Michael Bogaards
Denver
Previously @DenverChannel @WVNYWFFF | @UWMadison Class of ‘21 🦡 “Outspoken @nyjets fan” according to @nypost
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Articles by Michael Bogaards
Everyday Hero helps raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for local nonprofit through Roadless Ride
GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. — At Club Greenwood, a bike ride without the road. Athletes here are sweating it out at an indoor cycling class to benefit Brent's Place.
Colorado couple putting on charity golf tournament for 20 years raises $3 million+ for local nonprofits
LONGMONT, Colo. — Eighteen holes for charity at the Ute Creek Golf Course. It's a yearly event, as authentic as the restaurateurs who put it on. "People have stated numerous times that this event here is one of the best golf tournaments they've ever come to — and then we provide them Santiago's, of course," said Carmen Morales, the CEO of Santiago's. One of her three daughters, Rachel Wells, and her husband, Shawn, have helped make it all happen every year since 2004.
American Red Cross volunteer, installing smoke detectors for free, honored as Everyday Hero
October is National Fire Prevention Month, and one way to keep yourself and your family safe is with a smoke detector. "[It's] going to alert somebody when they're fast asleep, that's some type of fire," Michael Fox, a volunteer with the American Red Cross said. "It may not save your structure, but it's gonna allow people to get out of the home." For the last two years, Fox has been leading teams with the American Red Cross, to install those smoke detectors — free of charge.
Centennial nonprofit getting kids with disabilities new mobility equipment as they grow
CENTENNIAL, Colo. — Back-to-school time means plenty of parents out and about, buying new clothes and shoes for their children who outgrew them over the summer. But what happens when a child outgrows their wheelchair? Well, that's where the Kids Mobility Network comes in. "Just as kids are growing out of their shoes and their pants, they're outgrowing their wheelchairs, their walkers, their standards, their bikes," said Peter Kopp, the co-founder of the Kids Mobility Network.
Two sisters making a difference helping fight food insecurity honored as Everyday Heroes
DENVER — It's a busy time of year at the Food Bank of the Rockies. "We're actually seeing higher need right now than we did even in the height of COVID and the time after, because we've really been hit by inflation," said Erin Pulling, CEO at the Food Bank of the Rockies. With so many in need right now — so many volunteers are busy assembling food boxes to go out into the community.
Co-founders of apprenticeship program honored for 10+ years of helping others find jobs in the skilled trades
DENVER — It's words of wisdom for this year's graduating class, coming from the co-founders of The Master's Apprentice. "The Journey upward is filled with a lot of victories but a lot of mistakes," said Luis Villarreal, one of the nonprofit's co-founders, "But mistakes are good. Every decision will shape us. We'll make mistakes, but they're not barriers to success." He's not speaking to high school grads but people of all ages, from all different backgrounds, learning the skilled trades.
Retired consultant teaching and mentoring women getting a fresh start at Women's Bean Project
DENVER — At the Women's Bean Project in Denver's Athmar Park neighborhood, you'll find soup mixes, spices, and snacks packed by women getting a fresh start. "We hire women experiencing chronic unemployment, and together, we work to help them overcome their barriers so that they can move on to mainstream employment in the community," said Tamra Ryan, CEO of the Women's Bean Project. Ryan believes employment can break down barriers.
Volunteer with personal connection to Alzheimer's supports families caring for aging loved ones in two states
FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Like many of the volunteers who work with the Alzheimer's Association, Wendy Abbott has a personal connection to the disease. "My mom lived with Alzheimer's for more than a decade," Abbot said. She went to classes to learn more, and joined support groups to help. Abbott started in her native South Dakota as a caregiver to her mom. She then started running classes, and hosting support groups — expanding those to Colorado.
Special Olympics coach making a difference in young athletes' lives Original
AURORA, Colo. — Year-round sports training for young athletes with disabilities. That's the mission of Special Olympics Colorado — but it wouldn't be possible, without volunteers stepping up to coach the children. Enter, John Larchick. "My son, Jaymin, he's on the team. He's been involved with Special Olympics for quite a few years," recalled Larchick.
Man brings sweets to put smiles on faces of nurses, staff at Children's Hospital Colorado
AURORA, Colo. — Bill LaJoie must have been destined to spread happiness. "LaJoie—it means Joy," he said. "What a great name, what a great deal. Thank you, Mom and Dad!" Every Tuesday at Children's Hospital Colorado, he brings joy— with a bit of help from sugar and caffeine. LaJoie's cookie cart is known throughout the hospital.
Ushering in an Everyday Hero at the famous Chautauqua auditorium
BOULDER, Colo. — The grounds of the Colorado Chautauqua have more than 100 years of history on them — and every summer, you can expect dozens of concerts in their auditorium. But before those concerts can happen, a lot of people put in a lot of work. "Chautauqua is such a special place," said Jeane Woods, volunteer program manager at Colorado Chautauqua.
Volunteer and his 10-year-old Newfoundland keep travelers at ease at Denver airport
DENVER — Every week, Ron Horn finds himself standing and greeting travelers at Denver International Airport's Jeppesen Terminal — with his furry friend by his side. "I'm just a dope on the rope. She does all the work!" he joked. He's talking about his 10-year-old Newfoundland Matilda. The duo is part of the Canine Airport Therapy Squad, or CATS for short. "It's a great way to spend a couple of hours," Horn said. "And she loves it when she sees her vest come out of the drawer at home.
Ushering in an Everyday Hero at the famous Chautauqua auditorium
BOULDER, Colo. — The grounds of the Colorado Chautauqua have more than 100 years of history on them — and every summer, you can expect dozens of concerts in their auditorium. But before those concerts can happen, a lot of people put in a lot of work. "Chautauqua is such a special place," said Jeane Woods, volunteer program manager at Colorado Chautauqua.
Improvement projects in Denver communities made possible with help of devoted volunteer
DENVER — For the nonprofit Extreme Community Makeover, it takes a lot of hands-on, hard work to make Denver neighborhoods shine. Volunteers work with homeowners to get pesky improvement projects done. "[We] really work together, get some of those outside projects that everyone has done, and really build relationships while people are working side by side," said Angela Bomgaars, the executive director of Extreme Community Makeover. The nonprofit started with a simple idea.
Retiring grief camp director celebrates decades of serving Colorado children Original
EVERGREEN, Colo. — After decades of making a difference for Colorado children, Sallie Wandling is celebrating with her colleagues with a well-earned retirement party. "Everyone knows Sallie Wandling across these foothills because of her work as a social worker, as a therapist, counseling, and then with Camp Comfort," said Keri Jaeger, president and CEO at Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice. Wandling founded Camp Comfort in 1995. It's a program for kids dealing with the loss of a loved one.
Woman honored for nearly 6 decades of volunteer service to the Denver Botanic Gardens
DENVER — Through the doors of the Denver Botanic Gardens, tucked away from the beautiful blossoms outside is the herbarium. And plenty of important work is being done there. "We like to document biodiversity across the landscape," said Jennifer Neale, the director of research and conservation at the Denver Botanic Gardens. "We have just over 100,000 specimens that are documented. They are available for study for the public and researchers." The process isn't easy.
Volunteer helping loved ones through Alzheimer's diagnoses, one class at a time
LONGMONT, Colo. — Brenda Gurung has been leading classes on helping loved ones through Alzheimer's for the last decade — from the diagnosis itself to dealing with doctors to driving. "This is a class on difficult conversations," said Jim Herlihy, the senior director of marketing and communications for the Alzheimer's Association Rocky Mountain Region. "How do you talk to your loved ones about the changes you're seeing?
Retired colonel honoring fellow veterans at Colorado retirement community receives honor of his own
HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. — More than a thousand retirees call Wind Crest Senior Living their home, and many of them are veterans. But seven years ago, most of these veterans were unaware of just how many retired armed service members were their neighbors. That's when Colonel Tom Puckett decided to step in by creating the Veterans Committee at Wind Crest, and he's come a long way. "The whole basis of our program, in our first meeting, was to show appreciation for what they've done," said Puckett.
Woman fosters more than 100 animals across 10 years of volunteering for Denver nonprofit
DENVER — Intake day at the PawsCo headquarters means furry friends getting their check-ups before heading to their temporary homes. "We do not have our animals in a shelter setting," said Julia Goodman, the senior director of brand management for PawsCo. "We're all foster-based, and that is intentional, because there are so many animals in shelters that are just not thriving in shelters. That's not the place where they can be their best selves.
Parker nonprofit getting groceries on the table with help from two devoted volunteers
PARKER, Colo. — The fight against food insecurity starts with a small, free food market in the southeastern part of the Denver metro. SECOR Cares is a nonprofit based in Parker, with a mission of helping neighbor feed their families. "Suburban poverty hides in plain sight," said Monica Aden, the volunteer coordinator with SECOR Cares.
Northern Colorado veteran dedicating statues to fellow service members receives honor of his own
LOVELAND, Colo. — Serving those who serve. For Bart Bartholomew, a Navy veteran who deployed to Vietnam in the late 1960s, it's a commitment he takes great pride in. And on Saturday mornings at the Golden Corral restaurant in Loveland, that commitment is on full display. As the founder of the nonprofit Veterans Honoring Veterans, Bartholomew honors fellow members of the military with commemorative statuettes for their branch of service.
Northern Colorado veteran dedicating statues to fellow service members receives honor of his own
LOVELAND, Colo. — Serving those who serve. For Bart Bartholomew, a Navy veteran who deployed to Vietnam in the late 1960s, it's a commitment he takes great pride in. And on Saturday mornings at the Golden Corral restaurant in Loveland, that commitment is on full display. As the founder of the nonprofit Veterans Honoring Veterans, Bartholomew honors fellow members of the military with commemorative statuettes for their branch of service.
5 million meals packed for starving children worldwide, thanks to efforts of two northern Colorado men Original
LOVELAND, Colo. — Good vibes, for a good cause. That's the idea behind the northern Colorado food packing event Slammin' Famine — which brings volunteers in the community together, to pack and ship meals around the world for hungry children. "We get people excited when they pack a box, and that's really part of why people come back," said Brian Zonnefeld, one of the co-founders of Slammin' Famine.
Englewood cafe with a cause celebrates standout volunteer making their mission possible
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — When it comes to kitchen chores, doing the dishes is probably the one most people would avoid. But Marian Bratcher isn't most people. "I get a really good workout — I mean, look at some of these pans," she joked. "Those pans are really big, and they fill up with water, and I can haul them around!" Bratcher is a volunteer at Cafe 180 in Englewood.
Denver's unhoused population served breakfast by familiar face at the Denver Rescue Mission
DENVER — Changing the lives of those experiencing homelessness. That's the message behind the Denver Rescue Mission, and one of their volunteers takes that to heart. Mark Sorency knows mostly everyone there on a first-name basis. "There are some stories that are amazing that people have shared with me down here," Sorency said. "How did they end up there?
16-year-old takes tax season head-on and helps Coloradans get their refunds
WESTMINSTER, Colo. — It is tax time across the country, with just over a week until the IRS deadline. Preparing your returns can be an intimidating process — but not for 16-year-old Chanda Kumar. "I actually took an accounting and finance class my freshman year of high school," said Kumar. "I was really drawn to the financial topics in that course." Topics that not many students her age might lean into.
16-year-old takes tax season head-on and helps Coloradans get their refunds
WESTMINSTER, Colo. — It is tax time across the country, with just over a week until the IRS deadline. Preparing your returns can be an intimidating process — but not for 16-year-old Chanda Kumar. "I actually took an accounting and finance class my freshman year of high school," said Kumar. "I was really drawn to the financial topics in that course." Topics that not many students her age might lean into.
Volunteer with American Red Cross of Colorado making a difference for those displaced by disaster Original
DENVER — Preparing for disaster, by preparing for the people impacted — It's all part of the daily routine, for Diana Dalager and the American Red Cross of Colorado. "When Hurricane Katrina hit, just watching the devastation on the news and hearing about the American Red Cross," Dalager remembered.
Retired teacher sharing her knowledge still finds opportunity to learn from visitors at the Denver Art Museum Original
DENVER — More than 70,000 works of art, design, fashion and architecture are housed at the Denver Art Museum. Enjoying all that it has to offer, is a responsibility that falls partly onto the museum's volunteers. One of those tour guides is Randie Mosenthal.
Volunteer technician with the right tempo helping keep Lakewood nonprofit's pianos in tune
LAKEWOOD, Colo. — Inside the American Samaritan showroom, you might often hear classical songs like Debussy's Clair de Lune ringing out through the frames of pianos. It's part of how volunteer technician Amanda Figge ensures the keys are in harmony. "Music, for me, has always been such a driving force my entire life," said Figge. She's there almost every week, providing an essential service for the nonprofit, which has programs that bring used furniture and pianos to those in need — for free.
Volunteer helps visitors understand history on display at Colorado's Capitol
DENVER — It's been nearly 150 years since Colorado became the nation's 38th state, and so much of that history is on display at the state Capitol. For visitors, their journey through these storied halls is led by a pair of volunteers — Derek Everett and Alex Kyle. Learning about everything under the golden dome can feel daunting, but guides like these two make it easier for guests to absorb its rich history. "I'm very open, I'm a very social person," Kyle said. It's a commitment he takes to heart.
Volunteer technician with the right tempo helping keep Lakewood nonprofit's pianos in tune
LAKEWOOD, Colo. — Inside the American Samaritan showroom, you might often hear classical songs like Debussy's Clair de Lune ringing out through the frames of pianos. It's part of how volunteer technician Amanda Figge ensures the keys are in harmony. "Music, for me, has always been such a driving force my entire life," said Figge. She's there almost every week, providing an essential service for the nonprofit, which has programs that bring used furniture and pianos to those in need — for free.
Boulder County nonprofit honors volunteer serving meals on the street for more than two decades Original
BOULDER, Colo. — Ron Craig likes to wrap up his weekends with a cup of coffee, and some Sunday afternoon conversation with the nonprofit Colorado FriendShip. Helping those in need in Boulder County is their main mission, but it wouldn't be possible without their volunteers. “We set up here every Sunday.
Boulder International Film Festival ushers in 20th year
BOULDER, Colo. — Excitement is in the air at the Grace Commons Church. Volunteers there have been training diligently for one of the city's biggest events of the year — the Boulder International Film Festival. "We founded the festival 20 years ago," Kathy Beeck, the director and co-founder, said. "So, we're really excited about our 20th anniversary this year!" It draws tens of thousands of people to the city, and helping usher in all those guests are volunteers like Jackie Osborn.
Boulder International Film Festival ushers in 20th year
BOULDER, Colo. — Excitement is in the air, at the Grace Commons Church. Volunteers there have been training diligently for one of the city's biggest events of the year — the Boulder International Film Festival. "We founded the festival 20 years ago," said Kathy Beeck, the director and co-founder. "So, we're really excited about our 20th anniversary this year!" It draws tens of thousands of people to the city, and helping usher in all those guests are volunteers like Jackie Osborn.
Couple making all the difference in Denver nonprofit's mission to fund pediatric cancer research
DENVER — Well past the holiday season, volunteers at the Morgan Adams Foundation have been busy wrapping different kinds of presents for a very good reason. It's various forms of art to be auctioned off to help fund research for pediatric cancer. "Over the last 24 years, we're funding well over a million and a half dollars a year in research studies," said Joan Slaughter, the founder of the Morgan Adams Foundation. It's an extremely personal thing for Slaughter, who lost her daughter to cancer.
Couple making all the difference in Denver nonprofit's mission to fund pediatric cancer research
DENVER — Well past the holiday season, volunteers at the Morgan Adams Foundation have been busy wrapping different kinds of presents for a very good reason. It's various forms of art to be auctioned off to help fund research for pediatric cancer. "Over the last 24 years, we're funding well over a million and a half dollars a year in research studies," said Joan Slaughter, the founder of the Morgan Adams Foundation. It's an extremely personal thing for Slaughter, who lost her daughter to cancer.
Golden non-profit keeping track of each and every donation, with assistance from volunteer accountant
GOLDEN, Colo. — The sounds of car care often ring through the garage at Hands of the Carpenter. The non-profit has supported single moms for 20 years by fixing up and finding them cars. "There was not a huge intent behind how we were going to help," remembered Dan Georgopulos, the CEO & Founder of Hands, "It was more about who we were going to help." Operating a non-profit like this is a big responsibility, which is why they rely on the help of volunteers like John Burich.
Wheat Ridge woman making personal connections while driving seniors across Colorado
WHEAT RIDGE, Colo. — Getting outside and getting active can be a challenge for seniors, but the city of Wheat Ridge wants to change that narrative with its Outdoor Recreation Program, taking them on trips all across Colorado.
Volunteer at Lakewood nonprofit doing his part to address food insecurity
LAKEWOOD, Colo. — Every week, Walt Isaac crowds his car with dozens of boxes — each of them filled with food ready to be delivered to those who need it the most. It's all in a day's work for him and the nonprofit Benefits in Action.
Habitat for Humanity relying on standout volunteer to help run Denver ReStore
DENVER — Linda Wilson describes it as a general store, where you never know what's going to be found around the corner. She's talking about Habitat for Humanity's Denver ReStore — where donated items are sold, to help fund the non-profit's mission of constructing homes for those who need them the most.
New year, but the same mission, for one volunteer who is part of the Food Bank of the Rockies family
DENVER — Stacking, lifting, and building pallets upon pallets of groceries. For Martha King, all that weightlifting is just one perk of the work. "I don't have to pay gym fees," King joked. "I get such a good workout just volunteering here, for a good cause." Martha began volunteering at the Food Bank of the Rockies at the height of the pandemic — a time when the pantry desperately needed volunteers.
Aurora ice cream shop with big mission sees success in its first year, thanks to Centennial woman
AURORA, Colo. — At Howdy Homemade Ice Cream, owner Troy Knuckles believes all the employees are heroes. The shop has provided jobs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Aurora for over a year now. While their mission is admirable, it's their signature ice cream that keeps customers coming back. Aurora ice cream shop with big mission sees success in first year, thanks to Centennial woman All of it, hand-made by volunteers like Sheila Bengtson.
This Colorado woman is the driving force behind holiday toy drive with Volunteers of America
GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. — The Christmas magic we see and feel during the holiday season is all because of Santa's little helpers working hard, behind the scenes. Each and every year, Michelle Gruber of First American State Bank is the driving force behind collecting toys for kids in need. The Village Toy Drive brings happiness and joy to thousands of kids every holiday season.
Englewood's Swedish Medical Center helping patients feel holiday joy with volunteer's piano residency
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Every Friday, the halls of Swedish Medical Center in Englewood are filled with the music of one pianist. It's not what you might expect a hospital to sound like — and that's the point. 86-year-old Aldah Medsker performs in the lobby at 11:30 in the morning, for about 90 minutes. She doesn't do it for money— she does it for the love of playing. "I'm 86 years old and I feel 20," remarked Medsker.
Colorado woman lends a helping hand for nonprofit providing essentials to children, families
BROOMFIELD, Colo. — Every Tuesday and Thursday, Sylvia De La Fuente spends her mornings at A Precious Child's donation center. The nonprofit relies on the generosity of the community, to provide and sort essential resources for families in need. "Every time I come here, it gives me meaning, purpose, fulfillment," remarked De La Fuente. "I am doing something to give back to the community." It's a need that she knows all too well.
Colorado man connecting high schoolers to scholarships, no matter their background
DENVER — Even though winter is on the way, one classroom at West High School has its focus on a different season. Minds Matter Colorado is a Denver-based nonprofit that connects low-income and first-generation American students with summer college prep programs, mentorship, and guidance — from volunteers like Mike Raleigh. "This is my 16th year with Minds Matters, and what's kept me coming back is the really cool community," said Raleigh. "The kids are amazing, and they're fun to work with.
Nonprofit yoga classes in Englewood are enveloped by strums of volunteer's guitar
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — In a place of peace, a single guitar can add so much. That's what musician and volunteer Melissa Baehr brings to these yoga classes, for the nonprofit Guided by Humanity. "It is like being enveloped in the music," said Rachel Kaplan, the program director for Guided by Humanity. "And there's something really special about the vibration of an actual instrument." Her music becomes even more important when you learn who the students are.
Volunteer helping with more than just mucking and grooming at Littleton ranch
LITTLETON, Colo. — The healing power of horses is something that Marilyn Eckerling knows quite well. Much of her free time is spent volunteering at the Happy Dog Ranch in Littleton. “I come on Mondays and mock, and groom Tuesdays," said Eckerling. "And [I] ride every other Friday and take a lesson.” We first told you about this horse rescue back in September, when our Denver7 Gives viewers came together and donated thousands of dollars to help them move to a new ranch.
Denver Zoo volunteers sharing their knowledge of animals with guests
DENVER — An autumn chill at the Denver Zoo hasn't stopped visitors from checking out the wildlife. Navigating the many exhibits can be a challenge, which is why the Zoo relies on its over 600 volunteers. "It's a popular place to volunteer, lots of people," said Brianna Cronin, the Zoo's Volunteer Coordinator. "And there's lots of work to do." Two of those volunteers include Yitzy Wihelm and his job coach, Jacki Hamlin. Both have been a part of the Zoo's inclusion program for more than two years now.
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