I was stunned at the high turnout Wednesday night as I walked up to the old Borders Book Store on Pearl street. More than 300 people of all ages came out on a very cold night to help The Community Foundation and Philanthropiece pay tribute to more than 400 students and their artwork.
Some very impressive pieces won cash prizes, with half of each prize going back to the nonprofit organization on which each piece focused. These kids, along with their families and friends, get it about giving back to their community.
Thursday morning, at our weekly staff meeting, Finance Associate Alana Solimeo, who moved to Boulder only this summer, gushed about the experience. She said the highlights for her included a girl who explained that she conceived of her first-place piece in her mind’s eye and then found a nonprofit group that matched it. The nonprofit she found was the Boulder-Broomfield Foster/Adoptive Family Association. It turns out another artist decided to feature that group as well. Afterwards, a representative from that nonprofit told Alana that this was the first time in its 35 years of existence that the group had been publicly recognized.
“It makes me proud to be here in this community,” Alana said.
She added that it has also been heartwarming to see a major uptick in the number of checks in the door this week from local givers who are responding to the Foundation’s “Million Dollar Mission” of raising $1 million for Boulder County nonprofits.
Be a part of the movement! Write your check to The Community Foundation and mail it to 1123 Spruce St., Boulder, CO 80302. Write “Community Trust” in the subject line and you’ll help us make this an unforgettable year for local nonprofits who deliver so much with so much heart.
Community Foundation Finance Associate Alana Solimeo: Alana summed up the spirit of last night’s Vision of Giving celebration this way: “It makes me proud to be here in this community.”
Breakefx stole the show with some extremely athletic break dancing
This year’s attendance tripled last year’s!
The old Borders Book Store was packed last night with 300 people of all ages checking out the art
