The name of Community Connections demonstrates the priority we place on engaging with our local communities. In Southwest Colorado, we have local communities that set the standard for engagement.
An excellent example was our recent Festival of Trees event at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
Much appreciation goes to our many sponsors and volunteers for making this event a reality. More than 60 local businesses contributed in some way – sponsoring a tree or wreath, donating a raffle item, food or beverages; giving money; or sponsoring our live remote broadcast with Four Corners Broadcasting. Check our website at communityconnectionsco.org for an extensive list.
Al Harper and his wonderful team at the D&SNG make the whole event possible by donating the space for the event, providing and setting up trees to decorate and supporting us throughout the event. We are just one of the many not-for-profit organizations in the region the railroad supports throughout the year.
Alpine Bank is another business known for its dedication to our community and to Community Connections. It is a Festival of Trees’ Gold Star, a long-time tree sponsor, and it helps underwrite radio spots for us to promote community inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Please do some holiday shopping at Kroegers Ace Hardware and round up your purchase. It passes along your contributions to a variety of nonprofits, including two weeks in November for Community Connections. One incredible donor even rounded up $500 this year!
Don’t forget to round up your electric bill with La Plata Electric Association as well. Its Round Up program gave almost $100,000 to local organizations in 2018, and it recently awarded Community Connections a grant to improve client access to technology.
If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, Morehart Murphy Subaru is another priceless community partner. For every Subaru sold until Jan. 2, you can choose Community Connections as the recipient of a $250 donation through Subaru’s Share the Love campaign.
The contributions we receive from our local governments are an essential component of our community support. Huge thanks to Archuleta, La Plata and Montezuma counties; the cities of Cortez and Durango; and the towns of Bayfield, Ignacio, Mancos and Pagosa Springs for their contributions over the years.
Community Connections is proud to be one of the dozens of United Way partner agencies in Southwest Colorado. Their giving campaign is occurring right now, and giving through United Way is an excellent way to ensure that your giving stays local and supports agencies that consistently demonstrate fiscal responsibility and positive outcomes for our communities. You can give through their website at unitedway-swco.org.
The Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado and Onward! Legacy Foundation are also making positive impacts in our communities (including Community Connections) through their family funds and other philanthropic programs.
We could fill an entire Durango Herald issue with all the businesses, organizations and individuals who have been generous to us. Thanks to everyone who has participated in, given to and supported Community Connections and the Festival of Trees. We are blessed by this community!
Tara Kiene is president/CEO of Community Connections Inc.
