The holidays are going to be so much brighter for dozens of Colorado families thanks to Chris Dorsey, host of "Sporting Classics with Chris Dorsey," the world's most widely distributed outdoor program.
Dorsey's publishing powerhouse recently took to social media to announce his generous and meaningful donation of more than 100 pounds of elk meat to the River Deep Foundation. Soon, we're going to distribute the meat to families we serve through Craig Hospital's Operation TBI Freedom program. Here's how Dorsey explained his gift: "Joining our partners at Safari Club International in proudly celebrating this November as the first ever 'Wild Game Meat Donation Month.' This month-long celebration encourages hunters to donate legally harvested game meat and commemorates the important role that sportsmen and women play in serving underprivileged communities. Sharing our good fortune is always in season. "I am personally donating my meat to the River Deep Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military veterans who have experienced physical, mental or psychological trauma. The River Deep Foundation provides recreational outings and experiences along with a wealth of resources to veterans so they can focus on healing and improve both their outlook and quality of life. "Every state has different rules and regulations for donations, so please find a worthy cause that you believe in, and check with your local drop off location in advance." The entire River Deep Foundation leadership team is deeply grateful to Dorsey for this generous donation -- and we encourage everyone to learn more about his hunting and fishing adventures around the world, which emphasize the sportsman's role in advocating for, and funding, sustainable conservation models.
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Without the generosity of our donors, we simply couldn't accomplish all we do for the hundreds of people who participate each year in our events -- all designed to bring hope and healing one adventure at a time. Though the old saying may be trite, it's true: every dollar counts.
So, this year, as you're considering where to make charitable donations, we hope you'll consider giving to the River Deep Foundation -- and that you also will consider supporting members of the River Deep Alliance. This network of nonprofit organizations helps us by providing their unique expertise and resources to lead special events for the people we serve through referrals from Craig Hospital and its Operation TBI Freedom, Fort Carson Soldier Recovery Unit and the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center. Each year, the Colorado Gives initiative -- which runs through Dec. 5 this year -- makes it easy to support some of our Alliance members, including: Anglers of Honor AOH organizes and operates therapeutic fly fishing outings for active-duty and military veterans, and others with spinal cord injuries and their families. Each participant is trained by a professional guide and spends time on the water catching and releasing wild trout throughout the morning. After fishing ends, lunch is provided. The Art Students League of Denver The Art Students League of Denver offers high-quality arts education to artists of all ages and levels. It provides accessible arts programming throughout the Denver metro area and beyond, so that everyone has access to creative exploration through art. Victory Service Dogs Since its inception in 2015, Victory Service Dogs has helped more than 200 Colorado veterans with mental or physical disabilities find a new teammate (the dog), a new mission (to train with their partner) and renewed purpose through a unique, client-focused training program. The numbers are in, and we're delighted to report that the River Deep Foundation's 2023 Golf Fundraiser exceeded our fundraising goal by $5,000.
Our deepest thanks to the more than 100 people who participated in ways big and small during this Sept. 11 golf outing at the beautiful Jack Nicklaus Signature Meridian Golf Club in Englewood. Meridian provided a stellar course for golfers of all skill levels and a delectable breakfast and lunch from the comforts of a beautiful clubhouse with an excellent staff. We have many thanks to extend, including to event emcee Conor McGahey, a veteran sports radio announcer currently serving as the voice of the NHL's Colorado Avalanche. To help us raise even more money during a live auction, the organization donated a hockey stick signed by the team's 2022-23 Leading Scorer and 2022 Stanley Cup winner Mikko Rantanen. We also are grateful for these event sponsors and donors, whose generous gifts helped the River Deep Foundation exceed this year's goal:
The River Deep Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military veterans and other individuals who have experienced physical, emotional, or psychological trauma -- and those who assist them -- to heal and re-engage in live through adventure, recreation and a network of support. Recreational outings are the cornerstone of our programming. They are funded, planned and organized by River Deep and serve a vital role in the healing process. River Deep is dedicated to providing the highest quality of experiences possible, and we work diligently to design events that specifically target the physical, social and emotional needs of our participants. Thanks to the approximately 100 participants and volunteers who helped us put the FUN in FUNDRAISER! This year's clays shoot, held June 17 at Colorado Clays, was a great success.
We're grateful for our longtime donors and for the newcomers who made time to learn more about us and left saying, "Count on me to be helpful!" Indeed, we will. Thanks, too, to the event's generous sponsors -- Buehler Companies, The Bluffs and Herdsman Capital -- and for support received from Bass Pro Shops and Match One Medical. We're also grateful for the fantastic sirloin lunch donated and served by the All-American Beef Battalion and for Alta Vista Dermatology in Highlands Ranch for donating cases of sunscreen! Our shooters competed for prizes and also snared some great gear by entering drawings that raised even more money for the foundation. The day's top shooter scored a 98 on the Colorado Clays course -- so consider that the number to beat at next year's event. Date: May 9, 2023
Location: U.S. Air Force Equestrian Center, Colorado Springs Hosted by: River Deep Foundation and the Remount Foundation Participating Group: Operation TBI Freedom It was another amazing day with nice weather and great conversation at the Air Force Academy! On this venture, four veterans and three family members learned about the benefits of equine-assisted learning (EAL). Instructor Jennie led a few EAL exercises to help participants understand more about this therapeutic approach to taking ownership of their healing, learning how to reconnect with family and friends, and developing the resiliency that helps them reintegrate into society. August 15, 2022
Location: Meridan Golf Club, Englewood, CO Hosted by: River Deep Foundation Golf Tournament Fundraiser It was a perfect day for golf and a great event to help River Deep Foundation continue its mission to support the healing process for wounded veterans and individuals with disabilities. There were many familiar faces back again to support our fundraising efforts as well as new faces excited to learn about how we care and support our veterans. The event started with breakfast followed by time on the driving range and putting greens to warm up. After warming up, everyone eagerly hopped on their golf carts and headed to the first tee to start the days events. The course was in fantastic shape. Everyone had a great time on the course. After 18 holes, everyone gathered at the clubhouse for lunch where the winners of the hole events were announced. Along with prizes for the winners, there were nice door prizes for others. A big thanks to the staff at Meridian Golf Club and all the participants and volunteers who made this a fun and successful fundraising event for River Deep Foundation! Bob Adwar Executive Director, River Deep Foundation Chairman, SCI Humanitarian Outreach June 4, 2022 Location: Kiowa Creek Sporting Club, Bennett, CO Hosted by: River Deep Foundation Sporting Clays Fundraiser We held our annual Kiowa Creek Sporting Clays Fundraiser! The group attending included beginners as well as those who are masters of the sport. Everyone came to have a good time, maybe win a prize or two, and most importantly to support the mission of River Deep Foundation to help wounded veterans and individuals with disabilities on a path to healing and recovery. After the morning shoot, we gathered for lunch at the pavilion and presented prizes to the top teams and gifts to a few lucky winners. A big thanks to everyone who came and donated to a very worthy cause! Bob Adwar Executive Director, River Deep Foundation Chairman, SCI Humanitarian Outreach Date: December 2, 2021
Location: Specialty Appliance Showroom, Greenwood Village Holiday Party and Presentation of Appliance Package Donations For several years, Specialty Appliance has been kind enough to open their Greenwood Village showroom to us so that we can host our wild game cooking classes. This year they approached us with offer to donate three appliance packages to veterans as a thank you for their service. On December 2nd they held a spectacular holiday party at their showroom for colleagues and partners in the Kitchen and Bath industry. Wonderful food, music and festive company was plentiful! During the event, the packages, donated by Whirlpool, were presented to three veterans who are clients Operation TBI Freedom. Each package is worth $3,200 toward the Whirlpool appliances of their choosing. The recipients were very grateful and appreciative for the gift that helped make their holidays extra special. The event also included a silent auction, the proceeds of which were donated to River Deep Foundation. We would like to express out sincere gratitude to everyone at Specialty Appliance and Whirlpool for their continued support, kindness and generosity. We are so proud to have Quality of Life + as part of our alliance and have loved working with students to develop adaptive equipment for our participants. Projects so far have made it easier for individuals with disabilities to participate in archery, sporting clays and fishing. These real-world problem solving experiences are priceless opportunities for everyone involved. We look forward to further projects with QL+ and their partner schools.
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