by Barbara Pingrey
One week ago today was my last day in the Foothills United Way offices. I want to say thank you. It is you, the members of the community, who have allowed me the honor and privilege of serving for 15 years. It has been through your generosity of time, expertise and gifts that, together, we have created opportunities where none existed, provided hope for those in need and changed lives forever.
Thank you for taking the word “community” out of the context of a geographical place and raising it to mean a group of people with common aspirations that inspire others to action on behalf of all. Our community has done this over and over during the last 15 years. Whether it was the generous outpouring during and following the September 11th attacks, the disaster that was named Katrina or the Fourmile Fire right in our own backyard, you helped. You offered your time, opened your homes and each one found the way that he or she could assist in easing others suffering.
Thank you for your vision. Every day you look at what is and work to make reality out of what could be. Without your vision, Day of Caring could not have grown to be ten times the size it was in 1998. You said, “We can make a difference for more people.” And you continue to do it.
Most of all, thank you for caring. Over the last 15 years, I have witnessed almost daily the impact of your individual and collective efforts. Whether it was a small group of young girls who sold lemonade and gave the proceeds to help in the Fourmile recovery or a corporate team who spent a cold, foggy day repairing fences at a camp for children----you cared and you have shown it.
I look forward to continuing to be part of our community and to sharing the challenges and victories with you as we, together, support the work of Foothills United Way.
Barbara Pingrey is the recently retired former president and CEO of Foothills United Way. She continues to work as a community advocate in Boulder and Broomfield Counties.
