The Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs was honored to receive the prestigious Non-Profit of the Year award at the Pagosa Springs Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala on February 7.
“Congratulations to this year’s Non-Profit of the Year winner—the Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs—for practicing ‘Service Above Self’ here in Pagosa Springs for 44 years,” announced Chamber Director Mary Jo Coulehan during the event.
To be nominated for this award, an organization must meet qualifications, including:
Operating as a 501(c)(3) in Pagosa Springs/Archuleta County for at least three years.
Providing a necessary service.
Serving the community with distinction and excellence.
Enhancing and enriching the community.
Maintaining a positive image in the community.
Being a Chamber member.
The Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs has far exceeded these qualifications, demonstrating an enduring commitment to the community through service, fundraising, and impactful partnerships.
A legacy of service and impact
“Forty-four years of service in this community,” Coulehan said, noting Rotary’s extensive contributions. “Scholarships, teacher mini-grants, backpack program, highway cleanup program, a youth exchange, building houses with Habitat. And then there is the community ‘investment’ program."
Coulehan highlighted the club’s three-year giving campaign supporting transformative projects, including:
Library Expansion Project – Enhancing access to knowledge and resources.
Aspen House – Supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in leading independent lives.
Wings Early Childhood Center – Strengthening early childhood education opportunities.
In addition to these major projects, the Rotary Club actively supports Rise Above Violence, Habitat for Humanity, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Pagosa Outreach Connection, among other organizations.
“Their motto is ‘Service Above Self.’ And just in the year 2023-2024, this group of 83 members collectively contributed over 7,500 hours of service and raised almost $75,000, which was invested directly back into our community. Since 1982, this group has proudly awarded $564,000 in scholarships to over 20 local high school students, helping them advance their academic journeys and future,” Coulehan added.
Strengthening the community through collaboration
The Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs believes in the power of collaboration. Beyond financial contributions, members dedicate their time and skills to strengthen the community. Some of their ongoing initiatives include:
Partnering with Habitat for Humanity to build homes for local families in need.
Organizing trash clean-up efforts on Put Hill, promoting a cleaner and greener Pagosa Springs.
Supporting fundraising initiatives for organizations like Rise Above Violence and Pagosa Outreach Connection, amplifying their critical work.
By combining financial resources, hands-on labor, and unwavering dedication, Rotary members continuously work hand-in-hand with other nonprofits to drive meaningful change.
A mission rooted in service
The Rotary motto, “Service Above Self,” is the foundation of initiatives the club undertakes. Rotary’s mission is to:
Provide service to others.
Promote integrity.
Advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.
Since 1982, the Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs has proudly awarded $564,125 in scholarships to 201 local high school graduates to pursue college and vocational education. Seven Pagosa Springs scholarship winners are currently navigating their academic journeys toward bright futures.
The Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs is honored to receive this award and remains committed to making a lasting difference in the community for years to come.