Thank you to our supporters!
With your generosity we raised $115,760!
Rising Together Inaugural Award honoring Jeff & Daphne Mendel
Daphne and Jeff Mendel are the inaugural recipients of our Rising Together Award, recognizing the partnership between those who can effect change and young people who have the capacity but not always the support, to rise beyond their circumstances. Former foster parents themselves, Jeff and Daphne bring lived experience, compassion, and a belief in what young people can achieve when given the right support.
Jeff and Daphne have been an integral part of Forward Steps since 2008, helping shape our growth, strengthen our community connections, and expand opportunities for our scholars. Jeff spent 30 years in the craft brewing industry, including two decades as a partner and director at Left Hand Brewing Co., and co-founded Tabernash Brewing Co., Indian Peaks Distributing Co., and the Colorado Brewers Guild. Daphne, a CPA, built a distinguished career in internal audit leadership and consulting at major multinational corporations. She is passionate about golf. They share a deep love of animals and live in Boulder with their therapy dog, Brooks, who brings joy to many residents in retirement communities.
Jeff and Daphne’s deep commitment to helping others was inspired by Jeff’s mother, Jean, whose legacy continues through them. Jean gave generously to the people and causes she cared about, and Forward Steps held a special place in her heart through her son and Daphne. Her warmth, kindness, and presence at our annual events made her a cherished part of the Forward Steps community. That legacy is woven into the commitment Jeff and Daphne continue to bring to Forward Steps and our scholars.
Together, Jeff and Daphne have been devoted advocates for our scholars and for the mission of Forward Steps.
Forward Steps works to advance equitable access along the education and workforce development talent pipeline in Colorado through financial support, mentoring, resource navigation, and customized career and postsecondary readiness programming helping students navigate high school persistence and graduation, and postsecondary enrollment, persistence, attainment, and successful workforce entry earning a sustainable wage.
Forward Steps has two programs along this continuum: Realizing Aptitudes and Guardian Scholars.
Our Goal
This fall, our Guardian Scholars applications reached a record high. Without additional funding, we’ll need to waitlist deserving scholars instead of welcoming them into the program. To fully fund this cohort and grow the number of students we serve past 50, we need to raise $216,000. Can you help us elevate these scholars?
Sponsor the Annual Event
How You Can Support
When we invest in our scholars, we invest in a resilient and prospering community. Contact Jennifer Falkoski to learn how you can sponsor the event: call (720) 795-4473 or email [email protected]
CHAMPION – $15,000
∙ Table of 12 or two tables of 6
∙ Naming of Forward Steps’ scholar workshop series for one year
∙ Recognition in event video shown during the program and shared after the event
∙ Title sponsor with logo in Forward Steps’ advertisement in the Boulder Daily Camera
∙ Full page tribute or advertisement in print and digital program
∙ One year name or logo on the Forward Steps homepage and newsletters
∙ Verbal acknowledgment during the event program
∙ Recognition in pre-event communications to the Forward Steps donor and supporter network
∙ Custom table signage
∙ Name or logo on print and digital event communications
∙ Recognition in auction software at the event and on the auction site
LEADER – $10,000
∙ Table of 8 or two tables of 4
∙ Logo in Forward Steps’ advertisement in the Boulder Daily Camera
∙ Half page tribute or advertisement in print and digital program
∙ Six months name or logo on the Forward Steps homepage and newsletters
∙ Verbal acknowledgment during the event program
∙ Recognition in pre-event communications to the Forward Steps donor and supporter network
∙ Custom table signage
∙ Name or logo on print and digital event communications
∙ Recognition in auction software at the event and on the auction site
PARTNER – $5,000
∙ Table of 6
∙ Logo in Forward Steps’ advertisement in the Boulder Daily Camera
∙ Quarter page tribute or advertisement in print and digital program
∙ Three months name or logo on the Forward Steps homepage and newsletters
∙ Custom table signage
∙ Name or logo on print and digital event communications
∙ Recognition in auction software at the event and on the auction site
PATRON – $2,500
∙ 4 tickets
∙ Logo in Forward Steps’ advertisement in the Boulder Daily Camera
∙ Listing tribute or advertisement in print and digital program
∙ One month name or logo on the Forward Steps homepage and newsletters
∙ Name or logo on print and digital event communications
∙ Recognition in auction software at the event and on the auction site
FRIEND – $1,000
∙ 2 tickets
∙ Name in Forward Steps’ advertisement in the Boulder Daily Camera
∙ Listing in tribute or advertisement in print and digital program
∙ Name or logo on print and digital event communications
∙ Recognition in auction software at the event and on the auction site