Colorado Politics

Pat Stryker puts up $2 million to match donations for hurricane relief

Pat Stryker is known for many things – billionaire, businesswoman, Stryker Corp. heiress and one of the four rich Democrats who helped turn Colorado into a purple state. But on the list of her credits, philanthropist could be underlined in red.

Her Bohemian Foundation, which has givens millions in grants in Colorado, is offering to match up to $2 million in donations from residents and businesses in Weld and Larimer counties to the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado’s Hurricane Harvey Recovery Fund.

The money will help with the relief and recovery in Texas from the devastating storm.

Donations can be made online.

“This relief fund is a way for Northern Colorado and Bohemian Foundation to help the thousands of individuals who have suffered losses from Hurricane Harvey,” Stryker said in a statement. “We join all citizens around the nation in expressing our concern, and know that our generous community will answer this challenge.”

Donations that qualify for the match are due by Oct. 20. Anyone with question can contact the Community Foundation at DonorServices@NoCoFoundation.org or 970-224-3462.

“One thing we learned from the Northern Colorado fires of 2012 and floods of 2013 is that there are two distinct areas to address: immediate relief efforts and long-term needs,” Community Foundation president Ray Caraway said in a statement. “This fund will support the work of vetted charitable organizations as they undertake necessary recovery efforts.”

He said the Community Foundation would not take any money from donations to cover administrative costs.

Stryker, who lives in Fort Collins, created the foundation in 2001, which has handed out millions in grants in Colorado. It typically supports national and international programs for youth, music, global and civic matters.

Forbes magazine lists her wealth at $3.1 billion.

She has spent plenty of her fortune on politics, giving at least $3 million before last year’s election, the Fort Collins Coloradoan reported.

She, Jared Polis, Rutt Bridges and Tim Gill are called the “Gang of Four” who gave to liberal political causes that have helped Democrats duel Republicans at the ballot.


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