Celebrating 20 years, the Open Door Fund hosted its 19th annual gala on April 2. “We did very well,” says Kay Maune, who spearheads the Open Door Fund annual dinner sub-committee. “The event raised more then $100K, including our challenge match.”
In 2015, the Open Door Fund granted $50K to 12 nonprofits; this year’s grant process is underway.
Emceed last year by John Tayer, President & CEO of the Boulder Chamber and a former Trustee of The Community Foundation Serving Boulder County, the 2016 gala was emceed by Nicole Garcia – a self-identified transgender Latina who has a private counseling practice in Longmont. The event featured guest speaker Dave Montez, Executive Director of One Colorado and One Colorado Education Fund.
“Dave spoke about what’s happening in the Colorado legislature and in other states,” recalls Kay. “He also shared his personal story which was as heartwarming as Nicole’s was inspirational.”
Additionally, this year’s Open Door Fund “Change Maker” awards were presented to Ron Cabrera, PhD, and Glenda Russell, PhD. As Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services and Equity for the Boulder Valley School District, Cabrera provides leadership in the planning, development, implementation and management of the district’s instructional programs and equity responsibilities. He has been a strong ally to the LGBT community through his active membership on the Boulder Valley Safe Schools Coalition. Russell is one of the country’s leading scholars on LGBT rights movements and counter-movements.
“What both of them have done for our community is nothing short of amazing,” says Kay.
Founded in 1996, the Open Door Fund is a permanent endowment of The Community Foundation. The Fund supports the Boulder County community by raising money and distributing grants for programs that enhance the lives of its lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
