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Congratulations to the 2023 NomineesEvery fall, community members submit nominations for philanthropists they see doing good work. Winners in each category are chosen by an independent community volunteer committee and announced at National Philanthropy Day. |
Youth Nominees
Estes Park High School Key Club
The Key Club does service projects for the community and schools during the school year. In 2021-2022, the Key Club painted picnic tables at the school, delivered Halloween candy to stores for the Town Halloween Party, collected food for the Crossroads Food Bank, made and delivered Christmas cards to residents of Good Samaritans Retirement Home, helped set up for the Duck Race and Pumpkins and Pilsners and also provided seeds to students interested in planting pollinator gardens.
In spring of 2023, they won a grant from the Village Thrift Shop for improving youth mental health. They are using it to provide journals to all High School students and instruct how to use journaling to reduce stress. The Club additionally provided funding to send students to leadership training.
This club is friendly and open to all students, with a very inclusive atmosphere. The members themselves select and develop their service projects. It is a reliable partner to other nonprofit organizations in this community and teaches leadership through participation in service.
The Key Club does service projects for the community and schools during the school year. In 2021-2022, the Key Club painted picnic tables at the school, delivered Halloween candy to stores for the Town Halloween Party, collected food for the Crossroads Food Bank, made and delivered Christmas cards to residents of Good Samaritans Retirement Home, helped set up for the Duck Race and Pumpkins and Pilsners and also provided seeds to students interested in planting pollinator gardens.
In spring of 2023, they won a grant from the Village Thrift Shop for improving youth mental health. They are using it to provide journals to all High School students and instruct how to use journaling to reduce stress. The Club additionally provided funding to send students to leadership training.
This club is friendly and open to all students, with a very inclusive atmosphere. The members themselves select and develop their service projects. It is a reliable partner to other nonprofit organizations in this community and teaches leadership through participation in service.
Sophie Kamprath
Sophie is caring, committed, collaborative, and commendable. She is a great role model for her peers. Sophie is the chair of the Superintendent Council, a student advisory group to the Board of Education. She is committed to improving her school community and ensuring that student voices are heard. Sophie has volunteered hundreds of hours of service to tutor students in math at the elementary school and high school. She volunteers for Key Club, Youth in Action, Student Council, and Band. She is always the first one to volunteer her time to host events and raise money for clubs and organizations at the school and local organizations.
Sophie’s attitude of "Of course we can!" is inspiring. Sophie is currently leading a project to use reusable bags with youth artwork to generate funds to support older youth programming through Youth in Action and EVICS Family Resource Center. Sophie recently rallied YIA members to volunteer as servers at the EVICS annual fundraising event, helping to make it a success! One 20-year educator says, “It is rare that I come across a student that has this many leadership qualities at such a young age. Sophie is giving to her school and community in a way that stands out from the rest of the student body.” One of the nonprofit organizations she supports adds, “She will certainly make all our futures brighter!”
Sophie is caring, committed, collaborative, and commendable. She is a great role model for her peers. Sophie is the chair of the Superintendent Council, a student advisory group to the Board of Education. She is committed to improving her school community and ensuring that student voices are heard. Sophie has volunteered hundreds of hours of service to tutor students in math at the elementary school and high school. She volunteers for Key Club, Youth in Action, Student Council, and Band. She is always the first one to volunteer her time to host events and raise money for clubs and organizations at the school and local organizations.
Sophie’s attitude of "Of course we can!" is inspiring. Sophie is currently leading a project to use reusable bags with youth artwork to generate funds to support older youth programming through Youth in Action and EVICS Family Resource Center. Sophie recently rallied YIA members to volunteer as servers at the EVICS annual fundraising event, helping to make it a success! One 20-year educator says, “It is rare that I come across a student that has this many leadership qualities at such a young age. Sophie is giving to her school and community in a way that stands out from the rest of the student body.” One of the nonprofit organizations she supports adds, “She will certainly make all our futures brighter!”
Oliver A. Tapia Villegas
Oliver has been working hard over the years to create connections between students; he is dedicated to creating a positive and inclusive school culture. He believes in pep rallies and supporting peers at games. He is a section leader in the band, helping to organize students and respond to feedback from competitions. He has served as Student Council President and has been an active member of Youth In Action for his four years at Estes Park High School. If you ask any teacher in the Estes Park schools about Oliver, their face will light up. He is an amazing person who is dedicated to making school the best experience possible.
Oliver has been working hard over the years to create connections between students; he is dedicated to creating a positive and inclusive school culture. He believes in pep rallies and supporting peers at games. He is a section leader in the band, helping to organize students and respond to feedback from competitions. He has served as Student Council President and has been an active member of Youth In Action for his four years at Estes Park High School. If you ask any teacher in the Estes Park schools about Oliver, their face will light up. He is an amazing person who is dedicated to making school the best experience possible.
Enduring Service Nominees
Bev Bachman
After retiring from a 30-year teaching career, Bev continues to support “all things education.” In 2017, Bev was asked by the then Superintendent, Sheldon Rosenkrance, to investigate starting an education foundation for the district. Bev took on this challenge with gusto and by 2018, the Estes Park Education Foundation (EPEF) was founded as a 501c3 nonprofit. The EPEF steering committee met almost every week for two years and Bev was the positive force driving the group through all the different planning stages effectively, strategically, and responsibly. Bev became the first president of the organization and served in that capacity until 2023, when she was term-limited. During that time, the EPEF raised funds to be granted back to teachers and staff to work on projects and programs that go above and beyond the standard curriculum.
Bev also serves as the chairperson for the school district’s District Advisory and Accountability Committee. This group of teachers, parents, and community members come together to provide a community platform to engage stakeholder input and monitor district goals and financial commitments.
Bev is not a look-at-me kind of volunteer. She is extraordinarily kind and uses both grace and expertise to lead change. It’s truly hard to state in words how valuable she is to the Estes Valley.
After retiring from a 30-year teaching career, Bev continues to support “all things education.” In 2017, Bev was asked by the then Superintendent, Sheldon Rosenkrance, to investigate starting an education foundation for the district. Bev took on this challenge with gusto and by 2018, the Estes Park Education Foundation (EPEF) was founded as a 501c3 nonprofit. The EPEF steering committee met almost every week for two years and Bev was the positive force driving the group through all the different planning stages effectively, strategically, and responsibly. Bev became the first president of the organization and served in that capacity until 2023, when she was term-limited. During that time, the EPEF raised funds to be granted back to teachers and staff to work on projects and programs that go above and beyond the standard curriculum.
Bev also serves as the chairperson for the school district’s District Advisory and Accountability Committee. This group of teachers, parents, and community members come together to provide a community platform to engage stakeholder input and monitor district goals and financial commitments.
Bev is not a look-at-me kind of volunteer. She is extraordinarily kind and uses both grace and expertise to lead change. It’s truly hard to state in words how valuable she is to the Estes Valley.
Gregg Jurgens
Gregg is always willing to help the community in any way he can. He is the Chairperson of the Estes Valley Crisis Advocates board (and has served on the board for over 5 years). He not only donates his time but also provides financial contributions to fundraising events. He plows and shovels snow from the driveway at the Safehouse as well as some of his elderly neighbor's homes, without payment, and never complains—regardless of how cold and miserable the weather is. He is a very active participant in the Rotary Club and assists with the Annual Duck race.
During the fire evacuations, Gregg stayed in Estes to provide support to the firefighters, police force, and other service personnel. This is just a small example of how dedicated Gregg is to helping others, even when it means sacrificing his own time and safety.
Gregg is always willing to help the community in any way he can. He is the Chairperson of the Estes Valley Crisis Advocates board (and has served on the board for over 5 years). He not only donates his time but also provides financial contributions to fundraising events. He plows and shovels snow from the driveway at the Safehouse as well as some of his elderly neighbor's homes, without payment, and never complains—regardless of how cold and miserable the weather is. He is a very active participant in the Rotary Club and assists with the Annual Duck race.
During the fire evacuations, Gregg stayed in Estes to provide support to the firefighters, police force, and other service personnel. This is just a small example of how dedicated Gregg is to helping others, even when it means sacrificing his own time and safety.
Louise Olson
Louise has responded to many needs in our community. She was involved with Crossroads from the beginning when it was located on Elkhorn Ave. She was instrumental in starting Multicultural Connections, a way of bringing everyone together to serve the community. She was ahead of her time when it came to DEI. She helped run one of this community’s first social enterprises, a furniture store that became a revenue stream to support the work they were doing in the community. Her organization was the first to start the Cinco de Mayo event. They hosted this for many years before their organization dissolved.
She has served on the Estes Park Board of Education and is currently tutoring young Hispanic girls in English. The extent of her many, many contributions to Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church is immeasurable. More recently, Louise was so grateful for the care she and her late husband received from Hospice that she now volunteers for this program. If our community has a need, this caring and compassionate woman will be involved.
Louise has responded to many needs in our community. She was involved with Crossroads from the beginning when it was located on Elkhorn Ave. She was instrumental in starting Multicultural Connections, a way of bringing everyone together to serve the community. She was ahead of her time when it came to DEI. She helped run one of this community’s first social enterprises, a furniture store that became a revenue stream to support the work they were doing in the community. Her organization was the first to start the Cinco de Mayo event. They hosted this for many years before their organization dissolved.
She has served on the Estes Park Board of Education and is currently tutoring young Hispanic girls in English. The extent of her many, many contributions to Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church is immeasurable. More recently, Louise was so grateful for the care she and her late husband received from Hospice that she now volunteers for this program. If our community has a need, this caring and compassionate woman will be involved.
Jim Pickering
Jim contributes to the Estes Park community in many ways, most notably as the community Historian Laurate. This nomination is related to Jim's tenure of service to the Estes Park Economic Development Corporation. Jim served as President of the Organization from 2013 to 2019 through various efforts, including the organization's launch, community flood recovery, and the successful implementation of Broadband internet. During his tenure as President, the organization received an Excellence in Economic Development Award from the International Economic Development Council for its impact and innovation in our community. Jim's service on the EDC board ended in 2023 after ten years of dedication to the organization and the economic health and prosperity of the Estes Valley. The economic vitality and resiliency of Estes Park—and the organization itself—are fortunate to have his leadership.
Jim contributes to the Estes Park community in many ways, most notably as the community Historian Laurate. This nomination is related to Jim's tenure of service to the Estes Park Economic Development Corporation. Jim served as President of the Organization from 2013 to 2019 through various efforts, including the organization's launch, community flood recovery, and the successful implementation of Broadband internet. During his tenure as President, the organization received an Excellence in Economic Development Award from the International Economic Development Council for its impact and innovation in our community. Jim's service on the EDC board ended in 2023 after ten years of dedication to the organization and the economic health and prosperity of the Estes Valley. The economic vitality and resiliency of Estes Park—and the organization itself—are fortunate to have his leadership.
Cheley Family
The Cheley Family’s impact in the Estes Valley is seen in three ways. One, since the camp has been in place for more than 100 years, it is estimated that more than 50,000 kids have camped there! The camps are 27 days in length and are designed to teach kids life skills, teamwork, making good decisions, and how to persevere through challenges, all in an outdoor setting. Two, the Cheley Family developed opportunities to serve often under-represented and overlooked kids. A camp for burn victims was established 40 years ago, and through a partnership with Children's Hospital Colorado, qualifying kids can attend camp for free. A similar camp for kids in military families has been established. Finally, the family has donated trail and conservation easements to protect wildlife habitat and scenic views. These easements also provide outdoor recreation opportunities: a portion of the Homer Rouse Trail, a trail easement that provides for a portion of the Fish Creek Trail, and trail or conservation easements to help establish the North Fork of the Big Thompson and Bullwark Ridge trails into Rocky Mountain National Park and USFS lands. The family was honored to donate these easements because they know protecting land and providing outdoor recreation opportunities are valued in Estes Park and serve us all.
The Cheley Family’s impact in the Estes Valley is seen in three ways. One, since the camp has been in place for more than 100 years, it is estimated that more than 50,000 kids have camped there! The camps are 27 days in length and are designed to teach kids life skills, teamwork, making good decisions, and how to persevere through challenges, all in an outdoor setting. Two, the Cheley Family developed opportunities to serve often under-represented and overlooked kids. A camp for burn victims was established 40 years ago, and through a partnership with Children's Hospital Colorado, qualifying kids can attend camp for free. A similar camp for kids in military families has been established. Finally, the family has donated trail and conservation easements to protect wildlife habitat and scenic views. These easements also provide outdoor recreation opportunities: a portion of the Homer Rouse Trail, a trail easement that provides for a portion of the Fish Creek Trail, and trail or conservation easements to help establish the North Fork of the Big Thompson and Bullwark Ridge trails into Rocky Mountain National Park and USFS lands. The family was honored to donate these easements because they know protecting land and providing outdoor recreation opportunities are valued in Estes Park and serve us all.
Business Nominees
Backbone Adventures
Backbone donates off-road guided tours to The Oscar Mike Foundation in an effort to get disabled veterans “On the Move.” Their contribution allows almost 40 veterans with mobility issues greater access to the Rocky Mountains on six expedition weeks throughout the summer.
Backbone donates off-road guided tours to The Oscar Mike Foundation in an effort to get disabled veterans “On the Move.” Their contribution allows almost 40 veterans with mobility issues greater access to the Rocky Mountains on six expedition weeks throughout the summer.
Bird & Jim
Co-owners Melissa Strong and John Witmer are passionate about supporting youth and families. Bird & Jim is the primary sponsor, panelist, and judge of the Student Environmental Film Festival in partnership with the Estes Park School District and the Estes Valley Land Trust. They are business sponsors of Pumpkins and Pilsners and, to date, have awarded over $10,000 in student grants.
As a survivor of an electrical accident, Melissa Strong is especially dedicated to empowering youth through the Colorado Children’s Hospital Burn Camps Program. Burn Camp hosts rehabilitating activities at Cheley Camps and the YMCA of the Rockies.
Co-owners Melissa Strong and John Witmer are passionate about supporting youth and families. Bird & Jim is the primary sponsor, panelist, and judge of the Student Environmental Film Festival in partnership with the Estes Park School District and the Estes Valley Land Trust. They are business sponsors of Pumpkins and Pilsners and, to date, have awarded over $10,000 in student grants.
As a survivor of an electrical accident, Melissa Strong is especially dedicated to empowering youth through the Colorado Children’s Hospital Burn Camps Program. Burn Camp hosts rehabilitating activities at Cheley Camps and the YMCA of the Rockies.
Breeyan Edwards, First Colorado Realty
Breeyan’s philanthropic contributions to the Estes Valley community are as numerous as they are meaningful. Her support, whether through financial donations, deliberate consumer choices, or active membership and volunteering, contributes to the well-being of this community. She has proven that you can give quietly and still create widespread impact. Breeyan is a patron of the Estes Park Museum Foundation and supports the local Girl Scout troop, fostering the growth and development of young girls in the community. Breeyan is also an active member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Estes Valley Board of Realtors, where she shares her expertise and advocates for community development. She sets an aspiring example for her peers in business, demonstrating the impact of a single person.
Breeyan’s philanthropic contributions to the Estes Valley community are as numerous as they are meaningful. Her support, whether through financial donations, deliberate consumer choices, or active membership and volunteering, contributes to the well-being of this community. She has proven that you can give quietly and still create widespread impact. Breeyan is a patron of the Estes Park Museum Foundation and supports the local Girl Scout troop, fostering the growth and development of young girls in the community. Breeyan is also an active member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Estes Valley Board of Realtors, where she shares her expertise and advocates for community development. She sets an aspiring example for her peers in business, demonstrating the impact of a single person.
Egg of Estes
Ania and Ryan provide good food and community support for numerous nonprofit organizations in the Estes Valley, including Estes Park Running Club, Estes Valley Crisis Advocates, Rooftop Rodeo, high school swim and basketball teams, Big Thompson Canyon Association, Glen Haven Volunteer Fire Dept, EP Fire Dept, Quota Club, Sunrise Rotary, EP Cycling Coalition, and the list likely goes on. And we're not talking small amounts of food – rather, hundreds of burritos and bowls of soup and massive pots of spaghetti.
Both Ania and Ryan dedicate their time and financial support to uplift these organizations’ event and fundraising efforts. During the already busy summer months, they show up early (really early) and extend their hours and staff time to support multiple causes. They're behind-the-scenes community business philanthropist and lift up our community in so many ways.
Ania and Ryan provide good food and community support for numerous nonprofit organizations in the Estes Valley, including Estes Park Running Club, Estes Valley Crisis Advocates, Rooftop Rodeo, high school swim and basketball teams, Big Thompson Canyon Association, Glen Haven Volunteer Fire Dept, EP Fire Dept, Quota Club, Sunrise Rotary, EP Cycling Coalition, and the list likely goes on. And we're not talking small amounts of food – rather, hundreds of burritos and bowls of soup and massive pots of spaghetti.
Both Ania and Ryan dedicate their time and financial support to uplift these organizations’ event and fundraising efforts. During the already busy summer months, they show up early (really early) and extend their hours and staff time to support multiple causes. They're behind-the-scenes community business philanthropist and lift up our community in so many ways.
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Poppy’s Pizza & Grill and Mama Rose’s Restaurant
Rob and Julie have been very supportive with in-kind donations to several nonprofits in town. They host fundraising dinners and celebrations at their restaurants; hosting gala events is a huge expense, and their generosity allows all money raised to go directly to the nonprofit. They regularly support Partners, the Estes Park Learning Place, EVICS, and Estes Valley Crisis Advocates. They consistently provided food, plates, silverware, etc., for nonprofit luncheons and workshops. In addition to giving their business resources, Rob is on the Restorative Justice Committee. Owners Rob and Julie are always very kind and generous to the community. |
Premier Members Credit Union (PMCU)
Premier Gives is one pillar of the Credit Union that takes action to make our communities a better place today and tomorrow. PMCU is a regular sponsor of the Estes Park Rotary Duck and holds an annual food drive for Crossroads Food Pantry. They show their appreciation and celebrate the successes of our community and small businesses after a busy tourist season by sponsoring the Estes Park Chamber of Commerce Gumbo Dinner as a Title Sponsor in 2022 and 2023. Premier Credit Union also sponsors Gypsy Jazz, the Estes Park Chamber Gala, and can be found handing out candy on Halloween.
Premier Gives awarded $5000 to the Estes Park Education Foundation in support of the school’s robotics program through their first annual online grant program. They sponsor Pumpkins and Pilsners, and partner with the Estes Park League of Women Voters and Eco-Cycle to sponsor the annual Estes Recycles. Their sponsorship made it free (or nearly free) to recycle over 2.5 tons of electronics!
Premier Gives is one pillar of the Credit Union that takes action to make our communities a better place today and tomorrow. PMCU is a regular sponsor of the Estes Park Rotary Duck and holds an annual food drive for Crossroads Food Pantry. They show their appreciation and celebrate the successes of our community and small businesses after a busy tourist season by sponsoring the Estes Park Chamber of Commerce Gumbo Dinner as a Title Sponsor in 2022 and 2023. Premier Credit Union also sponsors Gypsy Jazz, the Estes Park Chamber Gala, and can be found handing out candy on Halloween.
Premier Gives awarded $5000 to the Estes Park Education Foundation in support of the school’s robotics program through their first annual online grant program. They sponsor Pumpkins and Pilsners, and partner with the Estes Park League of Women Voters and Eco-Cycle to sponsor the annual Estes Recycles. Their sponsorship made it free (or nearly free) to recycle over 2.5 tons of electronics!
The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern
In 2022, Bryan Gillam approached Kep Expeditions about donating money for adaptive hiking equipment. Both parties agreed that food that could be cooked at a backcountry campsite in RMNP was a great way for The Rock Inn to get involved in programs involving disabled veterans. Bryan and Chris Watters stepped up to donate almost 60 elk burgers and a $2,500 ice machine to support six Kep Expeditions programs.
In 2022, Bryan Gillam approached Kep Expeditions about donating money for adaptive hiking equipment. Both parties agreed that food that could be cooked at a backcountry campsite in RMNP was a great way for The Rock Inn to get involved in programs involving disabled veterans. Bryan and Chris Watters stepped up to donate almost 60 elk burgers and a $2,500 ice machine to support six Kep Expeditions programs.
Trendz at the Park
Trendz at the Park and Manager Vanessa Bertoldi are the first business to support the Giving Guest Round Up Program. To date, over $10,000 has been earned at the register to support local nonprofit organizations!! Additionally, Vanessa supports this program by encouraging other businesses in the Estes Valley to leverage tourist dollars for philanthropy.
Trendz at the Park and Manager Vanessa Bertoldi are the first business to support the Giving Guest Round Up Program. To date, over $10,000 has been earned at the register to support local nonprofit organizations!! Additionally, Vanessa supports this program by encouraging other businesses in the Estes Valley to leverage tourist dollars for philanthropy.
Katie Speer Philanthropist of the Year Nominees
Ken Arnold
Ken is an all-around generous soul. He’ll do almost anything for anyone, anytime day or night. No cost. All you have to do is ask. At the Legion, he volunteers his time serving meals, helping run Bingo on Tuesday nights, running the Queen of Hearts raffle program, doing yard work, and general maintenance. He takes trash and recyclables to the dump, both for the organization and some of its members who could use a hand. He snow plows the parking lot for the Legion, the Summit Church, and several Legion members. The Legion owes Ken a great amount of gratitude for helping ensure many Legion programs function.
Ken is an all-around generous soul. He’ll do almost anything for anyone, anytime day or night. No cost. All you have to do is ask. At the Legion, he volunteers his time serving meals, helping run Bingo on Tuesday nights, running the Queen of Hearts raffle program, doing yard work, and general maintenance. He takes trash and recyclables to the dump, both for the organization and some of its members who could use a hand. He snow plows the parking lot for the Legion, the Summit Church, and several Legion members. The Legion owes Ken a great amount of gratitude for helping ensure many Legion programs function.
JoAnn Batey
JoAnn Batey has been involved in many Estes Park nonprofits, but the 1904 Historic Stanley Home efforts especially piqued her interest. She jumped right in to provide direct financial support and eagerly and willingly did any work that needed to be done; no task was too small or too complex. She has removed wallpaper and carpet, weeded, driven the shuttle van to pick up guests, and planned a holiday open house for the community. She was one of the early visionaries of turning the private home into a community museum and education center through its preservation and restoration. JoAnn has recruited and trained volunteers, docents, and children from our local Chautauqua program. Her ideas for new programs have been limitless. She has been focusing on training materials for teens, as well as Spanish language programs and accessibility and access for all.
This amazing woman has positively impacted so many people in Estes Valley by honoring F. O. and Flora Stanley, as well as other early Estes Park pioneers. JoAnn’s restoration efforts, actions, energy, and talent have gone above and beyond.
JoAnn Batey has been involved in many Estes Park nonprofits, but the 1904 Historic Stanley Home efforts especially piqued her interest. She jumped right in to provide direct financial support and eagerly and willingly did any work that needed to be done; no task was too small or too complex. She has removed wallpaper and carpet, weeded, driven the shuttle van to pick up guests, and planned a holiday open house for the community. She was one of the early visionaries of turning the private home into a community museum and education center through its preservation and restoration. JoAnn has recruited and trained volunteers, docents, and children from our local Chautauqua program. Her ideas for new programs have been limitless. She has been focusing on training materials for teens, as well as Spanish language programs and accessibility and access for all.
This amazing woman has positively impacted so many people in Estes Valley by honoring F. O. and Flora Stanley, as well as other early Estes Park pioneers. JoAnn’s restoration efforts, actions, energy, and talent have gone above and beyond.
Tariq Bhatti
Tariq is a deeply involved community member who actively supports various local initiatives. He consistently shows appreciation for our high school students and assists Estes Park Health employees by contributing to an employee assistance fund. He volunteers with the Estes Valley Board of Realtors to clean up trash along Highway 36, both before and after the tourist season. In addition to these efforts, he participates in fundraisers like the Duck Race and donates candy to the YMCA of the Rockies for Halloween. Tariq's commitment to giving back extends further as he actively raises funds and collects food for Crossroads Ministry of Estes Park and Estes Valley Crisis Advocates.
Tariq holds key roles on the Boards of the Estes Park Chamber of Commerce, Estes Valley Crisis Advocates, Estes Valley Board of Realtors, and Vista Ridge HOA. He spreads goodwill by distributing Valentine's Day cookies to the Estes Park Police and Fire Department, expressing gratitude to our dedicated community guardians. Tariq's focus is, and always will be, community.
Tariq is a deeply involved community member who actively supports various local initiatives. He consistently shows appreciation for our high school students and assists Estes Park Health employees by contributing to an employee assistance fund. He volunteers with the Estes Valley Board of Realtors to clean up trash along Highway 36, both before and after the tourist season. In addition to these efforts, he participates in fundraisers like the Duck Race and donates candy to the YMCA of the Rockies for Halloween. Tariq's commitment to giving back extends further as he actively raises funds and collects food for Crossroads Ministry of Estes Park and Estes Valley Crisis Advocates.
Tariq holds key roles on the Boards of the Estes Park Chamber of Commerce, Estes Valley Crisis Advocates, Estes Valley Board of Realtors, and Vista Ridge HOA. He spreads goodwill by distributing Valentine's Day cookies to the Estes Park Police and Fire Department, expressing gratitude to our dedicated community guardians. Tariq's focus is, and always will be, community.
Donna Bryson
Donna Bryson has been the guiding light for the Trail Ridge Quilters (TRQ), a long-time interest group of the Newcomers Club. She has spearheaded the making and selling of hundreds of quilted items for 7+ years. Donna does the marketing and the hands-on tasks like sorting and inventory of stock for sales. 100% of the profits from those sales, roughly $10,000, has gone to special needs and equipment at Estes Park Health. TRQ raised over $3000 for Ukrainian relief in 2022, due in large part to Donna’s contributions towards over 100 pot holders.
Weekly, Donna repackages food at Crossroads for the Market patrons. She is a meticulous record keeper for Estes Valley Quilt Guild. Donna is a soft-spoken, humble, hard-working, dedicated community member and a wonderful human being.
Donna Bryson has been the guiding light for the Trail Ridge Quilters (TRQ), a long-time interest group of the Newcomers Club. She has spearheaded the making and selling of hundreds of quilted items for 7+ years. Donna does the marketing and the hands-on tasks like sorting and inventory of stock for sales. 100% of the profits from those sales, roughly $10,000, has gone to special needs and equipment at Estes Park Health. TRQ raised over $3000 for Ukrainian relief in 2022, due in large part to Donna’s contributions towards over 100 pot holders.
Weekly, Donna repackages food at Crossroads for the Market patrons. She is a meticulous record keeper for Estes Valley Quilt Guild. Donna is a soft-spoken, humble, hard-working, dedicated community member and a wonderful human being.
Jean Rissmiller
Jean is fearless in tackling anything she sets her mind to. This year, she is not only President of the Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary Club but continues for a third year as Director of the Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary Arts and Crafts Festival. Vendors love how Jean (and the Rotarians) take care of them. For this year's Festival, Jean went the extra mile by seeking a clean water project to champion. She invited the Sun Spring Hybrid Solar and Wind power water purification system, developed by Innovative Water Technologies in Colorado, to showcase their groundbreaking technology at the event. The club is enthusiastic about the opportunity to address clean water challenges beyond our borders. Last year, Jean brought an iron lung to the Festival to raise awareness of how critical it is to vaccinate against polio. Since polio is also spread by unclean water, the water purification system will help to eradicate polio.
Jean has also been handed the Director position of the Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary Autumn Gold (Beer, Brats and Bands) festival that happens in September each year. She donates hundreds of hours to raise money for scholarships and grants given away by Rotary each year.
Jean is fearless in tackling anything she sets her mind to. This year, she is not only President of the Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary Club but continues for a third year as Director of the Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary Arts and Crafts Festival. Vendors love how Jean (and the Rotarians) take care of them. For this year's Festival, Jean went the extra mile by seeking a clean water project to champion. She invited the Sun Spring Hybrid Solar and Wind power water purification system, developed by Innovative Water Technologies in Colorado, to showcase their groundbreaking technology at the event. The club is enthusiastic about the opportunity to address clean water challenges beyond our borders. Last year, Jean brought an iron lung to the Festival to raise awareness of how critical it is to vaccinate against polio. Since polio is also spread by unclean water, the water purification system will help to eradicate polio.
Jean has also been handed the Director position of the Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary Autumn Gold (Beer, Brats and Bands) festival that happens in September each year. She donates hundreds of hours to raise money for scholarships and grants given away by Rotary each year.
Mindy Stone
Mindy is an extraordinary individual who consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to her community and a genuine desire to make the world a better place. Her ability to find joy is infectious. She juggles her professional responsibilities and philanthropic efforts with finesse and is a dependable team player both at work and as a volunteer. She is an ardent volunteer for multiple organizations, including the Quota Club, Pet Association, Crossroads Ministry, and the Estes Valley Board of REALTORS®.
Whenever Mindy travels, she extends her altruism by making it a point to visit local dog shelters, eager to lend a helping hand and provide her resources to support their mission. This selflessness is a testament to her character, and she remains humble and sacrificial in her giving.
Mindy is an extraordinary individual who consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to her community and a genuine desire to make the world a better place. Her ability to find joy is infectious. She juggles her professional responsibilities and philanthropic efforts with finesse and is a dependable team player both at work and as a volunteer. She is an ardent volunteer for multiple organizations, including the Quota Club, Pet Association, Crossroads Ministry, and the Estes Valley Board of REALTORS®.
Whenever Mindy travels, she extends her altruism by making it a point to visit local dog shelters, eager to lend a helping hand and provide her resources to support their mission. This selflessness is a testament to her character, and she remains humble and sacrificial in her giving.
Kendra Wallis
Kendra Wallis is a member of the Sunrise Rotary Club in Estes Park. She is instrumental in organizing the Labor Day Arts Show, which brought in $40K in profit this year. She will be co-director of the 2024 Autumn Gold Festival, which nets $60K in profit. She also helps manage the disbursements of this $100K for global grants, Estes Valley community grants, and school scholarships. Her nominator says, “Kendra’s efforts in these fundraisers, as well as many other hands-on Rotary projects—on top of her Realtor job at Keller Williams—makes her a deserving candidate for this prestigious award!
Kendra Wallis is a member of the Sunrise Rotary Club in Estes Park. She is instrumental in organizing the Labor Day Arts Show, which brought in $40K in profit this year. She will be co-director of the 2024 Autumn Gold Festival, which nets $60K in profit. She also helps manage the disbursements of this $100K for global grants, Estes Valley community grants, and school scholarships. Her nominator says, “Kendra’s efforts in these fundraisers, as well as many other hands-on Rotary projects—on top of her Realtor job at Keller Williams—makes her a deserving candidate for this prestigious award!
Shavlik Nonprofit of the Year Nominees
Estes Park Education Foundation
The EPEF is a relatively new organization to the Estes Valley, growing fast and gaining lots of recognition. The EPEF is a working board committed to benefiting the Estes Park School District teachers, students, and staff through grants and funding.
The EPEF is a relatively new organization to the Estes Valley, growing fast and gaining lots of recognition. The EPEF is a working board committed to benefiting the Estes Park School District teachers, students, and staff through grants and funding.
Estes Valley Crisis Advocates (EVCA)
Available 24/7, in 2022, EVCA answered 239 crisis calls and serviced 136 clients, including survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, child abuse, human trafficking, and on-scene crisis support. EVCA also provided 699 safe nights at the My Sister's Place Safehouse, which is a haven for adults and children fleeing domestic abuse. However, the organization often can't speak of the personal and profound work they do.
This year, one of EVCA’s most grueling cases was assisting the surviving coworkers at a local business after one of their own was murdered. The days and weeks that followed were extremely difficult for all employees; this business struggled through shock, grief, guilt, and grasping to understand why. This experience reaffirmed that the EVCA provides necessary support, resources, and guidance to our community.
Estes Valley Crisis Advocates outreach provides services to the diverse and underserved populations of the Estes Valley: LGBTQIA+, Latino, English as a second language, immigrants, J1 Visa Students, the elderly, and differently-abled persons. Being a survivor of a crime and not having a safe space that supports your unique challenges can be very frightening. EVCA prides itself on being an inclusive, accepting, welcoming, and safe space for everyone.
Available 24/7, in 2022, EVCA answered 239 crisis calls and serviced 136 clients, including survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, child abuse, human trafficking, and on-scene crisis support. EVCA also provided 699 safe nights at the My Sister's Place Safehouse, which is a haven for adults and children fleeing domestic abuse. However, the organization often can't speak of the personal and profound work they do.
This year, one of EVCA’s most grueling cases was assisting the surviving coworkers at a local business after one of their own was murdered. The days and weeks that followed were extremely difficult for all employees; this business struggled through shock, grief, guilt, and grasping to understand why. This experience reaffirmed that the EVCA provides necessary support, resources, and guidance to our community.
Estes Valley Crisis Advocates outreach provides services to the diverse and underserved populations of the Estes Valley: LGBTQIA+, Latino, English as a second language, immigrants, J1 Visa Students, the elderly, and differently-abled persons. Being a survivor of a crime and not having a safe space that supports your unique challenges can be very frightening. EVCA prides itself on being an inclusive, accepting, welcoming, and safe space for everyone.
Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary Club
The Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary Club continues to make a significant impact in both the local community and internationally. Their dedication to "service above self" is demonstrated through their key accomplishments and initiatives: over $20,000 in support of local education efforts, nonprofit grants to 20 different local organizations, and support of international service programs.
In the last year, they have provided student scholarships and donated a woodworking tool shop to the Career and Technical Education program at Estes Park High School. Their funds have equalized student opportunities to travel for band competitions or go home from the book fair with books. They support programs for elders who need meals delivered and have ensured that people with all abilities can access the Estes Park Museum via an ADA-compliant ramp. Their interest in the health and safety of our community is demonstrated through their support of providing emergency supplies to area fire departments and subsidizing Estes Park Recycles Day.
They are involved in international service programs related to nursing, clean water and sanitation, anti-poaching efforts, and polio eradication. Their interest in education and world understanding combine through their efforts to host inbound and outbound students in the International Youth Exchange program.
The Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary Club continues to make a significant impact in both the local community and internationally. Their dedication to "service above self" is demonstrated through their key accomplishments and initiatives: over $20,000 in support of local education efforts, nonprofit grants to 20 different local organizations, and support of international service programs.
In the last year, they have provided student scholarships and donated a woodworking tool shop to the Career and Technical Education program at Estes Park High School. Their funds have equalized student opportunities to travel for band competitions or go home from the book fair with books. They support programs for elders who need meals delivered and have ensured that people with all abilities can access the Estes Park Museum via an ADA-compliant ramp. Their interest in the health and safety of our community is demonstrated through their support of providing emergency supplies to area fire departments and subsidizing Estes Park Recycles Day.
They are involved in international service programs related to nursing, clean water and sanitation, anti-poaching efforts, and polio eradication. Their interest in education and world understanding combine through their efforts to host inbound and outbound students in the International Youth Exchange program.
Pet Association of Estes Park (PAEP)
The PAEP is celebrating 50 years this year! They provide shelter, care, and veterinary services to stray and surrendered animals until they can be placed in loving homes. The Pet Association is the only local agency committed to educating youth and the community about the humane care of animals. They serve Estes Park, Allenspark, Pinewood Springs, Big Elk Meadows, Rocky Mountain National Park, Drake, and Glen Haven. Recently, they have expanded their range nationally and internationally to help other four-legged friends in need.
Community donations facilitated by the Pet Association assist local pet owners in accessing their annual “Spray and Neuter” clinics, a founding program for the organization. PAEP holds a few essential and fun fundraisers throughout the year: their annual yard sale, pet pictures with Santa, and Carolyn's Walk for Pets, which honors the late Carolyn Fairbanks who was critical in starting the Pet Association. In addition, many local businesses host dog meet-ups and fundraising events to support this great cause…and who doesn’t love a reason to hang out with their pets!
The PAEP is celebrating 50 years this year! They provide shelter, care, and veterinary services to stray and surrendered animals until they can be placed in loving homes. The Pet Association is the only local agency committed to educating youth and the community about the humane care of animals. They serve Estes Park, Allenspark, Pinewood Springs, Big Elk Meadows, Rocky Mountain National Park, Drake, and Glen Haven. Recently, they have expanded their range nationally and internationally to help other four-legged friends in need.
Community donations facilitated by the Pet Association assist local pet owners in accessing their annual “Spray and Neuter” clinics, a founding program for the organization. PAEP holds a few essential and fun fundraisers throughout the year: their annual yard sale, pet pictures with Santa, and Carolyn's Walk for Pets, which honors the late Carolyn Fairbanks who was critical in starting the Pet Association. In addition, many local businesses host dog meet-ups and fundraising events to support this great cause…and who doesn’t love a reason to hang out with their pets!
Quota of Estes Park
Quota has been proudly serving the Estes Valley’s health needs for well over 50 years. They are especially proud to have been instrumental in purchasing at least 15 ambulances for our community! Quota Club maintains a Loan Closet full of almost any kind of medical equipment residents and guests may need after injury or surgery, etc.
Quota actively fundraises to award scholarships to local residents looking to deepen their skills in an area that benefits the community. They provide services to youth and seniors through their funding support of Meals on Wheels, Via Transportation services, and Crossroads Ministry’s food program for homeless youth. They lean on their network to find gaps in care, supplies, and support for disadvantaged women and children. Tackling the challenges of (and preventing) hearing loss is addressed through multiple channels: Quota provides hearing aids to those with financial need, presents safe hearing campaigns to high school students, and offers hearing screenings to elementary school students—where they also provide hearing amplification devices when needed.
Quota has been proudly serving the Estes Valley’s health needs for well over 50 years. They are especially proud to have been instrumental in purchasing at least 15 ambulances for our community! Quota Club maintains a Loan Closet full of almost any kind of medical equipment residents and guests may need after injury or surgery, etc.
Quota actively fundraises to award scholarships to local residents looking to deepen their skills in an area that benefits the community. They provide services to youth and seniors through their funding support of Meals on Wheels, Via Transportation services, and Crossroads Ministry’s food program for homeless youth. They lean on their network to find gaps in care, supplies, and support for disadvantaged women and children. Tackling the challenges of (and preventing) hearing loss is addressed through multiple channels: Quota provides hearing aids to those with financial need, presents safe hearing campaigns to high school students, and offers hearing screenings to elementary school students—where they also provide hearing amplification devices when needed.