2023 National Philanthropy Day Colorado honorees announced
The Association of Fundraising Professionals Colorado Chapter (AFP Colorado) is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2023 National Philanthropy Day Colorado awards. These 12 remarkable individuals and organizations will be recognized at a luncheon on Nov. 9 for their commitment to volunteerism, philanthropy, and community service.
J. Robert “Bob” Young, a successful business leader and philanthropist, was selected for the Lifetime Achievement award. Bob’s deep and wide legacy of personal philanthropy, corporate citizenship, and community activism has made a significant impact on Colorado nonprofits representing arts and culture, civic and community, health and human services, education, and youth. Bob’s commitment to engagement with diverse communities is the core principle of his personal and professional life.
“The most valuable thing one person can give to another, is caring. When you care, everything else just follows. For me, this is a way of life, from my birth to this very day” says Bob Young. “When all is said and done, if a person wishes to make a difference, the pathway is clear: Return to your roots. Start at the beginning to what we all knew so well as children.”
In Bob’s humble upbringing, service was a core ethos — he grew up in Kansas in a middle-class family where service was a family value. This commitment of service translated to millions of dollars in support of Colorado nonprofits representing arts and culture; civic and community; health and human services; education and youth.
“National Philanthropy Day in Colorado is a living testament to the power of philanthropy and the impact that acts of giving and service can create,” said Gerry Rasel, Chair of the 2023 National Philanthropy Day Colorado Steering Committee. “These 12 honorees exemplify the heart of Colorado through their commitment to and compassion for our communities.”
The full list of 2023 Honorees are:
- Lifetime Achievement: J. Robert “Bob” Young, Carbondale
- Outstanding Large Business: Molson Coors, Golden
- Outstanding Small Business: Urban Ventures, LLC, Denver
- Outstanding Foundation: The Weld Trust, Greeley
- Outstanding Philanthropists: Carol and George Solich, Denver
- Outstanding Professional Fundraiser: Jennifer Lackey, Denver
- Outstanding Professional Grantmaker: Abel Wurmnest, Denver
- Outstanding Volunteer: Paula Edwards, Fort Collins
- Outstanding Service Organization: The Colorado Elks Association, Berthoud
- Outstanding Youth: Bryce Hunter, Centennial
- Outstanding Youth Group: Women of East, Denver
- Inspiration: Community Shares of Colorado, Denver
The steering committee gathered nominations from communities across Colorado, and from organizations and individuals representing diverse experiences, perspectives, opinions, and cultures within philanthropy. Judges reviewed 48 nominations and selected these 12 winners for their positive impact on their community.
The 2023 National Philanthropy Day in Colorado luncheon presented by Morgridge Family Foundation will be held at the Seawell Ballroom at the Denver Performing Arts Complex on Nov. 9, 2023. Tickets and sponsorships are available now at bit.ly/2023NPD.
In addition, the Outstanding Youth and Outstanding Youth Group winners will each receive $3,000 scholarships to support their continuing education and philanthropic work, provided through the generous support of Boettcher Foundation.
Join us in celebrating the 2023 National Philanthropy Day Colorado honorees and their commitment to making a difference in our communities.
About This Author
Glen Jammaron
Glen Jammaron is president and vice chairman of Alpine Bank. Glen has worked for Alpine Bank for 36 years and been the president and vice chairman for 16 years. During his tenure, the bank grew from $2 billion to more than $6 billion in assets.
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