Philanthropy

Giving Back
in Denver

Highlighting the organizations and leaders making a profound impact on our community. True luxury is having the capacity to elevate others.

Denver's philanthropic community is as remarkable as its luxury real estate market. Living the Denver Lifestyle spotlights the charities, nonprofits, and community leaders who make Denver extraordinary for everyone. In Episode One, Rick Janson - HGTV Host and Compass Luxury Realtor® - attended the Denver Kids 80th Anniversary Gala and sat down with CEO Jay Grimm, whose organization has empowered Denver students for eight decades.

Denver Kids 80th Anniversary

True luxury is having the capacity to elevate others. In Episode One of Living the Denver Lifestyle, Rick Janson steps inside the vibrant 80s-themed fundraiser celebrating 80 years of Denver Kids - one of the city's most enduring and impactful nonprofits.

Denver Kids empowers students to graduate from high school, pursue post-secondary options, and become contributing members of the community. Their mentorship model pairs at-risk Denver public school students with caring adult mentors - changing trajectories across generations.

The Mission

Denver Kids empowers students to graduate from high school, pursue post-secondary options, and become contributing members of the community. Their impact spans generations, proving that mentorship changes lives.

Through real estate, we build homes. Through philanthropy, we build futures. Living the Denver Lifestyle is proud to feature and support organizations that make Denver an incredible place to live for everyone - from luxury buyers to students who need someone in their corner.

Jay Grimm - CEO, Denver Kids

Rick Janson sits down with Jay Grimm, CEO of Denver Kids, who also happens to be the powerhouse drummer for the live event band Alter Ego. It is a testament to the fact that Denver's leaders don't just write checks - they show up, perform, and energize the community.

"Denver's leaders don't just write checks - they show up, perform, and energize the community."

Rick Janson, HGTV Host - Living the Denver Lifestyle, Episode One

Jay Grimm's dual role as nonprofit CEO and live performer captures something essential about Denver's philanthropic spirit: it is personal, energetic, and fully committed. The 80th Anniversary Gala raised critical funds while celebrating the joy of community - with the CEO himself on stage driving the music.

Featured on Episode One

The Denver Kids 80th Anniversary Gala was filmed for Episode One of Living the Denver Lifestyle - providing national television exposure on HGTV, FOX, CBS, NBC, and ABC to one of Denver's most important nonprofits.

Denver's Philanthropic Spirit

Denver consistently ranks among America's most philanthropic cities per capita. The luxury community plays an outsized role - from gala fundraisers to board leadership to hands-on mentorship. Living the Denver Lifestyle is committed to giving these organizations the visibility they deserve.

Education & Youth

Organizations like Denver Kids connect students with mentors who change the trajectory of their lives. Denver Public Schools' foundation and Colorado Uplift are among other leaders in this space.

Arts & Culture

The Denver Art Museum, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, and the Colorado Symphony all rely on philanthropic support from Denver's luxury community to maintain world-class programming.

Food Security

Food Bank of the Rockies and Project Angel Heart serve thousands of Denver families annually. Denver's restaurant community - from James Beard nominees to local chefs - regularly rallies to support these missions.

Health & Human Services

Denver Health Foundation, Jewish Family Service, and the Women's Foundation of Colorado represent Denver's deep commitment to health equity and human services across the metro area.

Denver Charities - Frequently Asked Questions

What is Denver Kids and what do they do?

Denver Kids is a Denver-based nonprofit with over 80 years of history empowering students to graduate from high school, pursue post-secondary options, and become contributing members of the community. Their mentorship model pairs at-risk Denver public school students with caring adult mentors, changing trajectories across generations.

Who is Jay Grimm and what is his role at Denver Kids?

Jay Grimm is the CEO of Denver Kids. He appeared in Episode One of Living the Denver Lifestyle with Rick Janson at the Denver Kids 80th Anniversary Gala - a vibrant 80s-themed fundraiser. Jay Grimm is also the drummer for the live event band Alter Ego, exemplifying how Denver's community leaders don't just write checks - they show up and energize the community.

What charities does Living the Denver Lifestyle feature?

Living the Denver Lifestyle features Denver's most impactful philanthropic organizations and their leaders. Episode One spotlighted Denver Kids at their 80th Anniversary Gala. The show is committed to highlighting the organizations making Denver an extraordinary city for everyone - from luxury buyers to students who need mentorship.

How does Rick Janson support Denver charities?

Rick Janson, HGTV Host and Compass Luxury Realtor®, actively spotlights Denver's philanthropic community through Living the Denver Lifestyle. The show provides national television exposure on HGTV, FOX, CBS, NBC, and ABC to the organizations making Denver a better place. Rick believes true luxury includes the capacity to elevate others.

What is the Denver Kids 80th Anniversary Gala?

The Denver Kids 80th Anniversary Gala was a vibrant 80s-themed fundraiser celebrating 80 years of Denver Kids' mission to empower students. The event featured live music from CEO Jay Grimm's band Alter Ego and brought together Denver's business and philanthropic leaders. Living the Denver Lifestyle filmed the event for Episode One, providing national television exposure for the organization.

How can I get my Denver charity featured on Living the Denver Lifestyle?

Organizations interested in being featured on Living the Denver Lifestyle can reach out directly to Rick Janson at rickjansondenver@gmail.com. The show spotlights charities, nonprofits, and community organizations making a meaningful impact on Denver and the broader Colorado community.

Why does a luxury real estate show feature charities?

Living the Denver Lifestyle takes a holistic view of luxury living. True luxury is having the capacity to elevate others. Denver's exceptional quality of life is built not just on beautiful homes and great restaurants, but on a community of leaders who invest in the next generation. Philanthropy is central to the Denver lifestyle story.

Connect with Rick Janson

Whether you are looking to buy or sell a luxury home in Denver, or want to connect your organization with Living the Denver Lifestyle, reach out directly.

Email Rick