Woman guilty of defrauding shelter that helps women, children

The Gathering Place in Denver. Photo: denverenergy.org

The woman who claimed to work with the Tim Tebow Foundation, the Daniels Foundation and Pat Bowlen and his wife Annabel Bowlen to raise money for The Gathering Place pleaded guilty to theft Friday.

Candice Jenkins falsely represented herself as a member of the Board of Directors to victims of The Gathering Place, a Denver shelter that provides services for women and children stricken by poverty. She told others she was the “fundraising co-chair,” a statement released by Colorado Attorney General John Suthers announced Friday.

Court documents reveal Jenkins, 44, passed out phony business cards, promotional flyers with the name and logo of The Gathering Place, duped a former Colorado Avalanche player and produced copies of a DVD that falsely conveyed donations made to her would benefit The Gathering Place.

The Gathering Place was not aware of Jenkins’ activities, nor did the organization authorize her to use their name. The Attorney General’s office says The Gathering Place did not receive any donations from her.

According to the indictment, all of the proceeds made from selling products like gourmet coffee, tea products and jewelry went directly into the pockets of Jenkins, who lives in Centennial.

Jenkins will be sentenced September 28. The judge could impose a sentence that ranges from probation to serving up to six years in prison and a $100,000 fine.

Story by: Paula Vargas