Cooper, The Group to be honored for philanthropy

DENVER  — Veteran fundraiser Christina Cooper and The Group Real Estate are among 12 individuals, businesses and organizations to be honored in November by the Colorado chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals as part of the observance of 2025 National Philanthropy Day.

According to the list of honorees released Thursday, Cooper will be named Outstanding Professional Fundraiser, and The Group will be cited as Outstanding Large Business.

Cooper, a 2019 BizWest 40 Under Forty honoree, began a new role this month as major gifts officer for public radio stations KUNC-FM 101.5 and KJAC-FM “The Colorado Sound” 105.5 after serving more than 11 years at United Way of Larimer County, rising from donor relations manager to vice president for resource development.

Denver-based Concord Energy LLC was named outstanding small business, the Nathan Yip Foundation was named outstanding foundation, and Sherri Koelbel of Denver was named outstanding philanthropist. Roweena Naidoo of Denver was named outstanding professional grantmaker, while Ri Armstrong of Golden was cited as outstanding volunteer, and Laura Mendez of Denver was named outstanding volunteer fundraiser.

Ellie Caulkins of Denver will receive a lifetime achievement award, while Lakewood-based Firefly Autism will get an inspiration award.

Amy Xia of Greenwood Village was named outstanding youth and the Gunnison High School Legion Club was recognized as the state’s outstanding youth group. Each of those youth honorees will receive $3,000 scholarships from the Boettcher Foundation.

“These honorees remind us that philanthropy is not just about giving money; it’s about building a culture of care, equity and opportunity,” Amy Farnan, chair of the 2025 National Philanthropy Day Colorado Steering Committee, said in a prepared statement. “Whether they’re rallying a community, supporting youth or leading with vision, each has made a mark that will ripple for years to come.”

The awards will be presented at a luncheon on Nov. 6 at the Seawell Ballroom in the Denver Center for Performing Arts complex. Registration and ticket sales are officially open; more information is available here.

Every year since 1986, when President Ronald Reagan first proclaimed Nov. 15 as National Philanthropy Day, communities across the globe have celebrated by hosting events to recognize activities of donors, volunteers, foundations, leaders, corporations and others engaged in philanthropy.

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