Broe Group Giving Back

Special THANKS to Broe Group, who recently gifted us with a check for $35,730!  Pat Broe did a 5 to 1 match for his employees and the results showed just how generous one company can be!  Their gift will provide nearly 143,000 meals for our neighbors in need!  Awesome.

Bill and Billy

We met Bill Sr. and Billy at Crossroads Church Pantry a couple weeks back.  Bill Sr. recently injured his back for the 3rd time working at a lumber yard and was told by his doctor that he needs a change of vocation. His wife works full time to help support the family. They've been waiting for 30 days for his workers comp to kick in, but haven't started receiving checks yet. He and his wife looked at each other that morning and realized that it was time to reach out for help. So, after a pep talk from his wife, he walked through the doors of this pantry and asked for help for the first time. He said it was the most humbling and the most difficult thing he has ever had to do.

Never did he and his wife think that they’d find themselves asking for assistance. In fact, a number of months ago, they started a foundation to help people with clothing and food. Now they’re the ones needing help and have put their foundation goals on hold. Bill holds on to his faith and is confident that someday he’ll use this humbling experience as a story of growth and hope. He is so in awe and grateful at what he was able to take home for his family as a result of FBR. Both Bills walked away with smiles and we walked away humbled by a story that is so close to home.

Watch Bill Sr.'s story below....

Paul Stastny's Take on Colorado Gives Day

Our Avalanche friend, Paul's, message to our supporters on Colorado Gives Day.....

"I’ve recently joined forces with Food Bank of the Rockies as a part of their Celebrity Council. The work this organization does to fight hunger in Colorado is remarkable. There are a ton of worthy charities in our state, but I couldn’t think of a more beneficial cause than feeding our neighbors. Everyone deserves to eat.  The food bank makes sure that folks have food on their tables for every meal.


I'm sure you've heard references to Colorado Gives Day over the past week. Community First Foundation has partnered with FirstBank again in an effort to aid local non profits. FirstBank is committing $500,000 to match donations made on December 6th. Last year, this entire campaign raised an outstanding $8.7 million. Food Bank of the Rockies pulled in over $80,000 of that total, which will provide over 320,000 meals for our neighbors in need. For one day, that’s pretty amazing.
On December 6th, Colorado Gives Day is offering the opportunity for all of us to give back to Food Bank of the Rockies and I urge you to consider a gift to this worthy charity. Every dollar donated turns into 4 meals and 96 cents of every dollar goes directly to their programs. On behalf of my friends at Food Bank of the Rockies, I want to thank you for doing your part to fight hunger and feed hope in Colorado! I’m proud to be a part of this generous and loyal community."

Click here on December 6th to donate!

Colorado Gives Day

If you've had the radio or TV on in the past couple of weeks, chances are you've heard about Colorado Gives Day.  It's a day that we, and many other Colorado non-profits, are so excited about! Read below for Denver Post journalist, Kristen Leigh Painter's summary of this on-line fundraising event. 

"Tuesday's Colorado Gives Day might be considered the blitzkrieg of do-good, online giving.  Designed to make philanthropy competitive and to make charitable donations skyrocket, the event harnesses grassroots efforts, a sense of urgency and social-media marketing.

Beginning at midnight tonight, people are encouraged visit GivingFirst.org and donate money to Colorado nonprofits before the clock strikes midnight Tuesday.  The Colorado event is among a handful nationwide.
This new trend in fundraising attempts to motivate giving through a single, concerted effort. It has gained traction during the recession and post-recession years as corporate contributions have declined.

The goal of last year's inaugural event, organized by the Arvada-based Community First Foundation, was to raise $1 million. The tally hit $8.4 million with gifts from 12,540 individuals.

"The folks here just thought there was a real need to increase the philanthropy since the economy was so bad," said Caitlin Jenney, spokeswoman for the foundation. "The generosity of Coloradans exceeded our expectations."

The second annual event has more than 900 area organizations and charities participating, up from 539 last year. 
"The whole point was to inspire and unite in supporting local nonprofits. Everyone's online these days," Jenney said.  Jenney said young adults are among the prime targets. The website is a one-stop shop that encourages transparency, with financial statements, descriptions and bar graphs.  The participating nonprofits compete against each other for prizes.

FirstBank is giving $500,000 as the event's corporate sponsor, with $300,000 going to the Incentive Fund, which will be divided among the organizations based on the success of their fundraising Tuesday.  The remaining $200,000 will cover processing fees and new "High Five" and "Bonus Bucks" prizes for hitting benchmarks, such as high performance or impressive improvements." 

Last year, Food Bank of the Rockies was fortunate enough to raise over $80,000 as a result of this one day of fundraising!  We're hoping to bring our total up to $100,000 this year, so visit http://bit.ly/uEAsLY to make your donation!

A Record Shattering $1,143,190!

Dom and Jane and the Mix 100 crew have been blessing us with their annual Dom and Jane Charity Marathon for 13 years running.  The total of money pledged through this 2 day radioathon grows every year.  And we're ecstatic to report that the trend continued this year...an unbelievable amount!  13 years ago, we never would have imagined raising over one million dollars  - but that happened!  And then some! 

Between Mix 100 listeners and generous FBR corporate partners, $1,143,190 was raised, providing 4,572,760 meals to our neighbors in need.  We're still floating with excitement at the thought of how great an impact this Charity Marathon will make in our community. 

Not only is this event a blast for everyone involved, it leaves a lasting impact throughout the year.  THANKS to Dom, Jane, Jeremy, Kaylee, $100,00 match donor,Salah Foundation, volunteers, donors and all those involved in making this year's Charity Marathon a raging success! 

Our friend Fred from the Salah Foundation surprised Dom and Jane with a $100,000 match gift!

The spectacular view from the Mix 100 studio!

RBC Wealth Management is a dedicated supporter and friend in the fight against hunger. 

Spicy Pickle stopped in to talk about their exciting, new partnership with FBR!

We can't say enough about Daniels Fund and the support they've provided FBR throughout the years!

Community College of Denver showed their support by answering phone call after phone call after phone call.

Walmart bends over backward to do their part in fighting hunger in our great state and across the country!

Where would we be without our amazing friends at King Soopers?  They provide an unmeasurable amount of support through donations of food, funds and time. 

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney is no stranger to fighting hunger.  They're unbelievably generous to FBR and those we serve!

 

Target - an amazing corporation that gives back in countless ways to our community!  THANKS for all you do!

The one and only, Steve Spangler, graced Dom and Jane with his scientific genius and kept everyone on their toes.

It wouldn't be Charity Marathon without our friends from Panera Bread!  They've become a part of the food bank family through and through. 

Whiting Petroleum...you can read all about their amazing hunger fighting tactics in a previous post!

Thank you to Child's Bakery for providing this fabulously appropriate cake for our Mix 100 friends!

FBR's past Board Chair, Doug Wilhelm, represents CoBank each and every year!  They don't hold back when it comes to fighting hunger!

 

If you're on Facebook, you've read a whole lot about our friends at Natural Grocers.  They're constantly looking for creative ways to support us and succeed at everything they attempt!

Steven stops by the live remote and donates every year.  Thanks to Steven and all those like him who make the Charity Marathon a success!

Kevin Seggelke speaks on air throughout the two days and can't say enough about the generosity of Dom, Jane and all those at Mix 100. 

Charity Marathon goes Platinum, raising over $1 million meals in one year!  This platinum record is a very small token of our appreciation.   

#28, A Hunger Fighting Chef Extraordinaire

Tyler Wiard, Executive Chef, Elway's Cherry Creek

“I’m proud to be able to call Colorado home and to put my love for food to work in here in Denver.  When Food Bank of the Rockies asked me to participate in their Celebrity Council, I couldn’t think of a better way to serve this generous community better than working through a hunger relief organization.  The work Food Bank does for those who can’t afford to eat healthy food is outstanding.  I’m excited to join forces with them in finding ways to give back to those who need a helping hand.”    

About Tyler:

The road to the ELWAY’S CHERRY CREEK kitchen for Executive Chef Tyler Wiard began in Boulder, Colorado working alongside local chef legends John Platt and David Query on the line at Q’s Restaurant in the Hotel Boulderado. After a stint at Jax-Boulder, another Query restaurant, famed Denver restaurateur Cliff Young recruited Tyler as the opening executive chef of his Napa Café where Tyler’s imaginative, exciting and superbly balanced food drew raves from critics.

Two separate stints as executive chef at Mel’s, the brainchild of wine man and consummate maitre d’ Melvyn Master and his wife Janie, provided Tyler with the chance to experience the culinary world while doing guest chef work at Aqua with Michael Mina, Citronelle with Michel Richard and Wolfgang Puck’s Postrio with David and Stephen Rosenthal. Separated by his 2 years at The Fourth Story, Tyler’s 7 year stretch at Mel’s came during it’s lofty position as Cherry Creek’s hottest spot and Tyler twice scored Top Denver Chef honors from 5280 magazine for his exquisite menus and flawless execution. Two invitations to cook at the James Beard House were amongst the highlights of his Mel’s experience.

While at the helm at Elway’s Tyler has garnered numerous accolades including critical acclaim in nearly all of Denver’s print publications, multiple television appearances and even a feature in Food Network chef’s Paula Deen Magazine. For four consecutive years, Tyler has returned to the “Carnegie Hall for chefs” with Denver’s top chefs to cook at the prestigious James Beard House. Tyler beat out 22 other chefs from across the country to take top prize in the 19th Annual Taste of Elegance, a national competition sponsored by the National Pork Board. A tireless supporter of local charities, Tyler appears in numerous fund-raising events each year on behalf of Elway’s Cherry Creek including the hottest party of the summer, the multi-chef slider competition Hot Rocks Griller Challenge in the Elway’s backyard successfully raising thousands for the mens’ programs of the Denver Health Foundation.

Tyler lives in Denver where he and his wife Jennifer welcomed their daughter Lilliana into the world in February 2011.

Hunger Fighting Chili

Companies often ask us for effective hunger fighting ideas to use with their employees.  Ideas that will boost morale, incorporate fun and team work while making a significant impact on the community.  When these inquiries arise, we point to a company who, year after year after year, amazes us with their innovation and employee dedication.  We point to the fine folks of Whiting Petroleum.  

Where do we begin?  Over the past six years, employees of Whiting have raised $283,333.44!  They formed a committee dedicated to fundraising ideas, events and details.  This committee has organized company Olympics, bake sales, auctions, tail gating parties, chili cook offs, pot lucks etc. 

Most recently, we visited the 14th floor of their office building for a massive chili cook off event.  Over 100 employees lined up to taste 12 employee crafted chilis, corn breads, dips and desserts.  4 judges, including our own CEO, Kevin Seggelke, tasted each chili and voted on the best of the best.  Diners donated to FBR for their lunch and raffle tickets were sold for restaurant gift cards, with all the funds going to FBR.  It was announced that nearly $25,000 had already been raised through multiple employee events and Whiting would be matching the total raised. 

We feel like members of the Whiting family - and a family it truly is. We can't say "THANKS" enough to this company and the vital role they play in fighting hunger in our communities. Your dedication does not go unnoticed!

 Kevin has tough job on days like this! 

#27, Go-To Sports Guy

Vic Lombardi, Sports Anchor on CBS 4 News

“I love Colorado. It’s home for me and the people here are like family. The fact that so many Coloradans are hungry day to day is just not right. It’s an honor for me to be a part of an organization trying to alleviate this horrible problem and make life easier for so many of my neighbors in need. I would encourage folks to give back to fight hunger in whatever ways they can.”

About Vic:
He was 10-years-old and watching a local newscast … “It just clicked” says CBS4 Sports Anchor Vic Lombardi. He says he grew up in Colorado always wanting to work in Denver TV. Born on Denver’s North Side in 1969, Lombardi interned at CBS4 as a student and later joined CBS4 in June of 1998. He graduated from Holy Family High School in Denver, attended the University of Colorado at Boulder and graduated from Notre Dame University in 1991.

Before landing a job in his hometown, Lombardi worked as a sports reporter in South Bend, Indiana, Austin, Texas, and Phoenix, Ariz. Already, he is a 23-time Emmy Award winner; 13 of which are for Best Sports Anchor, which he has won 10 years in a row. Vic has now added a radio show to his repertoire. You can listen to Vic Lombardi and Gary Miller every morning, Monday through Friday, 7-9 am on 102.3 The Ticket when they’ll be interviewing all the movers and shakers in Colorado sports.

The most exciting stories he’s covered? Lombardi says the 1998 Super Bowl. “Need I explain?” he asks, as well as the 1994 World Cup. Lombardi says living and working in Denver means everything. “I’m home again with my family.” Vic is married to Terri, a Denver schoolteacher. They have one son, Dante, and two daughters, Alexis and Isabella.

Lombardi also spends a lot of time with his large Italian family. His father came to the United States from Italy with a sixth grade education and became very successful here. That, says Lombardi, provides a great deal of inspiration. Vic says his biggest challenge in life was landing his job in Denver, and his greatest disappointment was not getting the job earlier.

Terrell Surprises Mobile Pantry Recipients

To kick off a new partnership between the Terrell Davis “Mile High Salute” Bar-B-Que Sauce and Safeway, they partnered with FBR on Wednesday to host a surprise barbeque at one of FBR’s mobile pantry sites. Mobile pantry recipients showed up to pick up their food boxes and were treated to barbeque chicken and fixings, prepared by Safeway and Davis. Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock also stopped in to surprise those picking up boxes of food for their families.  It was an exciting day for us and for our neighbors in need! 

Thanks to Safeway for organizing a terrific event, to Terrell for benefiting us through your delicious Bar-B-Que Sauce and to Terrell and Mayor Hancock for taking time out to volunteer at our Mobile Pantry site.  It was a real treat!  You can find Terrell's famous sauce at all Safeway locations in Colorado!

#26, Mr. Funny News Man

Tom Green, Morning Anchor, Channel 2 News

"Food Bank of the Rockies plays a critical role in our community every year, but in these tough times we need to do even more to help them make the difference in the lives of those who need it most.  The Food Bank is one of the most efficient charities I've ever seen.  They can turn both cash and food into many meals for those in our community who need it most.  Donations to FBR are one of the most effective ways to make a difference in the metro area, and beyond."

About Tom:

Tom Green anchors the Emmy-award winning Daybreak on Colorado's own Channel 2, the morning show which airs on KWGN from 5-9 a.m. Monday through Friday.  Tom is a news and sports veteran within the Denver market, with almost 30 years experience and 10 Emmy awards.

Tom made the transition to news anchor when he joined KWGN after three years as the main sports anchor at KMGH-TV (ABC) in Denver, CO. Tom's experience also includes play-by-play, color and sideline reporting for ABC and Fox Sports, hosting a national game show (Sports On Tap) for ESPN. Tom also was radio host for KKFN-AM where he inaugurated shows featuring then-Nuggets head coaches Doug Moe and Dan Issel. Previously Tom was sports anchor for more than 13 years for KUSA-TV ( NBC) in Denver, CO after working for ESPN.

In addition to 10 Emmy awards, Tom was named the Colorado Sportscaster of the Year 4 times by the National sportscasters and Sportswriters Association.

Holy Huggies!

If you walked into our warehouse right now, you'd be overwhelmed with diapers!  Literally, you'd be tripping over them.  Clean diapers of course.  Yesterday, FIVE semi trucks pulled into our parking lot, loaded with Huggies diapers.  800,000 Huggies diapers!!!!!!!!  You read that right.  800,000 diapers!  All waiting to be distributed to our agencies who work with little ones.  A whole lotta' local moms, dads, grandmas and grandpas will have one less expense to worry about.  Here's what Huggies has to say about their gift, which was delivered to 11 additional states across the nation.  Can you imagine how many diapers were donated if we received 5 truck loads just in Denver?

Joanne Samuel Goldblum, MSW, Executive Director of The National Diaper Bank Network (left) pictured with representatives of FBR Member Agencies, Baby Haven and Little Giants

"Diapers are a basic need for children in the United States and are essential to their growth and development. The problem – a third of American families struggle to afford diapers for their children.  To support the launch of the National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN), a non-profit organization with a mission to raise awareness of diaper need, Huggies Every Little Bottom is donating 12 million diapers this holiday season to moms and babies in need. Huggies and the NDBN will be traveling to 12 cities in 12 days, delivering a total of 12 million diapers along the way. Denver was selected as one of the 12 cities and received 800,000 diapers to help local families in need.

In a recent study, 34% of American families cut back on basics such as food, utilities and child care to purchase diapers for their children.  An adequate supply of diapers can cost over $100 per month.  Food Stamp Programs and WIC do not cover the cost of diapers.  The vast majority of licensed day care centers do not accept cloth diapers, and require parents and caregivers to provide a steady supply of disposable diapers.  Most people living in poverty do not have affordable access to washing facilities. Furthermore, most coin-operated laundromats do not allow customers to wash cloth diapers for health and sanitary reasons."

How do we say THANKS to Huggies for this incredible donation? It is SO appreciated and will go an incredibly long way for Coloradans in need!

KS 107.5 Kickin' Some Serious Food Drive Bootie

KS 107.5 has been doing their annual Thanksgiving Food Drive for years.  And our agency partners have reaped the rewards of the generosity of this radio station and their loyal listeners.  It's amazing to watch how many people roll in with boxes full of food!  Tony V parks his KS-mobile at 2 locations per day and invites listeners to come by with food.  And that they do.  Tons and tons of food.  And yesterday, Bronco, DJ Williams, donated 55 turkeys to the drive!  Perfect timing for Thanksgiving next week!  We've been stopping by to say "thanks" and get some photos throughout the week and wanted to share those with all of you!

Thanks to KS 107.5 for yet another year of this awesome food drive.  We'll post a grand total for pounds donated once it's all wrapped up!