July 11, Committee Co-Chairs Rob Marschke and Kathy Nicol awarded two Community Grants. Accepting a $4000 grant for the Poudre Heritage Alliance were Kathleen Benedict, Executive Director and Bob Overbeck, Board Chairman. The Poudre Heritage Alliance builds a deeper understanding of the Poudre River’s national significance including its role in shaping water development, water law, and water management. Our $4,000.00 grant will support field trips to the Poudre River for ten Larimer County Schools, enabling 600 students to experience hands-on, inquiry-based learning. The budget for our grant funding includes $2,500.00 for field trips, $1,000.00 for professional services, and $500.00 for program coordination.
Accepting a $1150 grant for CSU's Camp Kesem were Sarah Whipple and Celia Adams. Camp Kesem helps children living with a parent or guardian’s cancer by providing a free week of camp fun where they can interact with other children going through similar experiences and process their grief. Colorado State University students organize and participate in Camp Kesem. Children experience a marked increase in ability to express their feelings, confidence in handling challenges, and improved self-esteem.
At the end of the camp week a picnic is hosted for campers, their families, and the staff in Fort Collins. Our $1,150.00 grant will fund a bus trip back to Fort Collins so that the children and their families can participate in the picnic.