A YEAR IN REVIEW: Avanti Residential and Leadership Give Back in 2022

January 13, 2023 | By Elaina Hampson

Being a Good Citizen is not only one of our core values at Avanti Residential, it is a principle that we incorporate into everything we do. To be a good citizen means to embrace, participate, and enhance the communities in which we live, work, and do business—and that includes giving back to amazing local organizations within our markets.  

A major focus of both Avanti and our Chairman Doug Andrews’ philanthropic efforts centers on supporting programs that address affordable housing and homelessness. In 2022, we sought out organizations with long-term impact, including those providing programs for mental welfare, addiction treatment, job training and sourcing, financial literacy training, domestic violence victim assistance, and early childcare. Given Avanti’s business in providing housing, contributing to organizations making a difference in the fight against homelessness is a natural target for our charitable efforts. 

Since 2020, Avanti has been hosting an annual Giving Week, where we raise funds for local organizations with effective missions, from providing jobs and important life tools to fighting homelessness. 2022 saw our third annual Giving Week where, in conjunction with donations matched by Doug Andrews, we raised a total of $7,350 for eight deserving organizations. In our three years of The Giving Week, we have raised a total of $40,675. We look forward to continuing this week of fundraising in 2023 with a special focus on supporting organizations dedicated to working with homeless individuals. 

In early October 2022, Avanti also supported the 20th Anniversary Chrysalis Butterfly Ball, where we contributed $16,000 to the Chrysalis Organization. Our executive team had an amazing time attending the event in Los Angeles—read more about the outstanding event here. 

We are also happy to have donated $7,000 worth of computer equipment to PCs for People, giving gently used electronics a new life with an incredible organization. You can read more about their mission and how to donate at www.pcsforpeople.org.  

This past holiday season, we continued our annual Adopt-a-Family program, where Avanti sponsors families in need. Utilizing a wish list provided by our sponsor families, our Avantians donate gifts from the list, which in turn are delivered to the families to enjoy opening together. We began the Adopt-a-Family program in 2019 and have since sponsored 8 families! 

Our senior leadership continued in the Avanti spirit of giving back in 2022, as well. Doug and Lindsay Andrews contributed $82,000 to the amazing organizations listed below. 

• Colorado I Have a Dream Foundation: The Colorado I Have a Dream Foundation’s vision is to create a world where “every child has equal access to educational and career opportunities that will ignite their innate potential.” Colorado IHADF supports youth with tools to build skills and knowledge to be successful in post-secondary opportunities.  
• MHUW Bridging the Gap: Mile High United Way’s mission is to “provide young adults transitioning out of the child welfare system with wraparound services, including access to stable housing, education and career opportunities, and wellness supports to help them build greater independence and economic stability.” MHUW does this through providing stable housing, college and career readiness programs, and wellness coaching and life skills programs.  

• Colorado Uplift: Colorado Uplift’s relationship-based approach to build relationships with students in 2nd through 12th grade. Their five key program areas include in-school, after-school, adventure, post-secondary, and advanced leadership.  
• Saint Elizabeth School: St. Elizabeth’s School in Denver is an “intentionally inclusive educational environment that has a commitment to the development of your child’s academic, social, spiritual, and artistic promise,” which is achieved through well-balanced academics and enriching studies in art, music, theater, Spanish, and more.  
• CHUM Women’s Homeless Initiative: CHUM’s mission is to “to practice hospitality, to advocate for our neighbors in need, and to strengthen and sustain our member communities, particularly through effective communication and cooperation, enhancing the ministry of all.” Their Women’s Homelessness Initiative includes congregations and organizations, and volunteers supporting local human service agencies to provide needed goods, sack lunches, and overnight sanctuary to women experiencing homelessness.  
• Step Denver: Step Denver is a residential recovery program assisting men in their first steps toward recovery. Steps is “centered around the four pillars of sobriety, work, accountability, and community” to assist participants in establishing necessary skills to lead a life of sobriety.  
• Judi’s House: Founded in 2012, Judi’s House has spent over 10 years providing grieving children and families a “safe space to come together to find connection and healing.” The organization provides grief support, community education and professional training, and research and tools to make a difference.  

• Bridge House Boulder: Bridge House provides “range of programs and services to help adults experiencing homelessness have access to the resources they need for a better future.” Their program focuses on a range of areas, from basic needs to housing. 
• High Fives Foundation: The High Fives Foundation is on a mission to provide opportunities and resources for athletes from all walks of life. High Fives provides rehabilitation services, adaptive sports programs, and more to athletes who have experienced life-altering accidents, encouraging folks to return to active lives—however that looks to the individual.  
• The Urban Farm Denver: Known as the farm in the city, TUF promotes youth and community education, encouraging urban youth to “engage and participate in locale food and agricultural systems by removing the barriers to entry such as land access, time, location and finances.”  

Following a great year of giving back in 2022, we are excited to continue our philanthropic efforts in 2023 through fundraising events, donations, and volunteer work. Learn more about Avanti Residential’s mission, vision, and core values here. Thinking of becoming an Avantian and joining us in making a difference? Take a look at our open positions.