GIRLS INC. OF METRO DENVER

Denver

News: Perhaps it was coincidence, and everyone would have given generously anyway. But it was hard not to notice how quickly bid cards were raised – and stayed up — during the special appeal at My Bold Future, the May 14 fundraising luncheon for Girls Inc. Of Metro Denver.

The enthusiastic response came after Kayla Garcia, the organization’s president and chief executive officer, made some sobering remarks.

“We’ve suddenly become a liability to our partners and funders,” Garcia noted. “Opportunities are being taken away from our girls because of the banned words” that are part and parcel of the Girls Inc. mission to help ALL girls to be strong, smart and bold.

While words such as gender, women, under-represented communities and diverse backgrounds are sending out red flags to potential, or long-time, supporters, “We at Girls Inc. aren’t built that way,” Garcia said, adding that her organization exists to give girls the best possible preparation for success.

“More challenges will come our way,” she acknowledged, “but we will figure out how to do more with less. We will never stop fighting for your future.”

With that, Girls Inc board member Simone Ross, secretary of the Girls Inc. board and president/CEO of the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce, began the special appeal. First thing she did is ask if any of the 600-plus guests was willing to kick things off with a $10,000 gift. Three paddles were raised. After that, Seawell Ballroom was awash in paddles being thrust in the air for giving levels ranging from $5,000 to $100.

In the end, some $390,000 was raised from ticket sales, sponsorships and the special appeal. “And still counting,” according to an email message sent to supporters on Tuesday.

The luncheon also was the occasion to present Comcast, the Denver Broncos Foundation and Liz Gardner, executive director of the DaVita Giving Foundation, with the 2025 Catalyst for Girls award. In addition, $125,000 in college scholarships were distributed to 18 members of Girls Inc. of Metro Denver.

United Airlines was the presenting sponsor for My Bold Future, and Capt. Claudia Zapata-Cardone spoke briefly about how her late father had instilled a love of aviation in her and encouraged her to follow her dreams of becoming a pilot.

About the organization: Girls Inc. of Metro Denver’s mission is to help girls develop the skills needed to grow into successful, independent adults. It focuses on the development of the whole girl, helping her to learn to value herself, take risks and discover and develop her inherent strengths. Its motto: “We change the world, not the girl.”

Website: girlsincdenver.org

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