The 2023 Philanthropists of the Year were celebrated on Aug. 20 at the Yampa Valley Community Foundation’s 25th annual Celebration of Philanthropy.
The Philanthropist of the Year Award was established in 1998 to heighten the visibility of charitable giving in the Yampa Valley. The award honors individuals, businesses and youth who have exhibited significant giving, insightful leadership, generous volunteerism and who encourage others to contribute by example.
Honorees are nominated by community members and reviewed by the YVCF board members, who determine the award recipients.
2023 Legacy of Philanthropy Award
This year, in addition to the three annual awards, a Legacy of Philanthropy award was given to Jim and Barbara Bronner.
Longtime Steamboat residents, the Bronners have made an immeasurable difference in the Yampa Valley in many ways. Jim has been involved with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Colorado, the Yampa Valley Community Foundation and Strings Music Festival for many years, nearly since the inception of each organization, serving at the highest levels of board participation.
Barbara has been an instrumental contributor to the Routt County Council on Aging and the Catamount Ranch & Club Scholarship Committee.
2023 Individual Philanthropist of the Year
The Individual Philanthropist of the Year award was presented to Craig and Kathleen Wasserman for their outstanding contributions and dedication to various causes in the Yampa Valley.
Since they moved to the valley in 2006, Kathleen is most proud to have co-founded the Choose When initiative, a program funding long-acting reversible contraception for women which was recently adopted by Caring for Colorado to scale state-wide. Kathleen’s leadership and passion have made her a role model for those seeking to make a difference in the lives of women in this community and beyond.
Craig contributes his time and expertise advising and consulting for numerous nonprofits in the community, helping them with general business organization, staff motivation and relationship-building between management, staff and board members.
Utilizing a background in psychology and business consulting, he has assisted the City of Steamboat Springs and has supported nonprofit development programming offered through the Yampa Valley Community Foundation. He is a former Trustee for YVCF, is currently on the board of Strings Music Festival, and serves on the advisory board for Catamount Ranch and Club.
2023 Business Philanthropist of the Year
Sturges Cusenbary Wealth Management was acknowledged as the 2023 Business Philanthropist of the Year for its impact on the Yampa Valley, spearheaded by sister-brother team Laura Cusenbary and Dan Sturges.
As Dan and Laura’s careers and philanthropic paths have evolved, they are grateful to have the opportunity to support organizations and donate to causes that they believe in. One of the nominations submitted for Sturges Cusenbary Wealth Management sums it up by stating, “Our community, our youth and our citizens are better because of Sturges Cusenbary Wealth Management’s contributions, leadership and the example they set. Laura and Dan lead from a financial aspect with consistent financial support for nonprofits and causes they believe in. They lead with their time as volunteers and they make our community a stronger, more connected, friendlier place to live.”
2023 Youth Philanthropist of the Year
The Youth Philanthropist of the Year award was given to Caroline Landers, an inspiring young woman who truly embodies the spirit of youth philanthropy.
Caroline has contributed to the well-being of the younger generations in the community through volunteering and work with Girl Scouts and the Boys and Girls Club, as well as Strings Music Festival, Steamboat Soccer Club and Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club.
Caroline is most proud of earning her Girl Scout Gold Award for creating a lasting curriculum on kindness. Caroline just started her first year at Colorado School of Mines and looks forward to continuing her philanthropic efforts wherever she goes.
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