Robust early response to CU-Boulder Disaster Recovery Fund
Saturday at Folsom Field, Buffs wide receiver D.D. Goodson helps serve food to Boulder residents displaced by the week's floods.
Since President Bruce Benson and Chancellor Philip DiStefano announced the establishment of the CU-Boulder Disaster Recovery Fund late Monday, more than 800 gifts totaling over $100,000 have been recorded.
The high volume of support reflects outstanding compassion from CU alumni, faculty, staff and other individuals both locally and as far afield as New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
Along with their gifts came an outpouring of positive comments from donors toward the CU and Boulder communities.
“Having also lived in New York City during 9/11, I know that the disbelief and pain never recede,” wrote one donor, a 1969 alumna and former CU employee. “But as the powerful and damaging waters recede in Boulder, I also know firsthand the even greater power of people coming together to confront and fix the damage. May more golden days shine on my fellow Buffs.”
But the flood-related financial need among CU-Boulder students, faculty and staff remains deep and pervasive. A number of students lost everything: housing, clothing, equipment, books and course materials. Many hundreds – and likely thousands – of people are dealing with some of the above losses or other financial hardships.
For this reason, an aggressive push to promote this Recovery Fund continues now and in the weeks to come. To make a tax-deductible gift to this fund now, click here.
“The outpouring of support has been tremendous,” says Kelly Cronin, vice president of advancement. “The losses are still being realized and the University of Colorado, along with alumni and friends, has stepped up to help those in need. We continue to raise money to help students, faculty and staff in need.”
The process for allocating these funds will be determined by campus leadership in the near future, and will be announced at an appropriate time.
The CU-Boulder campus reopened and resumed activities earlier this week, and the university has marshaled significant resources to help those hardest-hit by the flood — such as providing meals and housing for affected students living at CU-Boulder.
Among other visible efforts, CU staffed tables at the University Memorial Center this week, and as of Wednesday had served 170 students with diverse flood-related needs — with 100 more requests waiting to be addressed.
The CU-Boulder Disaster Recovery Fund effort will make immeasurable strides toward helping CU continue to aid the individuals who make it great. Commented another donor, “Let’s get these people back in some nice warm and clean homes!”