Something special happened at Bar Down Tavern on April 15th. 

The Summit Foundation and BGV Gives share a deep belief that what makes this community truly special are the nonprofit organizations who dedicate themselves to the health and well-being of our people and place. So, we did something about it. We brought over 70 of those organizations together, not for a grant announcement, not for a training, but for a morning built around connection, celebration, and the kind of honest conversation that only happens when you're in a room full of people who understand exactly what this work feels like. Taking that moment to recognize just how much is accomplished when we work together was something none of us expected to feel so strongly. A morning, we can't wait to replicate. 

A Morning Built Around You 

The Summit Impact Celebration was designed with one thing in mind: honoring the organizations that show up every single day for Summit County. The nonprofit leaders in that room represent thousands of hours of work, countless acts of care, and a collective commitment to making this place somewhere everyone can thrive. We wanted to create a morning worthy of that. And we think we got there. 

Penny Zenker Showed Us What's Possible 

Our keynote facilitator, Penny Zenker, brought energy to the room that was impossible to ignore. Equal parts inspiring and practical, Penny challenged every person in attendance to think bigger about what partnership can look like in the real, everyday work of running a nonprofit in a mountain community. Collaboration isn't a nice-to-have. It's a multiplier. 

Stories That Stopped the Room 

Two partnership videos played during the morning, and both did something remarkable. They made the abstract feel real. Watching High Rockies Community School and MALT tell the story of what they built together and seeing the collaboration between the Summit School District and Proyecto Thrive brought to life on screen, reminded everyone why partnership is worth the effort. These aren't just feel-good stories. They are proof that when Summit County organizations choose to work together, the community wins. 

A Toast to the Work 

At the heart of the morning was a simple but powerful moment: a toast to our nonprofit community. To the staff who stretch every dollar. To the volunteers who give their time. To the leaders who keep showing up even when the work is hard. Summit County is what it is because of you, and we wanted you to hear that clearly, in a room full of your peers. 

Thank You, BGV Gives 

None of this would have happened without our founding partner, BGV Gives. Their commitment to standing alongside the organizations doing the essential work of caring for this community made the inaugural Summit Impact Celebration possible. We are proud to have built this together. 

Here's to What Comes Next 

The Summit Foundation is committed to supporting our nonprofit community in more ways than money. From learning opportunities to shared resources, from building networks to moments of celebration like this one, we know we are stronger together. 

Find out about all our Nonprofit Resources 

Together, we make an impact.