In 1887, a community-minded woman, a priest, two ministers and a rabbi came together to form what would evolve into today’s United Way. Colorado was home to the very first United Way, and the benefits of bringing people together to work collaboratively on complex social issues spread to Northern Colorado in 1958.

This organization has evolved over time in order to respond to community priorities and is now United Way of Larimer County. For 60 years, United Way has harnessed the amazing generosity of Larimer County to make a difference for youth and families.

From the Fort Collins Community Chest, founded in 1936 with a goal of raising $8,000 to support five agencies, to our merger of Fort Collins Area United Way and United Way of Loveland, Berthoud, Estes Park in 2003; from our Pathways Past Poverty initiative of 2006 to our support of the community during the floods and fires of 2012 and 2013; from our Collective Impact work in 2015 to the launch of our Innovation Grants this summer – United Way of Larimer County has continuously progressed to meet the ever-changing needs of our community.

In January, we will be celebrating 60 years of strengthening our community with a cocktail party unlike any other. We’ll be raising a glass to all that we have accomplished through collaboration. We will take a historic look at the people, organizations and businesses who have shaped the communities of Larimer County over the last 60 years. We will honor a family and an organization with “Collaborator of the Year” awards for their impact on our community and celebrate the local businesses that have helped us achieve our fundraising goals.

In addition, we will highlight nonprofits who have applied for an Innovation Grant – United Way’s new funding stream that supports innovative ideas, time-sensitive community needs and opportunities to leverage matching funds to improve outcomes for Larimer County families and children. Attendees will be able to donate to the project of their choice and all proceeds raised will go to support local nonprofits making an impact in the area of Youth & Education or Financial Stability.

We hope you will join us for cocktails, appetizers and music as we celebrate 60 years of success through collaboration in Larimer County! Purchase your tickets today or contact us to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

Annie Davies, President / CEO
United Way of Larimer County