In Memoriam

Like many Denverites, we were saddened to hear of the passing of restaurant owner, community leader and philanthropist Noel Cunningham. As a small tribute, we'd like to share an article written by Julie Bielenberg and published in the October 2007 issue of Colorado Homes & Lifestyles.

Our sincere condolences to the Cunningham family.

At home with...Noel Cunningham

The Hollywood stars and rock n’ roll legends that dine at Strings Restaurant are not what bring owner Noel Cunningham the most pride in his eatery; rather, the community members who attend charity events held at Strings and the children who visit from nearby hospitals are his most meaningful patrons. “Strings, as most restaurants should be, is the essence and soul of the surrounding community,” states Cunningham. He adds, “All are welcome to eat here.”

In recent years, the restaurant has dedicated many meals to supporting charity work and involving the nonprofit community. For a restaurant that was named after nothing—“Strings has no meaning, no cuisine connotation; we just thought it sounded nice”—it has metamorphosed into a community leader through the Cunningham Foundation, which certainly has meaning. The Foundation sponsors the HOPE Bracelet Project, which trains Ethiopian villagers to create bracelets using donated materials. The funds raised help support Project Mercy, a program dedicated to “improving ­living standards and life opportunities” for Ethiopian communities. Cunningham and his wife Tammy continually look for ways to help the less fortunate.

“We have been traveling to Ethiopia for the past several years helping to build and staff a library and school,” explains Tammy. Although they travel around the world to make a difference, the couple’s effect on the local community is profound as well. Please join them for the unveiling of their latest line of Hope Bracelets at the First Pick Party on Nov. 9 from 5 to 9 p.m. Strings, (303) 831-7310, stringsrestaurant.com.

—Julie Bielenberg