Meet Christine Gallager, one of our amazing Cupid’s Undie Run Event Directors located in Denver, CO! 

Christine, how long have you been an Event Director (ED) for Cupid’s?

My first year as an ED for Cupid’s was 2019. In 2018 I was on the planning committee, and my first Cupid’s Undie Run was 2014, so 2022 will be my 9th year with Cupid’s and 4th year as an ED.

With 9 years of Cupid’s under your belt, you must have a go-to Cupid’s Undie Run outfit! Give us the deets.

My team name is Tutus Against Tumors, so I’m a BIG fan of a homemade tutu, but since becoming an ED I’ve gone tutu-less to get out of my comfort zone. Now I prefer to rock a crop top and some cute undies.

What exactly was your draw to Cupid’s?

Until I became an Event Director, I didn’t know anyone affected by neurofibromatosis (NF).  Cupid’s Undie Run was a fun event I attended each year, and I fundraised for that open bar to boot! But at Cupid’s, we always say one of our goals is to “affect the unaffected” and help others get passionate about ending NF, and I’ve definitely been affected now. I’ve met kiddos, adults, families, and friends all affected in some way, and I care so deeply about finding a cure and changing their lives.

What do you do when you’re not volunteering with Cupid’s?

You mean other than telling people all about Cupid’s and convincing them to sign up? Just kidding (sort of). When I’m not jogging through the streets of Denver in my underwear, I’m working in continuing education at the University of Denver, taking on my never-ending list of house projects, building trail in Colorado’s natural areas as a volunteer crew leader with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, enjoying happy hour on a patio, and being a mom to my son, Connor, who enjoyed his first undie run (on the inside) in 2020. 

What makes Denver special? Do you have any city-specific Cupid’s traditions?

Denver is a fun mix of a little bit of everything – proximity to the outdoors, a beautiful park and bike path system, amazing arts, and a foodie wonderland.  It’s the kind of place where you can head up to ski in the morning and be enjoying a craft beer on a patio in a t-shirt by happy hour. We try to keep our event local, showcasing prizes from local businesses and small vendors who make our city special. Our Undie Run takes advantage of Civic Center Park, with the state capital as the backdrop, and we love hosting Cupid’s Undie Run at Stoney’s, one of Denver’s greatest local sports bars.

Tell us about your top teams in Denver!

We have some AMAZING top fundraisers and teams in Denver, but we’re also lucky to have a deep pool of folks in the top 10-15 each year. Our top team captains are our biggest fundraisers, and they’re also incredibly engaged with us throughout the year.  More importantly, they all have a connection to the mission of Cupid’s and share that with others to make the biggest impact.  Shout out to Team Jake, Pell’s Pals, Miles for Michele, B the Difference, Holy Chonies, Blazing Caidens, Ben’s Friends, and Tutus Again Tumors.

Now that we know why you love dropping your pants for charity, we’d love to learn a little more about what makes you, you! Christine, what’s the best vacation you’ve ever been on?

This is a tough one! I love to travel and, since I’m from the East Coast, I’m on a plane to see family and friends many times each year. I honeymooned in Italy in 2017 and that trip was amazing. Wine, cheese, swimming, hiking, and gelato – what more can you ask for?

Has sh*t ever hit the fan at a Denver Cupid’s Undie Run?

Denver Cupid’s has almost always had perfect weather – sunny, 60+ degrees, gorgeous day. But in 2019 we got hit with a huge snowstorm the day before and were so worried about what things would look like on event day. It was a bit windy and VERY messy, but the city gave us another beautiful, albeit snow-covered, day-to-end NF.

Oof. Sounds like you could use a cocktail after a snowstorm like that. What’s your go-to when it comes to ordering at Cupid’s Open Bar?

Big bourbon fan here (even named my dog Bourbon) so I love a whiskey and ginger. In the summer, gin and tonics or a spritz are it for me. Most of the time I’m enjoying a fruity or sour beer, though.

What high school superlative do you feel best suits you today?

In high school my superlative was “most likely to return to teach here” and in college, everyone called me “Sally Saint Mike’s” (I attended Saint Michael’s College). So my superlatives have always been around how invested in things I get when I’m passionate about them. That’s part of how I ended up at Cupid’s. But if we’re talking about my whole life, I think “most likely to ‘mom’ you” is the best fit. I’m always taking care of my friends – checking on them, making sure they have sunscreen, warning them about dangers, typical mom stuff. 

Thanks for giving us the dish on all things Denver! Any closing words?

Every single Cupid’s Undie Run Event Director puts so much time and energy and love into each season, and we really hope all of our participants feel that. More importantly, we hope our NF Champs and their families feel it. You’re always welcome in Denver and we can’t wait to show you why Cupid’s Undie Run is the best!