NONPROFITS AROUND TOWN: Cheyenne Village on the beach; Greccio photos

Head for the beach for a shrimp boil, the invite said. And no one had to book a flight to California.

On went the beachcomber pants, and drivers headed for the beach — yes, beach — at Cheyenne Mountain Resort on July 23 for the first shrimp boil/s’mores at the fire pit to benefit Cheyenne Village.

Relaxing at long tables on the sand beside the lake, rum punch in hand, guests dug into big bowls of shrimp, smoked kielbasa and corn, and plates of fresh veggies. Baguettes were ripped apart and passed along. Then folks headed for the fire pit to singe some marshmallows for get-it-all-over-your face s’mores.

Executive Director Ann Turner reported that, despite funding reductions, the locally established nonprofit serving adults with developmental disabilities helped 200 clients last year. A 40th anniversary celebration is set for next year.

Turner introduced Bunny and Ralph Routon, whose son, Mitch, lives independently in Manitou Springs. Born in 1979, Mitch had a stroke when he was 10 days old, and seizures started when he was 4. However, Mitch graduated from Manitou Springs High School, and when he was 22 moved with his family to Florida, where he lived in an apartment by the beach.
When the family started discussing moving back to Colorado Springs, Mitch didn’t even wait for everyone else and headed back to Colorado on his own.

Mitch got a job he loves at Safeway and a little cabin at Cheyenne Village (“Finally, Dad, my own home.”) “This is not a short-term thing,” Ralph said. “This is Mitch’s life.”
Bunny, the admitted worrier in the family, said, “Cheyenne Village has made all the difference. Now, I can sleep at night.”

Beer fest helps Cañon

The fourth annual Springs Beer Fest, which filled Antlers Park with 1,800 beer lovers July 24, raised $25,000 for the Friends of Cheyenne Cañon.
The nonprofit conservation group works to preserve and protect the 1,600-acre North Cheyenne Cañon Park.
At the Beer Fest, more than 30 breweries showcased their staple, seasonal and unusual beers.
Festival director was Dustin Frazier, general manager of Old Chicago Restaurants.

Starlight kids camp

Employees of the local California Pizza Kitchen treated more than 100 of Starlight Children’s Foundation’s seriously ill children and their family members to a CPKids Camp Great Escape.  A “day down on the ranch,” complete with hayrides, stilts, horseshoes, croquet and a candy scramble was topped off with a pizza lunch.
Starlight and CPK have partnered to bring 20 CPKids Camp Great Escapes to cities across the country this year.

CASA partners honored

More than 230 local companies have supported CASA of the Pikes Peak Region in its work with abused and neglected children.

Representatives were treated to a reception July 14 at the El Paso Club.
Businessman Kenton Pass, CASA board member and chair of CASA’s Community Partnerships Committee, noted that even during a difficult economy, local businesses and corporations made a significant commitment to the community and helped CASA serve 886 children in the past year.

Receiving the 2010 CASA Corporate Partner Awards were C&C Sand and Stone, represented by Bill and Brian Johannsen, and The Gazette, represented by Steve Pope, president and publisher.

C&C has been an investor in CASA’s work since 2001 and has gifted more than $18,000 in donations and in-kind gifts and services. Staff members are encouraged to get involved in the community, and employee donations to nonprofits are matched by the company.

During the “Casas for CASA” playhouse projects, Bill Johannsen and his staff donated their time and equipment to move 10 or more large playhouses into local malls for display. They would then deliver each of these playhouses to the winners’ homes.

The Gazette has been a CASA partner since 1994. The company was a lead supporter in the 2003 capital campaign to purchase CASA’s permanent home. The Gazette encourages employees to volunteer in the community. In addition, said the award, The Gazette has supported CASA with more than $209,000 in grants and in-kind advertising space.

CHEYENNE VILLAGE SHRIMP BOIL ON THE BEACH
1. Dale Tanner speared a shrimp
2. Executive Director Ann, left, and Vern Turner
3. Patty Gravette hesitantly roasted marshmallows for s’mores
4. Annette Spear, left, and Phillip Bird
5. Jeannie Porter, left, and the resort’s Melodie Owens
6. Susan Fountain, left, and Deb Tanner
7. Pete Tyree, left, and Carl Cruz
8. Jan, left, and Chuck Allton
9. Jan, left, and Don Cesare
10. Todd Laxson, left, and Ann Cesare
11. Paul Carroll
12. Sheryl, left, and Larry Dillon
13. Mary, left, and Joseph Salute

GRECCIO HOUSING HONORS DONORS AND PARTNERS
1. Greccio Housing Executive Director Rich Strycker, left, and Dick Siever of Woodmen Valley Chapel reported on the nonprofit collaborations at West Community Center, which will be maintained by the church volunteers through 2012.
2. From left, Greccio’s Lee Willis and Heide Abbey introduced Matthew Batzel, a criminal justice major who received the Greccio Resident Council scholarship funded through residents’ annual yard sale.