Members of University Advancement paint the Washington Street Community Center.
Individuals from throughout the University of Denver participated in Denver Days, a citywide effort to engage neighborhoods through community service projects and neighborhood activities. About 50 members of the advancement team — from University Advancement and across campus — volunteered a total of 313 hours to paint the Washington Street Community Center on Aug. 7 and 8.
The service project was an opportunity for Advancement team members to step aside from their day-to-day work and forge new collaborations while investing in the local Denver community. Advancement members came together both in the spirit of Denver Days and as an opportunity to participate in the University’s 1864 Service Challenge. Saskia Sawyer, director of gifts and records, organized and led the effort.
“It is so exciting to see everyone working together for a cause and organization outside the University that does such important work for our community,” says Scott Lumpkin, vice chancellor for University Advancement.
The Washington Street Community Center (WSCC) is located just a few miles from the DU campus. It provides programs to meet the needs of working families, individuals and groups in the area, as well as serving as a neighborhood hub for learning and gathering.
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock stopped by the center on Aug. 8 to help with painting and to affirm University Advancement’s investment in the local community. News staff from several local television stations as well as the Denver Post covered the event.
“We hope that this event, and the energy and attention that was generated by DU’s investment in WSCC, will help other organizations, businesses and individuals recognize the value of investing in the community,” says Roberta Bloom, executive director of WSCC. “These are challenging times for small nonprofits like the Washington Street Community Center, and we need this sort of help in order to fulfill our mission of service to the community.”