corrective eye wear needed to be their best in the classroom and in life.
Since Von was drafted by the Broncos, Gloria has become accustomed to the hubbub that follows her now-famous son. And Monday’s crowd at Ocean Prime was particularly festive following the handy 31-17 win against the New York Jets.
Miller, casually clad in a Mike Tyson T-shirt and one of his signature 70 pair of glasses, worked the room like a running back stutter stepping his way to the goal line: raising money to purchase 5,000 pairs of glasses for needy kids.
“I appreciate my teammates for taking off their Monday to support this event,” said Von, who added that he has personally committed to putting 2,500 kids in glasses.
The sold-out crowd was served a three-course dinner (heavily assisted by the Ocean Prime pros) by players including Jacob Tamme, Wes Welker, both Thomases (Demariyus and Julius), Chris Harris, DeMarcus Ware, Brock Osweiler, Ben Garland, Brandon McManus and (wait for it…) Peyton Manning.
Top players had their signed jerseys auctioned off for beau coup bucks.
My guest, rabid fan Angela Cheeseboro, and I ran into Manning (who ducked into the restaurant nearly unnoticed), quite by accident waiting for the elevator to the dining room. Cheeseboro was recovering from knee surgery and couldn’t bear the stairs.
I stepped up to the living legend and introduced myself and shook his hand, while Angela was stifling screams behind me. We stepped into the elevator and I asked if she wanted an introduction. All she could do was shake her head. The quarterback had her tongue.
The evening was star-studded and delightful while raising money to put glasses on kids. Bravo, Von!
Angela Cheeseboro with Bronco0s linebacker Von Miller, below, and Von’s mother, Gloria (above). (Penny Parker photos)
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