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What It Means to Be a Champion

By Samantha Barlow, Communications Coordinator

Susie Davis presents on Eagle County Gives' strategies for helping local nonprofits work with businesses to maximize donations.
In June, seven current and prospective Regional Champions gathered at Community First Foundation’s Meeting Space to build community, share ideas and learn about new programs, website enhancements and ways to help nonprofits better steward donors.

ColoradoGives Regional Champions partner with us to increase online giving in regions beyond metro Denver. They extend the “Give Where You Live” message by providing support, outreach and awareness to the local nonprofits in their communities.

 We interviewed Susie Davis with Eagle County Gives to get an insider’s view of our day in June:

Q. How long have you been involved with ColoradoGives as a Regional Champion?

A. Eagle County Gives was an early adopter. Through the collective efforts of several Eagle County nonprofits over the past four years, we formed a new local community foundation called Our Community Foundation. I staff Our Community Foundation and we are the fiscal agent for Eagle County Gives. Bringing more than 42 local nonprofits together is the direct result of Colorado Gives Day. When nonprofits work together, communities thrive.

Q. How did the Learning Day fit into your experience as a Regional Champion?

A. The Learning Day provided me with an array of possibilities for growth as I learned what other Champions across the state are accomplishing. Colorado Gives Day celebrates the spirit of giving throughout the state. It also highlights the great work across the state of the nonprofit sector…THAT is social impact!

Q. Was the Learning Day what you expected? Were there any surprises?

A. Those of us in the nonprofit sector are often on the other side of gatherings like this: planning, executing, and delivering.  How nice to have a day that was thoughtfully planned, giving us time to get together with others from around Colorado, to learn as a group, to consider ways to implement new innovations within our own region and to be well-fed and cared for — great day!

Q. Any final thoughts?

A. The conveners, catalysts, and leverage-makers are often in the background, doing the work and making the magic happen. Community First Foundation is our magic maker!  This is my first year as a part of Eagle County Gives and I look forward to listening and learning from this amazing group and am eager to bring new opportunities for partnership together.

Visit ColoradoGives.org to learn more about each of our Regional Champions.

If you are interested in becoming a Regional Champion, please contact Dana Rinderknecht, Director of Online Giving, at 720.898.5911 or drinderknecht@CommunityFirstFoundation.org.


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Comments

  1. RocMitchellMillerJuly 8, 2016 at 11:01 AM

    I second every sentiment Susie! It was great discussion, information and support. Thank you for your leadership.

    ReplyDelete

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