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Nearly 200 workers take part in annual Summer Day of Service

Community contributions take center stage for KSE

By Aaron J. Lopez, Nuggets.com, 7-18-11

Most days at Kroenke Sports & Entertainment revolve around the athletes and musicians that fans know and love.

But once a year, KSE employees make sure that the unsung heroes in the community take center stage.

Nearly 200 employees from KSE and its vendor partners Aramark, Argus, PFS and RPM Parking donated their time to 19 Denver-area agencies and projects on July 13 as part of the company’s annual Summer Day of Service.

The volunteer contributions included walking service dogs for the American Humane Association; painting and cleaning at the Denver Rescue Mission; constructing a home for Habitat For Humanity; and packing food boxes at Food Bank of the Rockies.

“The Kroenke volunteers did a fantastic job and we were so honored to have each of them,” Denver Rescue Mission manager of community events Lisette Williams wrote in an e-mail to KSE. “We are so grateful to you and Kroenke Sports & Entertainment for the huge difference you have made in the lives of so many at the Denver Rescue Mission.”

The volunteers were granted paid-time off for their services.

“In the current economic climate, there are very few companies that would be so open to allowing employees to volunteer their time during a work day,” said KSE Vice President of Community Relations and Fan Development Deb Dowling. “I’m very proud that KSE is one of those organizations and that our department was able to share our love for the community with our co-workers.”

In Lakewood, volunteers installed curtain rods, hung artwork and coordinated a cookout and kickball game for the residents of the Family Tree Gemini adolescent shelter. Family Tree specializes in helping young people overcome child abuse, domestic violence and homelessness.

“On behalf of the dedicated staff and those we serve, thank you for your generous service in support of our mission,” Family Tree wrote. “With your generous donation to Family Tree, you have helped offset the operational expenses of the organization, therefore allowing important funds to help youth and families.”

At Girls Inc. of Metro Denver, volunteers washed and detailed passenger vans used by clients. Founded in 1945, Girls Inc. strives to empower young women and help them develop skills that benefit themselves and their community.

“Thanks to you and the wonderful group that visited our site,” Girls Inc. wrote. “They worked hard all morning to beautify our outdoor space and cleaned our six vans. It all looks fantastic. We truly appreciate it.”

The other agencies involved in the Day of Service were:

  • Anchor Center for the Blind, which provides educational and therapeutic services for infants and children under 5 years old;
  • A Precious Child, which provides clothing, backpacks and school supplies and other basic essentials to children;
  • Bessie’s Hope, which helps at-risk youth connect with residents at assisted-living facilities; Denver Children’s Home;
  • The Delores Project, which provides support and overnight shelter for homeless women;
  • Foothills Animal Shelter, a pet adoption and education center in Golden;
  • Jewish Family Service of Colorado, a human services agency that provides community resources for those in need;
  • Sacred Heart House, a homeless shelter for women and children;
  • Warren Village, which helps low-income, single-parent families transition from the street to self-sufficiency;
  • Women’s Bean Project, which provides job skills and training through its gourmet food production and handmade jewelry manufacturing businesses.


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