Celebrating 80 Years - 1981, YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region

The YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region has provided support for the community since 1878 through youth sport camps, after-school classes, healthy living workshops, and a wide variety of other programs. Since its early days in London, the YMCA continues to make its programs accessible to all members of the community, regardless of socioeconomic status, through scholarships and financial assistance.

Celebrating 80 Years - Working to End Family Violence, 1982, TESSA

Since 1977, TESSA has provided safe housing, counseling, and advocacy support for victims of domestic abuse as well as education seminars for increased community awareness. In 1982, El Pomar helped fund the purchase of the organization’s confidential Safehouse, which continues to serve as a vital resource for women and children searching for a protected haven from dangerous partners.

Outward Bound: Lost More Than My Fear of Museums on the Colorado River

Each year, El Pomar Foundation Fellows embark on a weeklong journey of leadership and self-discovery with Colorado Outward Bound, bonding through shared experiences while learning how to overcome challenges as a team. In addition to the relationships formed, Outward Bound taught me a lesson about self-awareness that I will carry through the Fellowship and beyond.

Celebrating 80 Years - Learning to Lead, 1980, Leadership Pikes Peak

Established in 1976, Leadership Pikes Peak (LPP) has grown to become a premier organization for training strong leaders in the Colorado Springs community. Upon graduation from specialized programs and courses, LPP alumni serve on a variety of boards and commissions in the area. From its first grant in 1980, El Pomar has supported LPP through the competitive grant process, support from donor-endowed funds, and through scholarships via the Emerging Leaders Development program.

Celebrating 80 Years - 1979, Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation

From its humble beginnings as a summer tent hospital in 1897, Children’s Hospital Colorado has grown to provide state-of-the-art pediatric care and is leading cutting-edge research. It has locations throughout the state and will open a new hospital just for kids in Colorado Springs in 2019. Since 1978, Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation has supported the work at Children’s Colorado to help it continue to be an extraordinary place with the great pediatric expertise.

Celebrating 80 Year - Rocky Mountain Roots, 1978, Denver Botanic Gardens

In the midst of hectic daily schedules and busy city traffic, Denver Botanic Gardens offers a peaceful retreat to enjoy and learn about Colorado’s diverse vegetation. Throughout the years, El Pomar Foundation has granted more than $1 million toward the continual improvement and expansion of this garden oasis.

Celebrating 80 Years - 1977, Pikes Peak Center

A centerpiece for entertainment in El Paso County, the Pikes Peak Center in downtown Colorado Springs now hosts more than 200 performances annually, from opera to symphony to ballet. In line with Julie Penrose’s love for music and the arts, El Pomar granted a total of $ 3.1 million toward the construction of the center from 1977 to 1980 and an additional $2 million for building improvements in 2004.

Celebrating 80 Years - Silver Linings for Aging, 1976, Silver Key Senior Services

Originally a one-room operation, Silver Key Senior Services has grown considerably over the years and has now served more than 250,000 seniors in El Paso County in its work to improve the quality of life for elderly individuals by preserving independence and alleviating isolation. El Pomar first granted to Silver Key in 1976 as the Foundation began to support aging councils and other similar organizations across the state. Support for these organizations recognized the importance of encouraging the well-being of all generations when fostering strong communities.

Celebrating 80 Years - Supporting Self-Sufficiency, 1975, Discover Goodwill of Southern and Western Colorado

A grantee of El Pomar since the early 1970s, Discover Goodwill of Southern and Western Colorado strives to maximize personal and financial independence for every individual in the community through a variety of programs. With a job placement success rate that consistently ranks among the top 10 Goodwills in the United States and Canada, Discover Goodwill has positively impacted workforce development in Colorado for more than half a century.

Celebrating 80 Years - Native American History and the Power of Youth, 1974, Koshare Museum

An early grantee in the Southeast region, the Koshare Museum promotes the art and history of the Native peoples of the American Southwest while also serving as a testament to the powerful impact that local youth can have on a community.

Celebrating 80 Years - 1973, Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Foundation (Norris Penrose Event Center)

Spencer Penrose loved and celebrated western heritage, and one certain way to do that was to found and host the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo in a stadium at the Broadmoor Hotel in 1938. While the event and venue have changed over the years, the Rodeo continues to take place each July in celebration of Western tradition and in recognition of the servicemen and women who have sacrificed their lives in defense of the United States of America.

Celebrating 80 Years - Building Character in the Wild, 1972, Colorado Outward Bound School

Every year, members of El Pomar’s Fellowship program participate in a weeklong Colorado Outward Bound School (COBS) course, where they are given the opportunity to reflect on the philosophy and practice of leadership in the unique context of the wilderness. Over 200 have participated in Outward Bound since the 1990’s, but the Foundation’s connection to the organization dates back to 1967 when COBS received its first grant from El Pomar.

A First Glance at the Shrine

This is my first week as an intern at the Shrine, and every time I drive through the gates it feels ridiculously cool to realize I work there. There is an incredible amount of history surrounding the Shrine, whether regarding the structure itself, the artifacts inside, or all the different visitors and the stories that they bring with them.

Celebrating 80 Years - Honoring Western Heritage, 1971, Western Stock Show Association

Since 1906, the Western Stock Show Association has been a vital contributor to Colorado’s tourism and livestock industries. A nonprofit rich in western heritage and tradition, the Western Stock Show Association strives to further education in agriculture and stages the National Western Stock Show every year.

Celebrating 80 Years - 1970, University of Denver Campus Library

The Penroses' support for education was clear in their philanthropic activity, as can be seen in the considerable support offered in scholarships throughout the state in the Foundation’s early years. Ever since, the Foundation has made it a priority to continue to support the higher education institutions that have promoted Colorado’s vibrant and competitive growth.

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