The concept of IMPACT100 is simple: 100 people donate $100 each, creating a pool of $10,000 that is granted out to support our communities. This collective giving program is designed to inspire a new generation of local philanthropists and to provide a platform for those who are interested in learning about charitable giving to become educated about the needs in the Yampa Valley and the organizations serving those needs. In a typical year, the four events each season are hosted at a great venue (think Steamboat Art Museum, Bella Vista, or Perry Mansfield), dinner and drinks are included, and participants hear from four nonprofits which are selected through the process of member nominations and steering committee interviews. The events are social, interactive, educational, and really fun!
This year, as with everything, IMPACT100 had to be reimagined and the four events were held virtually. Each event included a mixology/craft beer lesson from our restaurant partners: Yampa Valley Kitchen, The Laundry, Storm Peak Brewing and Sauvage, as well as virtual cooking lessons with Steve Carlson from Big Air Catering, live music from Jon and Randy, and of course presentations from the four finalist nonprofit presenters: Routt County Crisis Support, Routt County Council on Aging, BookTrails and Come As You Are.
- Routt County Crisis Support was awarded $3,700 to bring immediate crisis support to first responders and community members, through their three programs: First Responder Wellness, Peer Support and Emergency Assistance. Molly Lotz, President, says, “This funding means that when someone is experiencing their darkest hour and finding themselves in an acute or chronic crisis, they might have some support and guidance in the form of connection and support. Thank you IMPACT100!”
- Routt County Council on Aging was awarded $3,350 toward the home delivered meals program. This funding will help RCCOA continue to provide much needed home-delivered meals (and also social interaction) to Routt County seniors and to respond to the increased demand for meals. “Routt County Council on Aging is so grateful to IMPACT100,” says April Sigman, Executive Director. “The pandemic created significant challenges for many seniors, but our Meals on Wheels program provides more than just a hot lunch, we provide a connection to community. The funding from IMPACT100 will help us serve local seniors and provide much needed meals and connections. We can’t thank you enough.”
- BookTrails was awarded $3,350 to support the Scholars Program, which provides summertime literacy education to at-risk youth who are also learning the English language. The funding will also allow BookTrails to expand this program, to reach children during the school year. BookTrails founder and Executive Director Emily Osterman shares, “BookTrails is honored to receive this grant to support at-risk youth in their literacy journey. We were thrilled to be selected as an Impact100 participant this year because it’s a wonderful opportunity to share our story and make connections with fellow community members. We are grateful to be funded and put these dollars to work serving children in our community.”
- Come As You Are was awarded $1,100. As the only resource for women’s residential drug and alcohol treatment in Northwest Colorado, the funding will be used to expand CAYA’s program by adding 14 beds for additional residents.
Thanks to IMPACT100 sponsors, 100% of every dollar that is donated by members goes back to organizations doing incredible work serving our local communities. This year’s sponsors are: Russ and Shine Atha, Advanced Copier Solutions, Glas Deffryn Ranch, Cindy MacGray-Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty, Yampa Valley Bank, and Kathryn Pedersen-Fidelity Mortgage. Thank you!
Yampa Valley Community Foundation looks forward to launching Season 16 of IMPACT100 in Fall, 2021. If you are interested in learning more, becoming a member, attending an event, or sponsoring IMPACT100, please contact Traci Hiatt at 970-439-4448 or traci@yvcf.org.