YMCA Receives Surprise $1 Million Donation from Dearly Departed Supporter on Colorado Gives Day

Largest Online Donation Made in History of Colorado Gives Day

[Denver, December 9, 2015] – Arlene Seaton, a longtime member and friend of the Schlessman Family YMCA, donated $1 million to the organization on Colorado Gives Day – the biggest donation ever made on Colorado Gives Day and one of the largest single donations given to the Y.

The donation came as a surprise to staff at YMCA, as they were unaware the late Seaton included a bequest to make a donation on Colorado Gives Day.

“Our jaws dropped to the floor when we received the call about the incredible gift Arlene donated to us,” YMCA of Metropolitan Denver President & CEO Jim Hiner said. “Many of our staff were close friends with Arlene and were saddened by the news of her passing earlier this year. We didn’t expect this incredible gift from her and will never forget her volunteerism and goodwill.”

Seaton joined the Y in the early 1990s and was actively involved with the nonprofit for two decades. During that time, she volunteered and fundraised for the Y and was honored with the YMCA Volunteer of the Year Award and YMCA Eagle Award for Outstanding Fundraising – two of the highest awards given by YMCA of Metropolitan Denver. She also enjoyed participating in the Y’s active older adults program and formed many friendships with staff and community members. In 2011, several YMCA staff members helped Seaton move to Minnesota to be closer to family. Staff members remained in contact with Seaton until her passing.

“Arlene’s smile lit up the room, and she was passionate about volunteering and raising money for our community programs. Our staff miss her friendship, but will always remember her spirit and goodwill,” says Hiner.

The $1 million donation to YMCA of Metro Denver is part of $28.4 million raised for 1,884 nonprofits on Colorado Gives Day through the Community First Foundation.

“We are thrilled to have received a $1 million dollar gift for the YMCA of Metropolitan Denver on Colorado Gives Day,” says Dana Rinderknecht, director of online giving, Community First Foundation. “It is the single largest gift ever donated on Colorado Gives Day. We are so happy for the YMCA and know they will use this wonderful donation to continue the great work they do to enrich our lives and improve the quality of life in our Colorado communities.”

To learn more about YMCA of Metro Denver, visit www.DenverYMCA.org. To learn more about Colorado Gives Day and Community First Foundation, visit www.ColoradoGives.org.

About the YMCA of Metropolitan Denver
A leading nonprofit, the YMCA of Metropolitan Denver brings together over 68,000 children, teens, members, and volunteers in a shared commitment to strengthen community. Through a variety of programs and services, we promote youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility throughout Denver and at our five locations in Arvada, Littleton, Southwest Denver, University Hills, and downtown. We are one of 2,700 YMCA organizations nationwide, collectively helping more than 21 million people learn, grow, and thrive. To join, donate, or get more information, visit www.denverymca.org.

About Community First Foundation
Since 1975, Community First Foundation has been helping generous donors and innovative nonprofits come together to improve the quality of life and create positive change in Jefferson County, the Denver metropolitan area and beyond. We serve as a connector, partner, collaborator and resource to fuel the power of community for the greater good. We are proud to use our energy, leadership and trusted stewardship of financial resources to energize giving across our state, strengthen nonprofits, support donors and find new ways to address community needs. For more information, visit CommunityFirstFoundation.org.