Estes Park Middle School (EPMS) Environmental Resilience Team

The EPMS Environmental Resiliency Team are young changemakers committed to environmental stewardship and hands-on service.

This year, they recognize the potential of a local Habitat for Humanity build site’s detention basin – not just as functional infrastructure but as an opportunity for ecological restoration. They did their research, designed a plan, and then planted over 1300 native species to create a vibrant habitat that now supports pollinators, insects, and wildlife. Their efforts didn’t just improve the aesthetics of the area; they created a living landscape that contributes to biodiversity and long-term sustainability.

As an after-school club, the team focuses on enhancing the resilience and beauty of our local environment. These students show up with shovels, gloves, and a sense of purpose. They collaborate, problem-solve, and lead by example. Their work is not only philanthropic in nature but also educational and community-driven, inspiring others to take part in caring for our shared environment.

Mica Bertucci

Mica has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to philanthropy through her involvement in multiple service organizations. She is an active member of Youth in Action and has been a dedicated leader on the Superintendent’s Council for three years, currently serving as co-chair. In this role, she represents student voices across the district, meets regularly with the Superintendent and Board of Education, and provides student reports at board meetings. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing the council’s mission to strengthen student pride, foster a culture of belonging, and connect students from preschool through 12th grade in meaningful ways.

Beyond her formal leadership positions, Mica dedicates countless hours outside of the school day to serving others. She serves as a mentor and tutor to classmates who are struggling, offering encouragement, consistency, and academic support. She also organizes and leads mentoring opportunities district-wide, extending her impact to younger students in both the elementary and middle schools. Her outreach to these students reflects her belief that every student should feel valued, connected, and supported.

Her ability to lead with compassion, initiative, and vision while maintaining her own academic excellence is inspiring. Mica embodies the true spirit of philanthropy: giving of oneself for the betterment of others without expectation of recognition. She has made lasting contributions to the culture and climate of our schools and has touched the lives of countless students. 

Youth In Action

Youth in Action (YIA) is a student-led service club at Estes Park High School dedicated to improving the mental and physical health of youth in the Estes Valley by working closely with local non-profits. In partnership with The Bohemian Foundation’s Give Next program, students learn the full cycle of philanthropy: how to research community needs, evaluate grant proposals, interact with a wide range of non-profit organizations, and ultimately allocate funds where they will make the greatest impact. Each year, YIA members add to the pot of money through their own fundraising efforts, then thoughtfully grant the money back to local organizations serving the Estes Valley.

YIA also leads community service projects that address immediate local needs: a school-wide food drive to support families experiencing food insecurity and gifts for children and families in need at the holidays. These efforts allow members to see both the long-term impact of philanthropy and the immediate results of service in their own community.

What sets Youth in Action apart is its focus on student leadership. Members don’t just learn about service—they become advocates, grantmakers, and collaborators who actively shape their community. 

Alice League

For nearly three decades, one of the most familiar phrases at the Art Center of Estes Park has been, “Just ask Alice!” As treasurer for 24 years and volunteer accountant for 11, Alice keeps the Center running smoothly—handling budgets, reports, payroll, filings, grants, and more. She also chairs the membership program, co-chairs the annual Plein Air Show, leads the Duck Race Campaign, serves on multiple committees, and contributes an incredible 120 volunteer hours each month.

A talented artist herself, Alice sells wire-wrapped jewelry in the gallery year-round. Beyond the Art Center, she’s been active in countless community efforts: a 27-year member of P.E.O. Chapter AV, a 29-year Columbine Club member, and a key contributor to both the Estes Park Monument and Kahuna Memorial projects. She also supports the Stanley Home Museum as a docent and donor, belongs to Women Who Care of Estes Park, and even earned her pilot’s license in 1984, which led her to be a member of the local Aviation Club.

Alice says, “I made a commitment to help others improve their lives—through education, employment, and community support. Without volunteers, many nonprofits wouldn’t survive. I love paying it forward with my time, skills, and resources to make Estes Park a better place to live.”

Alissa Anderson

In 2016, Alissa helped form the steering committee that created the Estes Park Education Foundation and has served on its board since 2018 as Vice President and fundraising chair. She has been instrumental in building and sustaining Pumpkins and Pilsners, the Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser. Under her leadership, the Foundation has awarded nearly $200,000 in grants to local teachers and students over the past two years.

Alissa says philanthropy in the Estes Valley has profoundly shaped her life. Founding and serving with the Foundation has been one of her most rewarding experiences—helping local students access better educational opportunities and watching those “seeds for the future” grow. Through her volunteer work, she’s built lasting connections with others who share her commitment to community. Leading fundraising efforts has been both challenging and fulfilling, reinforcing her belief that generosity multiplies.

Through her business, New Roots Real Estate, Alissa extends that philosophy—donating a portion of annual earnings to local nonprofits. “When our community thrives,” she says, “we all thrive.”

Belle Morris

For 25 years, Belle Morris has been a driving force for health, fitness, and community improvement in Estes Park. As founder and President of the Estes Park Running Club, established in 2006, she has built an organization that promotes running while giving back—raising over $260,000 for local youth programs, including EVICS Family Resource Center, Estes Park Learning Place, and the Estes Park School District. Belle has directed and participated in major events such as the Estes Park Marathon and Half-Marathon (22 years), Duck Waddle 5K, Trail Ascent, Rut Run 5K, Elkhorn Dash, and the Dasher 5K, attracting an estimated 20,000 runners and national attention from Runner’s World and Forbes.

In 2014, she launched the free weekly Evening Fun Run, fostering community connections—“People show up as strangers and leave as friends,” she says. Belle also partnered with the Estes Park Fire Department to create the Estes Valley 9/11 Stairclimb & 5K.

Her civic impact extends to transportation and infrastructure: for 12 years, she served on the Town’s Transportation Advisory Board, shaping initiatives like the Multi-Modal Transportation Master Plan, Downtown Loop, parking improvements, and new roundabouts. A former president of the Estes Nonprofit Network, Belle continues to champion community well-being and sustainable mobility.

Bob Leavitt

Bob has devoted decades to environmental preservation, community planning, education, and local history in the Estes Valley. As a long-time member and current Board President of the Estes Valley Watershed Coalition, he leads efforts in fire mitigation, forest thinning, riparian restoration, and wetland rehabilitation along Fish Creek, creating habitats for beavers and other wildlife.

He has also contributed his expertise to the Estes Valley Planning Commission and volunteered extensively with school programs. Since 2020, Bob has served as president of the Estes Valley Amateur Radio Club (EVARC), which partners with Estes Park Public Schools to introduce middle school students to amateur “ham” radio. Each year, roughly 80 students participate in the School Club Roundup, and several earn their licenses with EVARC’s guidance.

Bob serves on the Board of the Estes Valley Residents Association, as well as its predecessor, the Association of Responsible Development. He has also served on the Board of the Carriage Hills Property Owners Association and has shared his knowledge of local history through a book and public presentations on the southern Estes Valley. Through these roles, Bob has made a lasting impact on both the natural environment and the community, inspiring stewardship, education, and engagement across the Valley.

David Batey

David Batey exemplifies philanthropy as “taking heartfelt action to make things better,” a principle reflected in decades of leadership and service in Estes Park. He served eight years on the Estes Park Health Board of Directors, seven as Board Chair, guiding the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and securing an affiliation with UCHealth to ensure long-term healthcare access for the Estes Valley.

As a five-year member of the Stanley Home Board, including a year as Chair, David helped establish the Stanley Home Museum and Education Center and secured a $250,000 History Colorado grant to repair the historic home. He also played a pivotal role in Estes Valley infrastructure and community development projects, including chairing the Estes Park Economic Development Corporation’s Broadband Committee to create municipal broadband and serving as a community representative for the Trailblazer Broadband Service. He led successful election campaigns for the Estes Valley Community Center and the 2014 Estes Park 1% sales tax, supporting roads, emergency communications, trails, and the Community Center.

David served five years on the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado’s local committee, three as Chair, helping establish objective grant evaluation processes. He also contributed to the Estes Park Trail Gazette Editorial Board for 10 years, co-authoring articles on housing challenges, and served four years on the Estes Nonprofit Network Board.

Dawn James

Dawn has served for over eight years as an EVWC Board Director, supporting stream restorations, wildlife education, and wildfire mitigation projects. Dawn’s impact is measured not by titles or accolades, but by her consistent action and deep care for both the land and the people of this valley. Dawn also played a pivotal role in organizing and connecting the community around the fuel reduction container partnership, bringing together EVWC, Waste Management, and the Estes Valley Fire Protection District to provide residents with accessible, coordinated resources for wildfire mitigation.

“To me, philanthropy in Estes Park is about showing up for the place we love. It’s about lending a hand, sharing what we know, and working together to protect the natural beauty and resilience of our valley.” 

Dawn shows up in the mud and weeds, leading by example—planting native species with students, coordinating volunteer days for trash pickup and invasive weed removal, and connecting agencies for fuel reduction programs. “This work has taught me that giving isn’t just about resources—it’s about relationships. It’s about listening, collaborating, and staying committed even when the path is steep,” she says. Her steady, selfless service strengthens both the natural and social fabric of Estes Valley, making homes safer, waters clearer, and the community stronger.

Dr. Jim Pickering

Prior to Dr. Jim Pickering’s work, few detailed accounts of Estes Park’s history existed. His research and writings have provided a comprehensive understanding of the town’s early years, growth, and ongoing relationship with Rocky Mountain National Park.

Jim first visited the Estes Valley in the late 1940s, became a part-time resident in 1992, and a permanent resident in 2013. Since 2006, he has served as the Town’s Historian Laureate, inspiring others to explore and document local history. He has also held leadership roles with numerous nonprofit boards, including the Estes Park Economic Development Corporation, Rocky Mountain Conservancy, Estes Park Museum Friends & Foundation, Library Friends, NoCo Foundation local committee, and the Trail-Gazette Editorial Board.

He is the author of over 40 titles, including the definitive two-volume history of Estes Park: This Blue Hollow: Estes Park, the Early Years, 1859-1915 and America’s Switzerland: Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, the Growth Years. Several of his works have been made freely available through the Estes Park Museum, and his local history programs have appeared on KREV and KSIR. Currently, he is researching a biographical study of Albert Birch to aid museum interpretation.

Through decades of tireless research, publications, public programs, and mentorship, Jim has created a lasting, richly documented record of Estes Park, preserving its history for generations to come.

Judy Brannon

For more than 25 years, Judy has devoted herself to serving a variety of nonprofits, most notably Crossroads Ministry. She served on the board for 17 years, holding every executive-level position, and excelled as President, guiding the organization through periods of growth and helping implement critical policies and procedures. Her leadership was widely respected, reflecting her wholehearted commitment to building Crossroads into an effective, efficient, and sustainable nonprofit.

After transitioning off the board, Judy continued hands-on service—helping clients in The Market, greeting neighbors, packing food bags for students, coaching, running errands, advocating, and contributing financially to ensure community needs were met. One of her most significant impacts has been offering Medicare classes and counseling seniors on navigating enrollment and maximizing benefits, improving the health and well-being of Estes Valley’s older population.

Judy’s work reflects a deep humility and compassionate generosity. She quietly leaves her mark across the community, modeling service and unconditional love without seeking recognition. Her dedication, care, and unwavering support have strengthened individuals, families, and organizations alike, making the Estes Valley a better, more connected, and caring community because of her lifelong commitment.

Laura Trump

Laura Trump was a Partners Community-Based Mentor to her first mentee from March 2004 to June 2010. Her mentee benefited from getting to know both Laura and her husband, Bob. Although this partnership officially ended when the mentee turned 18, Laura and her mentee continue to keep in touch to this day.

Laura has also been a member of the Partners Advisory Council since December 2018 and mentored two mentees in our School-Based Program from October 2023 to July 2024. In addition to her work with Partners, Laura tutors GED students with the Estes Park Learning Place, plays in the Bell Choir, and has organized the Estes Valley Model Railroaders’ Rails in the Rockies event for several years.

Tom Washburn

Tom Washburn has served on the Partners Advisory Council since August 2018. He was also a School-Based Mentor from September 2016 to August 2018. In addition, Tom has volunteered with Partners as an Activity Volunteer from October 2015 to September 2016 and again from August 2018 to the present. He has assisted at the Partners’ booth during special events and helped supervise activities alongside another dedicated volunteer when the Program Coordinator was unavailable.

Beyond his work with Partners, Tom was an active member of the Longs Peak Rotary Club while it was operational.

Bank of Estes Park

Bank of Estes Park is truly a local bank – they have stepped up to design programs especially for the community. When businesses were impacted by construction, they designed a program to help. When small businesses were having difficulty getting a loan, they designed special offerings with the Estes Park business community’s particular challenges at the forefront. They started the Golden Antler awards and provide $2500-$5000 in funds to be donated to a nonprofit in the community in the name of the winner. 

Bank President and CEO Scott Appelgate adds, “Founded right here in 1965, Bank of Estes Park is the longest standing, largest, and only local bank in town. We were founded on the principle of serving this community, helping it to prosper and grow. We take this responsibility seriously, this year alone donating over $70K to local non-profits, working over 2,700 volunteer hours, serving on non-profit and community boards all across town, and standing at the forefront of every crisis with innovative solutions to ensure that the full spectrum needs of our community are met. Serving our clients and community is not just what we do–it’s who we are. After reading the list of our fellow nominees, we are very honored to be included on a list of such prominent, impactful, local businesses.”

Estes Park Mountain Shop

The Estes Park Mountain Shop has been a pillar of community engagement in 2024–2025, making a tangible difference across the Estes Valley. One of its most notable initiatives is the free adaptive equipment lending program. In 2025, the Mountain Shop partnered with KEP Expeditions and the Rocky Mountain Conservancy to expand accessibility in Rocky Mountain National Park and introduced all-terrain GRIT wheelchairs for visitors with physical limitations. By removing financial barriers, the program makes outdoor recreation more accessible and inclusive, allowing more people to experience the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park.

The Estes Park Mountain Shop also actively supports local nonprofits through fundraising at every major event, from gear swaps to festivals, providing critical financial resources to sustain programs across the community. In addition, the shop has fostered a culture of volunteerism among its staff, contributing time and expertise to organizations like KEP Expeditions, which relies on dedicated volunteers to run its programs. The Mountain Shop also invites customers to round up at the register for Giving Guest, a meaningful way for visitors (and locals alike) to give back to local nonprofits working in the Environment and Recreation sector. 

The Mountain Shop also created a community farmers’ market experience by hosting local produce vendors and consistently supports events like Pumpkins and Pilsners and the Estes Park Education Foundation through donations and volunteer hours.

High Plains Excavation & Aggregate

High Plains donated significant time, labor, and materials to completely excavate, demolish, haul away, and rebuild the high school stadium, which had fallen into disrepair. Taking initiative on their own, they transformed it into a safe and beautiful facility for students and the community.

“Philanthropy in Estes Valley means the world to our family here at High Plains,” Jon “Hippy” Smith says. “We are so blessed to be able to lend a helping hand to those in need when we can. We strive for excellence in everything we do and try to lead by example. It shows that we care about our community and the people in it.”

Through their hands-on commitment and generosity, Jon and his wife Wendy have not only improved a critical community resource but also set an inspiring example of service, demonstrating how personal initiative and care for others can create lasting impact.

Kind Coffee

Kind Coffee, under Kimi Nash’s leadership, has become a cornerstone of generosity in the Estes Valley. In 2024–2025, the business provided vital financial and in-kind support to local nonprofits, including EVICS Family Resource Center, Estes Valley Crisis Advocates, and others. These contributions helped sustain family support services and advance affordable housing and conservation initiatives. A percentage of all coffee bag sales go to the Giving Guest program; those contributions are distributed to more than 40 local nonprofits.

Beyond funding, Kimi has used Kind Coffee as a hub for awareness and connection—hosting nonprofit campaigns, amplifying local causes, and creating space for community dialogue. Her leadership has not only supported essential services but also inspired other businesses to give back to the community.

Through these efforts, Kind Coffee has strengthened the Estes Valley, helping families, nonprofits, and neighbors thrive

Mueller Pye & Associates, CPA, LLC

Mueller Pye & Associates has been an active sponsor and supporter of the regional work of the NoCo Foundation, which addresses the complex issues of Northern Colorado. Partners like Mueller Pye & Associates support the future of our community as we bring people and resources together to spark change, channel passion into action, and explore solutions. 

While Mueller Pye & Associates holds offices in Loveland/Estes Park and in Texas, local employees have served on multiple nonprofit boards including United Way of Larimer County, EVICS, the NoCo Foundation Estes Valley Community Fund Committee, High Plains Foundation, and the Estes Valley Restorative Justice Partnership, showing deep involvement through giving back valuable skills and countless hours to the nonprofit sector of the Estes Valley. 

Philanthropy stands as a cornerstone of Mueller Pye & Associates. “We have fun sharing our expertise with our clients, within the community, and among ourselves so that together everyone achieves more than anyone thought possible.” The business leadership participates in philanthropic endeavors to build trust and relationships in the community, and to attract clients and staff with positive values aligning to those of the business. Further, they believe in the economic growth that comes through philanthropy. Fostering monetary giving, board service, and volunteerism through their employees supports a healthier nonprofit community.

Sabir Sherestha and Paras Poudyal, Rajiv Poudel, Owners of The Hive, Lonigan’s, Himalyan Curry & Kebob, Flavors of the Rockies, and the Estes Village Store 

Rajiv, Sabir, and Paras have demonstrated this spirit through their work in Estes Park. Their restaurants, including their newest venture, The Hive, have become pillars of community support. Over the years, they have donated meat for the Chamber Gumbo Dinner, supported Quota International with the Taste of Estes, contributed to community celebrations like Día de los Muertos and Cinco de Mayo, sponsored events such as the Chamber Golf Tournament, and provided ongoing support to local schools.

“Philanthropy is all about giving,” Rajiv explains. “Giving the resources which one can afford—whether money, time, expertise, or anything that helps improve lives and community. Philanthropy comes with compassion, without expecting anything in return. It is about fostering a shared responsibility for the well-being of the community and the people who live in it. It is about recognizing the struggles faced by others in daily life and doing something to help relieve those challenges.”

They are consistently counted on to step up whenever an organization or individual is in need, reflecting a commitment to generosity and compassion that truly strengthens the Estes Valley community.

Denise Shank (Posthumously)

Denise Shank was known for her no-nonsense personality and competitive bidding at auctions. Nominators described her as refreshingly honest and spirited. One wrote, “Denise’s color—from her hair to her heart—was a joy to be around.” She strongly believed she had more money than she needed, and it was her honor, as a steward of that money, to liberally give it. She chose to donate primarily to local nonprofits here in Estes Park through trust-based philanthropy.

Denise is the person many nonprofits turned to when they needed to seed or launch fundraising efforts. She provided matching grants, purchased tables for fundraising events, and bid thousands of dollars on auction items. She shared and modeled her philanthropic spirit by inviting friends and neighbors to fundraising events, making sure others understood the power of giving to local nonprofits. She believed, “We just got to take care of each other. It’s not so much about the amount; it’s just what you should do. Help your fellow man. There are a thousand ways to give.”

Just before her passing, she was named a Woman of Impact by the Estes Park Chamber of Commerce and in the near future, she will be recognized as a major donor for the new Gary Nelson Diagnostic Imaging Center at Estes Park Health. When asked this year about her spirit of giving and WHY she chose to give so freely, she said, “I see the results of giving. I want to be part of what is happening now, as opposed to when I’m dead. Have you ever seen a U-Haul behind a hearse? You can’t take it with you.”

Denise passed away on August 22.

Janet Collison

Janet Collison has transformed local philanthropy through her leadership of 100 Women Who Care – Estes Valley, an organization she founded in 2019 to harness the power of collective giving. In just five years, the group has raised more than $100,000 for Estes Valley nonprofits—nearly $30,000 in 2024 alone.

The group gathers three times a year, members learn about local organizations, vote, and each commits at least $100 to the selected nonprofit. Janet’s leadership of this giving circle breaks the barrier of bake sales. Their collaborative fundraising model often creates over $10,000 in giving in one night. Through Janet’s energy and compassion, the Estes Valley chapter has become a powerful force for good, building community while directly supporting the nonprofits that strengthen Estes Park.

Janet’s passion, organization, and vision have made giving both simple and social, inspiring women across the valley to engage with their community and make a difference without the overhead of traditional fundraising.

Ken Arnold

Ken dedicates countless volunteer hours to the local American Legion Post. He organizes Tuesday night Bingo and Friday night Queen of Hearts games, serves on both the Operations Committee and the Foundation Board, and is one of the Post’s game managers. In addition to his leadership roles, Ken plows the Post’s driveway each winter and extends that same generosity to several veterans and neighbors—always at no cost. He also handles recycling and trash runs to Waste Management, again without compensation. Beyond his time and labor, Ken has made significant financial contributions to support renovations and improvements to the Post’s building and property. 

Niki Gassmann

Niki Gassman helped found The Bridge of Estes, where she continues to serve on the Board, expanding care and support for local cancer warriors. As Treasurer and Board Member of Crossroads Ministry, she strengthens the Valley’s primary safety net for those in need. Niki is also an active member of 100 Women Who Care, raising awareness and vital funds for local nonprofits.

A Rotary member and Paul Harris Fellow, she has been instrumental in reinstating Rotary’s youth programs and managing matching grants that directly benefit local causes. During the Alexander Mountain Fire, Niki helped launch the Estes Valley Fire Relief Fund, raising and distributing over $50,000 to evacuees with remarkable speed. In 2025, she helped organize Crowns for Care during the Rooftop Rodeo, personally raising $23,000 toward the event’s $130,000 total for cancer screenings.

Niki also serves on the Boards of the Estes Chamber of Commerce and the Estes Park Board of Realtors. Tireless, passionate, and deeply committed, she exemplifies leadership, compassion, and the true spirit of community service.

Bridge of Estes

Founded in 2024 by four local businesswomen, The Bridge of Estes was created to fill a critical gap in cancer care in the Estes Valley. Its mission is to connect patients with the resources, services, and support they need to manage the physical, emotional, social, and financial challenges of ongoing cancer treatment.

The Bridge partners with local providers to deliver free, confidential services for patients of all ages and all cancer types. While it cannot cure cancer, it ensures that no one faces their journey alone. By addressing treatment side effects and providing holistic support, The Bridge empowers patients and strengthens the community.

100% funded by local contributions, all donations stay in the Estes Valley and are fully tax-deductible. Guided by values of compassion, grace, and respect, The Bridge of Estes exemplifies community-driven care, bridging gaps for patients and supporting local providers. Its vision is simple yet powerful: an Estes Valley where no one faces cancer alone.

Estes Valley Crisis Advocates (EVCA) 

In 2024–2025, EVCA provided 24/7 advocacy for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other traumas, offering shelter, guidance through legal and medical systems, and a compassionate, steady presence in times of crisis. No matter the crisis (unexpected death, motor vehicle accident, abuse), when the call comes in, an Advocate puts their personal comfort aside and responds immediately to the need, supporting both the victim and the police department.

This year, EVCA expanded its community outreach and prevention programs, including youth education and public trainings, equipping residents with tools to recognize and respond to violence and trauma. All services are confidential and free, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, or immigration status.

Through support groups, community events, and strong partnerships, EVCA creates spaces where everyone feels valued. By integrating crisis response with DEI-focused initiatives, EVCA ensures that all community members can access support, feel empowered, and contribute to a safer Estes Valley.

EVICS Family Resource Center

In 2024 alone, EVICS administered over $170,000 in tuition assistance, providing families access to quality early education while sustaining local providers. For decades, access to bilingual, culturally responsive care was a gap in the Estes Valley. Today, counseling and consultation are offered in both English and Spanish, reducing stigma and creating welcoming spaces for those who historically lacked access. The results have been powerful. Participation is now balanced at about 50% male and 50% female. This is especially significant in a cultural context where men of color often face added barriers to seeking help or being vulnerable.

EVICS also addresses the childcare shortage by supporting Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) caregivers with training, professional development, and recognition, strengthening the broader childcare network. Advocates work alongside families to build resilience, social connections, parenting knowledge, and children’s social-emotional skills, fostering long-term stability.

Equity and inclusion are central to EVICS’ work. Its bilingual mental health consultation program and culturally responsive services reduce barriers for people of color and non-English speakers, while childcare and family programs support households across income levels. Collaborative partnerships with schools, healthcare providers, and nonprofits ensure no family falls through the cracks.

Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary Club

The Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary Club organizes the Labor Day Weekend Art Festival and the Autumn Gold Festival in Bond Park, generating over $60,000 annually for scholarships, grants, and support for local nonprofits. These events also attract thousands of visitors, boosting local hotels, shops, and restaurants, and generating more than $40,000 in annual sales tax revenue for the Town of Estes Park.

Beyond fundraising, members actively address community needs, such as building a $6,000 playground for Estes Valley Crisis Advocates. Internationally, the Club raised over $40,000 to acquire a solar-powered water purification system for the Achuar tribe in Ecuador, producing 13,000 gallons of safe drinking water daily; members will travel to Ecuador to build and test the system.

Aligned with Rotary International’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), the Club fosters a welcoming environment through inclusive policies, diverse membership recruitment, mentorship, culturally sensitive programming, and ongoing feedback mechanisms. Leadership roles reflect the community’s diversity, and service projects are designed to meet the needs of all residents.

Through decades of local and global service, the Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary Club exemplifies “Service Above Self,” strengthening the Estes Valley while uplifting communities worldwide.