This article contains the names and some information about of all of our 2019 Honoree Celebration nominees. 

 

Curran Anderson……………………………………………………... |Youth of the Year|

A freshman at EHS, Curran was one of the students chosen by the Jeffco School District to be a Peer Leader for a campaign called Sources of Strength. As a youth at Evergreen Lutheran Church, he participates in youth group, serves in worship & on mission trips around the United States and abroad. He also actively participates in the Mountain Backpack Program, which helps by feeding over 150 hungry kids each week. He has been a boy scout since 5^th grade and is currently working on his Eagle Scout Project.

 

Krista Choate………………………………………………………… |Youth of the Year|

Krista Choate is a  junior at Evergreen High School. She co-organized the March on the NRA - Colorado, along with coordinating and speaking at the unveiling of "The Last Lockdown" statue as the Colorado representative for Gifford's. She also started the Evergreen High School club branch called, Student Voice, a district wide advocacy group for positive change in schools, including cultural diversity, safety, LGBTQ+ inclusion & environment. Krista is also on the executive committee for Jefferson County Student Voice. She is also very active in theater at EHS.

 

Lily Mott…………………………………………………………………..|Youth of the Year|

Lily is a high school student whose school career has been punctuated by numerous awards for academic, athletic and volunteer achievements. She is the Student Body President at EHS this year and served as class president freshman, sophomore and junior year. She organized the first Student Activities Council, created Evergreen High School's Artistic Hall of Fame. She is a Boettcher Foundation Scholarship Finalist, and AP Scholar with Distinction. In 2018 Lily worked closely with Evergreen Rotary Club and Peruvian Hearts. Her favorite project was developing and directing her own nonprofit called Lily's Laptops which raised $10,000 to buy thirty laptops for impoverished young women living and attending university in Cusco, Peru.

 

Sarah Christensen………………………………………………………|Youth of the Year|

Sarah is an 8th grade student at the Montessori School of Evergreen who's favorite subject is science.  She is a member of the Evergreen Children's Chorale and loves to sing and act. In 2018 she won Larry Sohrweid Circle of Hands Award; she is passionate about social justice and is inspired to read about people who have changed the world for the better. She also volunteered at Elk Run Assisted Living, EAPL Cat Adoption, Evergreen Library, Pleasant Park Stables, Bessie's Hope and Mango House through her school.

 

Sydney Gilbert ………………………………………………………... |Youth of the Year|

Sydney ranks #2 out of 245 Evergreen High School seniors and has a strong history of volunteerism. She has served on the Jeffco Student Health Advisory Council, is current Treasurer and Vice President for Blue Spruce Key Club, serves on Evergreen High School Interact Club, has been President of the International Committee and interned with the Jared Polis campaign for Colorado. She has received championship marks in both Mock Trial and DECA. She is highly involved at school in the Senate and has received several awards and scholarships based upon volunteerism and academic honors. She is a Boettcher Scholarship Semifinalist, National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist and AP Scholar with Distinction.

Blue Spruce Habitat for Humanity………………...……………|Nonprofit of the Year|

Blue Spruce Habitat for Humanity provides workforce housing, strengthening local employers since it's hard to find employees who live in the Evergreen area. In 2018 over 1,300 volunteers contributed 8,285 hours helping to build homes or working in the ReStore. Thanks to the ReStore 110 tons of materials were diverted from landfills in 2018. Habitat has closed on one home, completed another home and started a third home.  Those homes will impact 3 families, and also the 25 families who are currently living in their Habitat home.

 

Bootstraps…….……………………………………………………..|Nonprofit of the Year|

Many families struggle to keep up with the ever-increasing financial burden of sending their children to college. Bootstraps Scholarships and Loans assists families by alleviating some of this financial burden.  All scholarships and loans are funded by local individuals, businesses, civic groups, and private foundations. In 2018, 56 new and continuing students received a combined total of $222,000 in scholarships and loans.

 

Center for the Arts Evergreen……………………….…………..|Nonprofit of the Year|

The center supports Evergreen and its surrounding communities in the visual and performing arts, bringing the arts and community together. Center For The Arts Evergreen hosts classes, workshops, exhibitions and cultural events.

 

Drive Smart………………………………………………………….|Nonprofit of the Year|

Drive Smart provides much-needed education regarding safe driving practices for all ages. In 2018 they served approximately 70,000 individuals through numerous programs; Child Passenger Safety, Jeffco Head Start and Women, and Infant's & Children (WIC) organizations.  The Teen Safety program presented 6 Parent/Teen seminars for young driver laws and tools, delivered education safety awareness to over 63,000 students in 18 high schools.

 

Elk Run Assisted Living Community…………………………….|Nonprofit of the Year|

Elk Run is a faith-based organization here that offers assisted living and respite services. Respite services are an option for families who need guilt-free time away from caregiving or for the person who needs additional rehabilitation before going home. They have a tranquil setting in the foothills of the mountains and have been in this community for 17 years and in 2018 assisted 80 individuals.

 

Evergreen's Alliance for Sustainability + You  (EAS+Y)…….|Nonprofit of the Year|

In 2018 EAS+Y served over 11,000 individual in our community through outreach and education, as well as through the community gardens. They were very active in the community this year by bringing a composting program to Evergreen, expanding Tree Recycling, growing their Zero Waste Services, and helping Green Teams find success in schools. EAS+Y is continuing to support the community gardens and various other sustainability initiatives.

 

 

Evergreen Christian Outreach………………………………….|Nonprofit of the Year|

Evergreen Christian Outreach (EChO) made a huge impact on lives of those in need in 2018. The Food Bank distributed 314,659 pounds of food via 7,357 individual client visits, a 17% increase. The Adopt-a-Child program provided Christmas gifts to 107 children. Client Services provided nearly $78,000 in emergency assistance. Our Shelter Program greatly expanded service to the homeless. The Job Program provided 1,040 training services to those in our community seeking employment and to seniors to improve their computer skills.

 

Evergreen Lutheran Church……………………………………..|Nonprofit of the Year|

Evergreen Lutheran Church has been a focal point of ministry and service to Evergreen for more than 60 years. Evergreen Lutheran has, for the last 7 years, hosted with 6 other churches, an Alternative Gift Fair. This event garners more than $100,000 for nonprofit vendors. ELC has donated ALL the sale's profits from their annual Grove Sale (about 1/2 million dollars) back to the community. Each year ELC supports two international mission trips.

 

Montessori School of Evergreen………………………………..|Nonprofit of the Year|

In 2018 MSE celebrated its 40th anniversary sending a group of Middle School students to Eastern Nepal. There the kids participated in a series of celebrated milestones that they are known for in our community: participation in the Global Citizens Action Project (GCAP) conference at the United Nations in NYC; internships in Evergreen businesses as well as in businesses in a broader regional area; mentorships with Evergreen entrepreneurs, doctors, journalists, and artists; service projects at a local memory care center; as well as teaching English to refugees.

 

Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice…………………|Nonprofit of the Year|

Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice is National award-winning, and state recognized for superior home health care and hospice services. A true community service for those health issues and tough emotional times when help is needed. No one is turned away based on their ability (or not) to pay for assistance received. They are team of dedicated health care professionals and support staff who assist each other with providing over-the-top care for clients within the greater Evergreen area.

 

Ovation West Performing Arts……………………………..……|Nonprofit of the Year|

This year, the Evergreen Chorale rebranded as Ovation West Performing Arts. Established in 1972, the organization has grown and now serves the local community in 6 areas: the Evergreen Chorale, Ovation West Musical Theatre, Altezza Chamber Choir, Summer Music Camp, Shining Stars Concert Series, and Center Stage. They create a wide range of musical experiences which impact all ages. Ovation West opens Center Stage as the performance home for the Evergreen Players, Evergreen Children's Chorale and other groups for meetings and events.

 

Rotary Club of Evergreen…………………………………...…...|Nonprofit of the Year|

Evergreen Rotary Club and their membership volunteer in the local community for many events including Recycle Day, Salvation Army Bell Ringing campaign, Foothills Home, Garden and Lifestyle Show, EHS Interact Club, and the ECHO Food Bank.

SCL Health Lutheran Medical Center…………………………|Nonprofit of the Year|

In 2018 SCL served 16,000 in-patient, 75,000 emergency patients, and 190,000 out-patients. They are level 3 trauma center, chest pain certified center, comprehensive stroke center, are the only Jeffco hospital that delivers babies, they provide behavioral health and substance abuse services, and have comprehensive cancer center, hospice, end of life care. Nationally, the hospital was named one of Americas 50 best hospitals in 2018.

 

Seniors' Resource Center……………………………………….|Nonprofit of the Year|

The Seniors' Resource Center's comprehensive program includes such services as bus pickup of Seniors for doctor appointments and grocery shopping, Meals on Wheels, educational classes and safe caregiving at the Yellow House Center; free Friday luncheons and organized field trips as well as purposeful social and fun activities for Seniors. The host of local volunteers at the Seniors' Resource Center are the epitome of genuine service - a true example of what is loved about the Evergreen community.

 

Women of Evergreen Businesses (WEB)………………………|Nonprofit of the Year|

WEB is made up of dedicated women in Evergreen who focus on philanthropic efforts within our community. In 2018 they donated funds to several families in the area and wrote checks out to Peace House residents, as well as serving many attendees at the Chili Cook-Off, and the WEB recycle event.  WEB has continued every year to help families and individuals in the mountain community who are going through a crisis.

 

Bryan McFarland…………………………………………………|Volunteer of the Year|

Bryan is the new Chairman of the Board for Evergreen Rodeo and leads an all-volunteer committee. In 2018 Bryan volunteered for Bootstraps and Mountain Lacrosse. His favorite projects in 2018 were the Bootstraps, and the Evergreen Rodeo Association's Parade and Rodeo.

 

Joe Niemeyer…………………………………………………….|Volunteer of the Year|

Since retiring from his career in the United States Air Force, Joe has become extremely active in our community. He is an active member of EChO and serves as a volunteer computer skills instructor and business mentor/consultant. He also serves as the coordinator of the homeless shelter program for his church.

 

Kate Higgins………………………………………………………|Volunteer of the Year|

Kate has served on the Board at Mountain Metro Association of Realtors, was involved with Goldilocks and the Little Bear, Habitat for Humanity, and volunteered with Seeds of Hope. Kate is currently on the Leadership Evergreen Board and has volunteered for the Chili Cook Off for the past 5 years. Kate has been involved with the Evergreen Chamber since 2012, serving on several committees, and is currently on the Board of Directors.

Michael Lanier……………………………………………………|Volunteer of the Year|

Michael volunteered his time in 2018 at 16 different nonprofit organizations, with a special nod to EPRD's Special Needs Program/Inspire, Crutches 4 Africa, Orphan Family Communities, and Land Shepherds. He is an active member of the Boogie Brain Trust. Michael also is a strong supporter of EChO and the Special Needs program.

 

Michelle O'Laughlin……………………………………………..|Volunteer of the Year|

A former teacher at Wilmot Elementary School, Michelle now volunteers for many of our local organizations. She serves on the board of directors of Ovation West Performing Arts and coordinates their volunteers for the Triple Bypass and chairs the fundraising committee, as well as singing in the Evergreen Chorale. Michelle also volunteers as a coach for Girls on The Run, and with the Evergreen Shelter Program, EAS+Y, Into Your Hands Africa, and at events for groups such as the Evergreen Players.

 

Tim Eagan…………………………………………………………|Volunteer of the Year|

Tim's dedication for the past 9 years with the St Baldrick's Foundation has raised nearly $100K for children's cancer research, $70K of which was raised in Evergreen in the past 2 yrs. He has dedicated many hours directing the annual recycle day for Rotary, cleaning up downtown, collecting trash on Evergreen Parkway and Squaw Pass.

 

Valli Crockett………………………………….|Volunteer & Ambassador of the Year|

Valli is a Broker Associate at Bergen Peak Realty, as well as Membership Coordinator for Evergreen Chamber. In 2018 she volunteered extensively with the Evergreen Elks Lodge, Evergreen Chamber, and Women of Evergreen Businesses. Her favorite project of 2018 was the Dictionary.org project with the Elks Lodge, delivering over 500 dictionaries to mountain area 3rd graders.

 

Wendy McCord…………………………………………………..|Volunteer of the Year|

Wendy is a Girl Scout troop leader with 40+ young girls. She volunteers with Parmalee Elementary, Evergreen Middle School and Evergreen High School. She's also involved in nearly every performing arts organization in Evergreen (Children's Chorale, Players and Ovation West Performing Arts) and helps raise funds and spread awareness of the many cultural opportunities in our community.

 

Alex Roberts, Buffalo Park Dentistry………………|Young Professional of the Year|

Buffalo Park Dentistry's mission is to be an exceptional dental practice that positively impacts the health of our patients. Dr. Roberts takes pride in supporting local organizations-including sponsoring the Conifer and Evergreen High school sports teams as well as donating oral health care products to Marshdale Elementary School with plans for educational presentations in the upcoming dental health month.  BPD has offered and provided low or no-cost services to our community members.

 

Casey Claunch, U.S. Bank…………………………|Young Professional of the Year|

As a Business Banking Specialist Casey helps US Bank's business customers and prospects navigate the banking world in whatever way fits them best. While full time school and work don't leave a lot of free time, her most prideful volunteer opportunity outside the office is with the Foothills Animal Shelter in Golden, and working with Habitat for Humanity, Evergreen Chili Cook-Off, and the West Colfax Clean up.

 

Marisa Rodero, Roots Medicine Acupuncture…|Young Professional of the Year|

As the owner of Roots Medicine Acupuncture & Herbal Clinic Marisa works with all types of people on their physical, mental, and emotional health goals. This includes acupuncture and custom herbal formulas of course, but she also works to empower patients to create their own health with dietary advice, nutritional recommendations, physical exercises, and lifestyle suggestions.

 

Tim Andersen, Roofing Outfitters………………….|Young Professional of the Year|

Tim Andersen is a hardworking, customer service driven second-generation roofing contractor. His strong roots in the industry and service in the United States Marine Corps shaped his approach to business today. His community is massively important to him, as evidenced in his restoring the iconic Evergreen

A-Frame off of Evergreen Parkway.

 

Trevor Noel, Wander Unlimited……………………|Young Professional of the Year|

Trevor Noel owns Wander Unlimited, a creative agency specializing in solving problems for Colorado brands with creative, innovative and human solutions. He has a passion for delivering strategic and breakthrough creative work. Wander Unlimited includes national clients but values real-life, face-to-face relationships with our mountain neighbors.

 

Bruce Anderson……………………………………………|Ambassador of the Year|

Bruce is a dedicated Ambassador for the Chamber. He is active with Ribbon Cuttings, Mixers, and not only attends, but also sponsors many Chamber events and programs. He is always one of the first ones to jump in and offer his assistance to the Chamber and it's members, all while maintaining a successful insurance agency with Farms Insurance.

 

Michele Robbins……………………………………………..|Ambassador of the Year|

Michele Robbins goes above and beyond for her new member mentees. She strives to make them feel welcome to the Evergreen Chamber and upholds the chamber mission statement- helping promote business in our Evergreen Community.

 

Russell Hammond……………………………………………|Ambassador of the Year|

Russell Hammond served on the Evergreen Chamber Board of Directors for three years, and was the Evergreen Chamber Ambassador Chair during 2018. Russell Hammond has owned Big O Tires for several years.

 

Susanne Robert………………………………………………|Ambassador of the Year|

Susanne Robert is a longstanding member of the Evergreen Chamber Ambassador Team. She attends member events, helping out at Chamber Community events, supporting new Ambassadors to the team and our New Members at our Mixers and Breakfast events. Susanne volunteers her time to many different nonprofits.

 

Valli Crockett……………………………….|Volunteer & Ambassador of the Year|

Valli is a Broker Associate at Bergen Peak Realty, as well as Membership Coordinator for Evergreen Chamber. In 2018 she volunteered extensively with the Evergreen Elks Lodge, Evergreen Chamber, and Women of Evergreen Businesses. Her favorite project of 2018 was the Dictionary.org project with the Elks Lodge, delivering over 500 dictionaries to mountain area 3rd graders.

 

Ellen O'Connor, Executive Director of EPRD……………………|Leader of the Year|

In 2018 Ellen led the EPRD board, staff and community members on a journey to go for a bond and mill levy to improve facilities for our community. She started the year putting together a needs assessment, costs, risks, options, requirements. She then facilitated multiple community meetings to get feed back (both positive and negative) to insure the best package possible was presented. Ellen did not do the work alone but she was a true leader in pulling people and information together to benefit our all ages.

 

Matthew Cormier, Principal at Wilmot Elementary…………|Leader of the Year|

Matthew Cormier is the "lucky principal," of Wilmot Elementary. Matt has led the school to achieve the John Irwin School of Excellence award for academic achievement over time. Many programs have been implemented and/or fully supported by Matt through Wilmot: Community Garden built in partnership with EPRD, EAS+Y and Jeffco Schools; The Green Team, many health and wellness Initiatives; Mountain Backpacks; recreational and childcare partnerships with EPRD; the Wetzel Family Foundation & Jefferson County for multi-use fields; supporter of growing the arts at EMS and EHS including the musicals and Astronomy Club.

 

Rabbi Jamie Arnold, Congregation Beth Evergreen…………|Leader of the Year|

Rabbi Jamie convened and served with the Evergreen Interfaith Group, the group responsible for starting AtHome, an affordable housing initiative. He also spearheaded the effort to create emergency shelter for Evergreen's homeless population. His current project is revitalizing the Bear Creek historic Evergreen Cemetery. Rabbi Arnold is the past President of the Interfaith Alliance of Colorado (TIA-CO), co-founding chaplain of the JCSO Chaplain program, and past co-chair of the School Advisory Committee at EHS.