When Giving Is GoodTen notable social philanthropists in Colorado are not only effective, they are influential at making a difference and impacting lives. Each finding their own niche and personal passion for giving, they blaze a trail, quietly addressing a need that serves humanity.
Jake Jabs
President / CEO
American Furniture Warehouse
As "Chief Bottle Washer", Jake has tried to run the company in a hands-on fashion (i.e daily and weekly conferences with all key store/warehouse managers) since its founding in 1975. When not traveling the world to buy upholstery or supervise buying, he patrols all of the company's media and PR outlets to ensure continuity in messaging to the consumer. His approach and hard work have certainly paid off: American Furniture Warehouse has become one of the most recognizable residential furniture suppliers west of the Mississippi. Sales topped $300 million in 2004, outstripping his nearest competitors by a healthy margin. Since Colorado has become a mecca for white collar industry relocation, Jake's careful nurturing of public perception has put American furniture in more homes on the Front Range than any other retailer. In addition, Jake oversees a corporate giving program that donates time, resources and well over $2 million in cash and in-kind donations to a variety of organizations throughout Colorado every year.
Regarding philanthropy, what do you see for Colorado? At American Furniture Warehouse, we have made a priority of giving back to the community since the very beginning. Each year, we support literally hundreds of organizations that help thousands of men, women and children throughout Colorado - and throughout the world for that matter. It is wonderful to know that we have an impact on so many lives. I really feel like other businesses can and should follow suit. A lot do, but others are just so focused on the business of their business that giving goes straight to the back burner.
Frankly, I'm disappointed that the furniture industry hasn't stepped up more. We as an industry could have tackled any of several recent natural disasters (the Hayman fire, the tornado in Limon, the Spring Creek flood in Fort Collins in '97) in a better fashion. People are too set in their ways. Many have the "not in my backyard" attitude. The fact is that, you can't help these things from happening, but you CAN help in the aftermath.
What do you see as your role for making a difference, getting involved and setting an example for others? Since the beginning, I have had a storewide policy that if someone walks in asking for a donation to a charity or a cause, I do what I can to just give it to him or her. You don't know how special it makes people feel when we are able to give them what they are asking for. Sometimes I'll donate a gift certificate for furniture. They feel special and it always makes me feel good too. I started encouraging my store managers early on to listen to the people coming into their stores looking for help, and to provide as much support and resources as possible for the community.
Why do you do it? Very simply, I believe that if you are in a position to do so, giving back is just the right thing to do. Plus, it makes you feel good.
We help a number of different causes, but are big supporters of non-profits that help those born with a disease or a disability. These people have the deck stacked against them to begin with, and unlike people who are just looking for a hand out, they really deserve help. I'm doing well; I don't need all the money I have, but I do need to help other people! That's how I look at it.
I grew up 22 miles outside of Lodge Grass, Montana (near the Crow Indian Reservation and Little Big Horn) during the Great Depression. I saw firsthand the effects of many diseases, magnified by poverty and simple ignorance. From small pox, epilepsy, polio, and MS, to diphtheria (which took my brother at age 2) - many which are gone now. I know if there is access to resources and information that I can provide for those who have less, we all win.
3 notable facts that are usually under the radar or kept personal.
- Love of Music/Playing Guitar: if I could sing like Marty Robbins, I would still be playing guitar and be touring right now! Instead, I head up to Rocky Mountain Village - the Easter Seals Camp - every year to play my guitar for the kids up there. They love it and so do I.
- I use my experience abroad, having traveled to more than 50 countries so far in my lifetime, to bring the best of the best to Colorado.
- I dedicate a good chunk of time speaking to community groups as well as high school and college students about everything from the free enterprise system to entrepreneurialism to the importance of giving back. It is important to me that others benefit from the lessons I have learned along the way.
For example, we recently entered into a relationship with an organization called Project C.U.R.E (www.projectcure.org). This group collects surplus medical supplies and equipment from hospitals and ships them to needy countries all over the world that don't have access to safe, quality medical equipment. Project C.U.R.E. now has distribution centers in different parts of the country where everything they collect is warehoused. They collect tons of supplies, and have set up some means of tracking - but, who knows warehouse systems better than us? It's what we do at American, and do well. We are helping Project C.U.R.E. develop a bar-coding method to help it all flow smoother, modernizing their distribution.
If you could put three people together that you think would be a powerhouse for a cause - who would they be and why? I would create a real team of professionals, not just names. For example, I would like to see a group composed of legislators already in authority, creating solutions with the power already at their command. Get the President, the Speaker of the House, and the Vice President to move Congress towards allocating funds to Third World nations.
Your favorite charity / cause: Easter Seals has always held my interest and loyalty, because they address many different health care issues. 95% of their monies go directly to the disabled - not to operating costs and management. It is important to us to know that the contributions we make are having a direct impact on those in need and that they are not going toward the salaries of high-paid executives. With Easter Seals, we know that's the case. Plus, it is so gratifying to see the smiles on the kids' faces when you take the time to show you care. That is all the thanks we ever need.
Also, when I was in the service as a security courier during the Korean War, I was stationed in North Africa (Nigeria, Lagos, Liberia) handling top-secret communications. I saw REAL poverty, people working desperately just to eat a meal that day. These are countries where doctors perform surgeries with tin can lids. Countries where preventable disease and infection that are almost non-existent in this country are running rampant.
Today, Project C.U.R.E. is helping to change the way those countries care for their citizens. It is a wonderful organization. We were so impressed with them that when they approached us saying that they had a real need for support, we stepped right up to the plate without hesitation. In addition to helping Project C.U.R.E. with its inventory, warehouse and distribution systems, American Furniture Warehouse is also in the midst of a major fundraising campaign where we will match all contributions to Project C.U.R.E. up to $1 million. So $1 million will actually become $2 million - all to help those most in need throughout the world. We are really proud of this partnership and hope that other businesses and individuals throughout Colorado will follow our lead.
If we all work together, we really can change the world.
Tammy & Noel Cunningham
Restaurateurs
Strings
Well-known throughout the Denver metro area for their tireless philanthropic work, Noel and Tammy tend to downplay their "company" identity. Ironically, that identity (Strings restaurant) is easily as famous as they are, improving the quality of life for Denver-area diners for 19 delicious years. They will only admit to being lucky enough to have a vehicle for people to come and enjoy a nice lunch or dinner. "All the credit really goes to our staff; we are only as good as the staff that works with us."
Tammy also has her one-on-one life coaching business, changing lives one person at a time. After suffering a personal tragedy, Tammy took her pain and used it to transform her approach to life. She found that her experience could benefit many others as well, and an inspirational vocation was born. She describes it as a partnership with her clients, a collaborative work that can never be the result of one person leading or following.
Regarding philanthropy, what do you see for Colorado? The Cunningham's describe Colorado as one of the most giving communities in the world. In 1986 when Noel arrived, people supported any cause that required a sacrifice. He found the city to be surprisingly engaged. "We can't take the credit for contributions over the years, so many others have been involved. We'll claim the role of "instigator" that has prompted others to act."
What do you see as your role for making a difference, getting involved and setting an example for others?
We lead by example and try to create the spark. We're not the fire or the light, really!
Why do you do it? We couldn't imagine not doing it. We see a crisis and feel automatically moved to address it. Whenever we give we certainly get double back, and its simply a great feeling. When we see the kids in Ethiopia walking on their hands because they don't have feet, we are compelled to find out why. The "why" always seems to be poverty and ignorance. That's what it boils down to. When we talk about problems with the economy, we mean the world economy. We don't just live in Denver, Colorado - we live in the world. We are a piece of that puzzle, and if you don't believe that something you do here affects someone in Africa, you need to re-evaluate. The world is flat: take a look around and you can see a LOT.
Personal philosophy? Our philosophy is simple, we'll call it "3 Easy Steps to a Better World": Do what you love, do what you are able, and do it from your heart.
What are your personal philanthropic goals and aspirations for the future? Short term: For Coloradoans to have the bragging rights in supplying education, breakfast, and lunch for a thousand children in Yetebon, Ethiopia. Long term: We want the citizens of the U.S. to have patience and commitment in knowing that we can make poverty history NOW. We do it one life at a time.
If you could put three people together that you think would be a powerhouse for a cause - who would they be and why? In Colorado there are literally hundreds of people that could make a difference on a regular basis, but the four that come to mind first are: Sharon Magness, Larry Mizel, Charlie Gallagher, Ed McVaney. They do incredible things inside and out and NEVER want a thank you.
The one thing that they could help us with is starting the process of eliminating the myth that only a small percentage of the children in Africa can benefit from education. All kids need to be educated, especially girls. When you educate a boy he gets a job, when you educate a girl she feeds a family.
Your favorite cause? Project Mercy, Project C.U.R.E., and Africaid are all doing extraordinary work and need your help. Project Mercy is the true solution to creating change: providing sanitation, education, health care, and skills training. One without the other is a waste of time. Africaid is inspirational in part because of the story of its founder - an eleven year-old girl who started her own foundation for the education of women throughout Africa.
What matters: We are enormously proud of our staff; we learn from them every day. They in turn are supportive beyond belief, actively helping us support our causes.
Joshua Hanfling
CEO
Qube Visual
Josh is the CEO and co-founder of Qube Visual. He primarily focus on sales, marketing and representing the company in the community. Qube Visual is a sign, graphics, and design company as well as a professional photo lab. It works with franchises and multi-store companies, marketing companies, advertising agencies, event promotion, arenas and architects in the front range and nationally. It is the largest company of its kind in Colorado and offers the most capabilities under one roof in the industry.
Regarding philanthropy, what do you see for Colorado? Colorado is a place where anyone, regardless of how long they have been here, where they or their family came from, can make a difference by getting involved. Colorado embraces companies that are active in the community. What do you see as your role for making a difference, getting involved and setting an example for others? Getting the "younger" crowd and new blood involved in charity, volunteer, community and political activities is key. It is important to get people involved as early as possible, on a non-partisan basis.
Why do you do it? Its fun, feels good, and comes naturally to me. I would do it full time if I could.
3 notable facts that are usually under the radar or kept personal. We provide a discount to all non-profits at Qube Visual, advise "start-up" charities, encourage people to get involved and direct them to the right organization for them.
Your personal philanthropic goal / aspiration for the future? I hope to continue working towards the greater good by affecting change through elected office. I want to use our political system to wake up communities, make them recognize the power they have to address the needs in their communities.
I would also like to develop a rating system for companies based on their community involvement. This would include donations, volunteer time and in-kind contributions. This would also allow consumers to work with companies that give to their community, increasing giving once companies realized the direct benefit and visibility.
If you could put three people together that you think would be a powerhouse for a cause - who would they be and why? It is very hard to narrow it to 3 people as there are so many that I am proud to work with.
Noel and Tammy Cunningham, who help in Denver, globally and on a very personal level with individuals.
Walter and Christie Isenberg, who created a great model with "Concerts for Kids" and do what ever it takes at each event they are involved with to make it great.
John Paul Maxfield and his friends who decided at age 24 to raise money for MS in honor of a friend who developed the disease at a young age. They are hiking the Colorado Trail, CT4MS to raise money. With almost no experience in fundraising they are making a difference and developing future community leaders.
Your favorite charity / cause? There are many. If had to choose one it would be the Friends of the Denver Fire Department. This is the first non-profit where I was proactive in seeing a need and starting the organization to address those needs.
Other favorite charities: The Kunsberg School at National Jewish Hospital, Development Board at National Jewish Hospital, Allied Jewish Federation, AIPAC, Huntington's Disease Society of America Dinner Chair, Board member Hospice of Metro Denver, Board member Transplant Foundation, Concerts for Kids, Sweat for Humanity, I also work on the Denver Chamber of Commerce Business Resource Center board and the Downtown Denver Partnership Membership Comittee.
Jared Polis
Vice Chair, Colorado State Board of Education
Founder, Provide Commerce, Inc. (PRVD), Sonora Entertainment Group
Jared Polis Foundation and New America School.
Entrepreneur Jared Polis has successfully launched several companies, including the Sonora Entertainment Group, a movie theatre company which serves Spanish-speaking communities across the southwestern United States; Provide Commerce (PRVD), a company that includes ProFlowers.com, which sells flowers directly from the growers to consumers and has grown to become the third-largest florist in the U.S.; and the online greeting company, bluemountainarts.com, which he sold to Excite@Home. He was named an Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2000 and one of the top ten young entrepreneurs by Success Magazine.
Regarding philanthropy, what do you see for Colorado? I think this is a very exciting and promising time for philanthropy in Colorado. Our state is blessed with a large number of highly creative and successful people, social entrepreneurs, who want to give something back to their communities and to do it in ways that focus on real outcomes. And I have learned and benefited from many of them.
With cutbacks in public sector funding, the ongoing role of the nonprofit sector has been vital in keeping direct services going to help provide opportunities to our most needy populations.
What do you see as your role for making a difference, getting involved and setting an example for others? I am a strong believer in public service. As a member of the State Board of Education and through my foundation and other activities, I have worked on issues such as school reform, online learning, enhanced educational funding, expanded choice in public education, and increased access to high quality, early childhood education.
I have been fortunate enough in my business successes to be able to give back through the nonprofit sector. From my perspective, this involves applying entrepreneurial skill sets to philanthropy, such as our effort to create self- sustaining charter schools that meet the needs of students who otherwise may not be served. One population that has been historically underserved in our schools, for example, is newly arrived immigrants. To help address this need, we launched the New America School, a charter school which has a focus on teaching English and providing a route for new immigrants to obtain a high school diploma. We are also very excited about the planned opening this Fall of the Academy of Urban Learning, a charter school that we founded in partnership with Urban Peak Denver that will serve the educational needs of teens who struggle with homelessness or unstable living conditions.
Additionally, we wanted to show our appreciation and provide encouragement to teachers, who are the real experts in education, the ones who are actually in the classroom doing the hard work of educating our students. So we developed a program called "Celebrating Educators" that empowers principals to award micro-grants in a creative way to those teachers.
Why do you do it? I do it because of my values and the way I was raised. My parents impressed on me and my siblings that we needed to make the world a better place. I have done well enough that I don't have to worry about myself. I have a personal belief that every American should have the opportunity to succeed, to overcome poverty or other difficulties and find their own definition of success.
What are 3 notable facts about you that are usually under the radar or kept personal? Well, I do think that much of one's giving should be keep under the radar, for humility's sake and to keep the focus where it belongs, on helping others and not generating recognition. But there are a couple of things I'd like to highlight because they require continued public support and involvement.
First, I am very proud of our Community Computer Connection program that refurbishes three thousand computers a year and distributes them to schools and non-profit organizations statewide.
Also, I was pleased to play a role in the passage of Amendment 23 in 2000, which has been responsible for preventing cutbacks in K-12 education that otherwise would have occurred over the past several years.
And I am very proud of the first graduating class of the New America School. The graduation ceremony was in June of this year. I think it's fair to say that all who attended this event were moved and impressed by the hard-work and sacrifice of these 19 young men and women, and their dedicated teachers as well.
Your personal philanthropic goal/aspiration for the future? I am interested in the entrepreneurial aspects of philanthropy. I want to make sure that causes I support become self- sustaining.
More generally, I tend to gravitate toward any program or initiative that creates opportunities, particularly in the area of education, for people to reach their greatest potential. Education is a means through which all of our young people can succeed personally and professionally through their own hard work, contribute to their economic success and the economic success of our communities, and grow up to live the American dream for themselves and their families. I also care deeply about access to health care and protecting the environment and ensuring financial security for the elderly and the disabled.
If you could put three people together that you think would be a powerhouse for a cause - who would they be and why? Many people come to mind, genuinely extraordinary individuals who could be powerhouses for an important cause. But I think it might be better instead to talk about the type of skill sets that would be most helpful for a cause, which in my view should include at least 3 things: entrepreneurship and vision, the ability to network successfully, and a strong capacity for operations, which involves understanding budgeting, being a good manager, and achieving the bottom line.
Your favorite charity: Currently, I would say the New America School, the opportunity to expand it beyond our two campuses currently, and to offer a wider range of educational services.
Rebecca Saltman
President
A Foot in the Door Productions
At its simplest, Rebecca is a coalition builder. She wants to see visionary nonprofits joined at the table by socially responsible corporate and public sector leaders. These relationships are at the heart of successful coalitions. These partnerships raise more money and awareness for the non-profits, gain market share and credibility for the corporations, and fulfill states' needs by meeting government agencies' missions.
What do you see for Colorado? How can you assist in making it easier for corporations and individuals to get involved and make an impact? My company - "A Foot in the Door Productions" - is a coalition-building firm that brings together various groups so they can be stronger and more impactful than they could individually. Many businesses, government agencies and nonprofit organizations share mission, vision, and values, but aren't aware of each other and certainly haven't worked together. My firm helps these organizations understand each other and how cooperation helps all parties achieve their goals and make a better community. In other words, building these coalitions creates a better understanding that cooperation is better than competition. When they work together to accomplish their goals these coalitions provide easier access to new markets, gain local community support, and enhance business credibility with public and private constituents, thereby making significant impact. Essentially, the whole is greater than the sum of the parts it is made of.
Why do you do it? I believe that the more you give the more you get; then the more you have the more you have to give. I like to experience both the tangible and intangible results from "paying it forward."
Three notable facts that are usually under the radar: My first exposure to the power of strategic partnerships was in the theatre, of all places. I learned that if you're mean to the lighting designer, your stage would be a VERY dark place.
I took my skills from playing nice in the sandbox to a new frontier, opening the NYC and Boston offices of Steven Spielberg's "Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Foundation." This organization continues to do more than simply archiving the horrors of the Holocaust. The goal of the Shoah Foundation was to develop and maintain archives and teaching materials based on the videotaped testimonials of survivors, witnesses, liberators and rescuers to the Holocaust. To accomplish this goal, more than 50,000 unedited testimonies were recorded on 200,000-plus videotapes, filled with more than 100,000 hours of testimony. This experience totally transformed me; I learned that life is short and you must live each and every day to its fullest.
Your personal goal for the future: To be a "change maker"; to me that means BIG paradigm shifts. The first of three shifts I can best define is working on changing the way in which health care operates, creating a world-wide "telewellness program." This program ensures wellness at the grass root level of communities, so traditionally-delivered healthcare and insurance appear in a new way.
I want to change the definition of the word competition because coordination, collaboration, and coalition are really what gets things done.
Lastly, I want to stop nonprofit organizations from carrying around tin cups and begging for money. I want to teach them to be in the business of their business by being social entrepreneurs and creating strategic partnerships.
If you could put three people together that you think would be a powerhouse for a cause - who would they be and why? Because putting teams of people together is what I dream about, my list of powerhouse teams is long. Conceptually I would put grassroots community leaders, officials with global influence, and media icons together. Three people that I dream to work with are… Steven Spielberg, Sandra Day O'Connor and Barak Obama… those are the types of people that I believe can help create real change.
Favorite charity / cause: Being a HUGE causeaholic I have a serious problem naming just one organization. However, right now I am a major proponent of REEI: Running Eagle Enterprises Incorporated. Founded by John Ball, Running Eagle is currently engaged in nothing less than the complete transformation of Native American, African American, and Latino community leadership. John wants to re-establish the strength inherent in recognizing and using cultural norms, traditions, and values. He believes that using these cultural touchstones will inevitably jump the hurdles that seem to restrain these communities. I really believe his current projects will ultimately lead to a tectonic shift in both community development (residential, business, and health care prospects) and minority relations.
Another organization I enthusiastically support is the Women's Vision Foundation (http://www.womensvision.org) It is the only professional organization in Colorado dedicated exclusively to advancing women in corporations. It provides women a vehicle to find and break the glass ceiling "without getting hurt". Programs such as Managing for Impact and the Women's Leadership Institute, taught in an accelerated learning model are truly inspirational and have forever altered my life and the way I do business.
Part of the reason I am so passionate about healthcare is because I worked for (and now volunteer for) Huntington's Disease Society of America (www.HDSA.org). Huntington's Disease is the most destructive disease I have ever encountered because it devastates families generation after generation - mentally, physically and emotionally. It is so unfortunate that families have to hide their daily difficulties from the healthcare bureaucracy, without the energy or finances to champion their own cause. If I can be their voice, or their shield, or even their sword, then I feel I have left this world better than the way I found it.
K.C. Veio
Chairman, Kline Alvarado Veio, P.C.
Kline Alvarado Veio, P.C.
Remember the oldsmobile ad campaign, this is not your fathers automobile, K.C feels that way about his law firm, it is NOT your fathers law firm. His firm prides itself on being flexible and nimble. They are a strategic thinking transaction oriented law firm. KC partners with his clients adding value by being a member of their team. His firm represents progressive market leaders across industry lines.
Regarding philanthropy, what do you see for Colorado? We have to get more creative and cast a bigger net. The tendency has been to go back to same sources over and over again. Donors are getting much more involved in the cause they support. Cause Related marketing may be a way to cast that bigger net.
I am excited about the younger generation of philanthropists. Our generation is not consumed with being billionaires we see the notion of giving to our community as an imperative, but we also see what we get in return.
Some examples of this group include:
Hayden Hirschfeld - Involvement with Denver Film Society
Nancy Levine - the work she does for a number of charitable orgs
Rob Alvarado - His work with Urban Peak is admirable
What do you see as your role for making a difference, getting involved and setting an example for others? Woody Allen said 90% of life is just showing up… If you say you are going to do something do it! You don't have to do everything but do something.
Why do you do it? Primarily because I think those that are fortunate in life have a responsibility to help those less fortunate.
Your personal philanthropic goal / aspiration for the future? I hope to do more and more as my company matures and as I grow as a person. I don't think philanthropic work is ever done, for me it just continues to take greater role in my life.
If there was a way to insure every single child in America could go to college with no financial consideration, we would be an even greater country than we are today…
If you could put three people together that you think would be a powerhouse for a cause - who would they be and why? I am a Denver guy and I want to surround myself by the best and brightest in Colorado.
Mayor John Hickenlooper has obvious popularity, single handedly getting the justice center passed when nobody had been able to do it before.
Steve Farber and Norm Brownstein have demonstrated the ability to really impact the causes they sign up for.
Jean Galloway she is a terrific person who knows everybody and has flawless integrity.
Your favorite charity / cause: Denver Public Library - the library is a gateway to democracy it is a really important resource that we need to keep on a free basis. I am the President of the Library commission, appointed by Mayor John Hickenlooper. As a kid I grew up using DPL and the current severe cuts that have not only impacted the acquisitions budget but created the need for closings is unacceptable.
Denver Art Museum - Art is a passion of mine and it is such a dynamic institution
Opera Colorado - Important for Denver as a world class city to offer world class opera.
New International School - got involved with them a few years ago, and once I started listening to the children's stories I felt that it was something I needed to rally around.
Huntington's Disease Society of America - a disease I knew nothing about but once I found out about it I was moved to get involved.
Tim Gill
Founder and Chair
Gill Foundation
A successful entrepreneur, Tim Gill is an active philanthropist who cares passionately about many issues. Through both his philanthropy and socially conscious business practices, Tim is setting a powerful example by valuing all people for their unique talents, backgrounds and skills. Tim founded the Gill Foundation in 1994 with the mission of ensuring equal opportunity for all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender expression. Through the Gill Foundation, Tim provides millions of dollars annually to gay and lesbian and HIV/AIDS organizations along with other charitable causes.
Tim has always been an advocate for civil rights. In addition to funding the gay and lesbian movement by supporting hundreds of national and state-wide organizations, he is also a strong supporter of social justice organizations and educational institutions. Tim was one of the first major contributors to the Colorado AIDS Project and has long supported local public radio and television through program underwriting.
As founder and former Chairman and Chief Technology Officer of Quark, Inc., a desktop and internet software company, Tim was recognized as an innovative business leader in America. Tim founded Quark, Inc. in 1981 with a $2,000 loan from his parents, and worked to build Quark into a leading developer of page layout software for the graphics market.
What's your day job? I sold my interest in Quark a few years ago and now just devote my time to philanthropy as well as a few other projects. Somehow I seem to have less time now than when I was working. I didn't think it was supposed to work that way!
Regarding philanthropy, what do you see for Colorado? The declining state and federal budgets for basic services has meant that philanthropy is having to fill in the gaps. In the end the efforts of a few large philanthropists will be unable to meet those needs. So we all need to spend time convincing government that those services are vital and making sure that government has the necessary budget to meet those needs.
What do you see as your role for making a difference, getting involved and setting an example for others? My purpose is not to set an example. My purpose is to make life better for people. At the moment, I spend most of my time and effort trying to ensure that life is fair for all people regardless of sexual orientation. Once equality of opportunity is achieved, I'll be able to switch my focus to something else. But there's a long way to go there.
Why do you do it? What else SHOULD I do with my money? We are all living on the same planet and have the same needs. I'd like to think that I can help make this world a better place. But that only happens when you give money away rather than keeping it!
Personally, I don't think anything that I've accomplished alone was great. All the really cool things happen when you create a project that everyone can participate in.
Your favorite charity / cause: I don't have one favorite charity. If you want to accomplish something you do it best when you fund a variety of organizations that all have different approaches to achieving the same goal.
Pat Stryker
President and Founder
Bohemian Foundation
Pat Stryker stems from the infamous Stryker Corp., a medical supply company founded by her grandfather. The company began selling hospital beds; later specialty stretchers, cast cutters.
The low-profile heiress has steadily become more active in civic life: donating $3 million to defeat 2002 ballot initiative that would have gutted bilingual education in Colorado. In 2003 gave $20 million to Colorado State University. Bought Sonoma's Sommer Vineyards in 1999, rebuilt, replanted, changed name to Stryker Sonoma: 32 acres in Alexander Valley.
Her charitable giving has surpassed her heiress status catapulting her as one of Colorado's more notable and influential philanthropists. Pat is currently the president of The Bohemian Foundation, a private family foundation named after the Bohemian movement in Paris in the early 1900s. The Foundation plans to emulate the creativity, imagination and spirit for which the Bohemians were known. The Focus: Functioning as a catalyst for public awareness, involving people and organizations in working together to make the community a better place to live, and encouraging and enabling area youth to access the resources that will help them grow and thrive as productive members of the community.
Regarding philanthropy, what do you see for Colorado? Colorado is facing a challenging time. Many social services, generally and appropriately funded by state government, have been cut. This widens the gap between Coloradoans in need and the ability of the nonprofit agencies to serve them. The challenge for philanthropy is to close the gap in the short term and to build effective partnerships among nonprofits, business and government in the long term.
What do you see as your role for making a difference, getting involved and setting an example for others? My foundation serves Fort Collins in the areas of youth, agency collaboration and being a catalyst for public awareness on the issues affecting our community. If we do this well, we will serve as a model and example for others. Talk is cheap.
Why do you do it? I do it because that's how I was raised and I have chosen to continue in the tradition set by my family. My paternal grandfather invented medical devices because he wanted to protect health care workers from being injured while caring for their patients and patients from the agony of lengthy and painful medical procedures. My maternal grandparents were missionaries and educators in China in the 1930's. My mother chose social work for her career path. To whom much is given, much is required.
What are three notable facts that are usually under the radar or kept personal? It would be great if we could just stay under the radar; one you can get a whole lot done if you don't care who gets the credit. Unfortunately, I can't inspire others if I always do my giving anonymously. Matching grants are a quiet way of encouraging giving. I have done this, for example, through partnerships with the United Way of Larimer County, The Community Foundation Serving Northern Colorado and Poudre School District. Everyone can be involved and have an impact. One little boy brought in all his savings toward one particular matching grant, including his tooth fairy money. That's pretty cool, don't you think? He inspired me
Second, we help youth to access resources by funding transportation. We do this through a fieldtrip fund at the school district, providing teachers with necessary funds to pay for busses for fieldtrips. We also supplement city bus service, enabling the youth of Fort Collins to ride for free.
Another example is our support of a local effort for global impact: EnviroFit is a nonprofit started by CSU students who are working to reduce the Asian brown cloud.
What are your personal philanthropic goals or aspirations for the future? I want to make the world a better place, not just take up space. For me, music adds richness and color to life. It's the international language of hope and joy. I would love to see music play a larger role in the future of Fort Collins.
If you could put three people together that you think would be a powerhouse for a cause - who would they be and why? For me, it wouldn't be three particular people. Instead, given a particular cause, I would ask, "What specific talents are needed for an effective long-term solution?"
What's your favorite charity or cause? I have a great deal of respect for the nonprofit world. For me personally, it's not a good idea to play favorites. If other funders thought we were heavily investing in one organization, that agency could lose funding from other sources.
Community Foundations and the United Way are great facilitators for giving back to your community. There are no classes in school for teaching philanthropy; it has to start at home. Share your values with your children; show them what you are passionate about. Help them discover what they're passionate about. Start building together with your family, a legacy and tradition of giving.
