Nov. 28, 2007 was a very special evening for Environmental
Learning for Kids. Not only were we spending an evening at the Broadmoor Hotel, enjoying a fancy dinner, but more importantly ELK was being honored by the El Pomar Foundation at the 19th annual Awards for Excellence presentation banquet. The event drew over 1,000 civic, community, and non-profit leaders from all over Colorado.

The honorees do not apply for this award, they are nominated and selected by the Awards for Excellence Selection Commission. This Commission is appointed by the El Pomar Trustees, and comprised of many different community leaders throughout the state.

ELK was a finalist for one of El Pomar's Community Stewardship Programs. This program was started in 1989 and has given tremendous support to nonprofits statewide. A total of 33 nonprofits were recognized, in 11 different categories. ELK was in the Environment category.

The night was filled with excitement and anticipation. We knew we would be receiving an award, but which award exactly we had no idea. The success of ELK is a team effort of staff, Board of Directors and most importantly our students. With several Board Members in attendance, along with staff and several students, we knew this was a special night and that we had a lot to be proud of. ELK was a finalist and received a grant of $7,500 for our work. Although we were not awarded the top prize, we were honored to be recognized and to be sharing the evening with such distinguished leaders in the nonprofit sector.