Giving back to our local communities has always been the cornerstone of who we are at Origin CPA Group. Our firm has donated to local nonprofit organizations for decades, both through financial and in-kind contributions.
Why do we make it a priority to give back? It’s important to us to be valuable and meaningful to our local communities—to show up and be counted on. At the end of the day, we’re a system of human beings. Once we become anonymous to one another, then our needs become anonymous to one another as well.
Each month, to further build up and build connection within our communities, we empower an Origin team member to choose a local nonprofit to receive a $1,000 contribution from our firm. This team member then nominates another team member to choose the next month’s charitable donation recipient.
The nominated team member shares the charity of their choosing and why it’s personally meaningful to them. Not only does this give us the chance to donate to organizations that are close to our team members’ hearts but it also helps us learn more about local nonprofits and the lives they touch.
Here are the stories behind the first 6 months of our 2023 donations.
January: The Epilepsy Foundation of Colorado and Wyoming – Reese Vogel
“For January’s donation I chose the Epilepsy Foundation of Colorado and Wyoming. The foundation focuses on research and education about epilepsy to help both the individuals and their families. Their mission is to “lead the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures and save lives.”
I chose the Epilepsy Foundation because I know firsthand just how scary and disruptive to everyday life epilepsy and its seizures are. I want to give back to help people find the same level care and support that I received.”
To learn more, head to https://epilepsycoloradowyoming.org/
February: Ray of Hope Cancer Foundation’s Mental Health Support Program – Sarah S.
“The Ray of Hope Cancer Foundation’s Mental Health Support Program offers therapy to cancer patients and their family members provided by licensed professionals who have specialized training in psychosocial oncology, medical trauma, health psychology and anxiety, and more. After launching this program last year, the foundation opened it to the entire community starting this year!
The Mental Health Support Program is available to all Colorado residents who have been diagnosed with cancer, experience a progression in their diagnosis, or are family members of a person with a cancer diagnosis or who has passed from cancer.
A $1,000 donation will provide recipients of the program between 10–14 therapy sessions. A program just like this (in Texas) was invaluable to my sister’s mental health while she was going through treatment.”
To learn more, head to https://rayofhopecolorado.org/therapy/
March: Kobu Foundation – Anonymous
“For March’s donation, I chose the Kobu Foundation. Kobu was founded by three Colorado University students who still run the foundation today along with several other CU students. In Colorado, more than 566,00 people are food insecure, and 147,120 of them are children. Kobu was founded to help reduce these numbers.
Over the last four years, Kobu has been able to deliver more than 200,000 meals. They continue to deliver meals every Friday from Community Food Share right here in Louisville to those in need in and around Boulder County.”
To learn more, head to https://www.kobufoundation.org/
April: Dharma’s Garden – Emily Lawrence
“For April’s donation, I chose Dharma’s Garden. Dharma’s Garden is a half-acre educational garden in North Boulder with volunteer opportunities, workshops, festivals, and a place for community and connection to the earth right in the middle of town. They serve as a model for ethical land stewardship and all are welcome to visit.
I have lived and worked on several organic farms, which gave me insight into the power of growing and sharing food with others.”
To learn more, head to https://www.wonderhaven.org/
May: Community Food Share – Erika Chirdon
“I chose the Community Food Share for May’s donation because eating is a daily source of joy for me. Knowing that simply finding a meal is a daily struggle for some people tugs on my heartstrings. I can’t imagine the stress and discomfort of having to miss multiple meals.”
To learn more, head to https://communityfoodshare.org/
June: Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter – Brenda Fernandez
“I chose Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter in my hometown of Trinidad. It’s a small shelter and they have a 100% placement rate of adoptable pets. They also donate food that they can’t use to the homeless shelter for people who cannot afford pet food.
Animals are so important to me, especially my dog Poe!”
To learn more, head to https://noahsarktrinidad.org/
A journey is better when shared
We’re grateful for these nonprofits and the work they do to improve the lives of those in our cherished communities. We invite you to visit their websites to learn more about their missions and how you can support their work. We’ll continue to collect the stories behind our team members’ monthly donation choices and look forward to sharing them with you in early 2024.
If you have questions about these organizations, we are happy to connect with you.