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.  

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.

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