Philanthropy in AmeriTowne

As part of their preparation for Young AmeriTowne, students learn about philanthropy: how to share their time, talents, and treasure with those in need.  Then

The Mayor, Judge, and Community Relations Director of Young AmeriTowne Belmar present a check to Colorado nonprofits.

The Mayor, Judge, and Community Relations Director of AmeriTowne Denver present a check to Colorado nonprofits.

when they visit AmeriTowne, students have an opportunity to put their learning into practice at the Donation Station.  Towne citizens can donate their individual or business earnings to one of six Colorado nonprofits, and those earnings are matched at 10% by the Schlessman Family Foundation (AmeriTowne in Denver) or Community First Foundation (AmeriTowne in Belmar).

The charities are chosen each year by the Youth Advisory Board, a group of 12-16 young people who meet monthly to  learn about banking, business, nonprofits, philanthropy, and leadership, while providing a youth perspective to the adult board and management.  The Board uses a rigorous selection process that includes research and presentation.  The nonprofits selected for the 2016-17 school year were:

• Art from Ashes
• Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
• Blue Sky Bridge
• Canine Partners of the Rockies
• Denver Botanic Gardens
• Denver Museum of Nature and Science
• Make a Wish Colorado
• Rocky Mountain Best
• Ronald McDonald House
• Urban Peak
• YMCA

At the end of every school year, two lucky schools participate in a philanthropy presentation in AmeriTowne where actual checks are presented to each of the nonprofits.  This year’s presentations occurred this week, and donations this year reached a new high.  This school year, students donated $154,435.54 AmeriTowne dollars–that’s more than $5.00 a student.

Thank you AmeriTowne citizens for a record year of giving!