25 Days of Impact
A Season of Stories That Inspire
As we conclude our 25th Anniversary year, we are reminded that some of the best gifts don’t come wrapped. They come from the lives transformed, opportunities offered, and communities strengthened through shared commitment and generosity.
25 Days of Impact celebrates this spirit by highlighting powerful stories from across Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Each shows how Bill Daniels’ vision comes to life through his Fund’s positive impact on men, women and children.
Day by day, we’ll share a new story — small, meaningful moments that create a steady rhythm of inspiration, capturing the spirit of the season and the power of opportunity as we round out another remarkable year.
From scholars embarking on a bright future, to innovative community partners expanding possibilities, to to our Big Bets that are tackling some of America’s biggest challenges, these stories reflect Bill Daniels’ belief in the power of individuals and communities to achieve extraordinary things.
This holiday season, we invite you to celebrate with us each day as we pause and reflect on the profound impact that is possible when together we believe in the ability of every person to achieve their greatest potential.
01 - Colorado Soccer Foundation
“Because of Youth Sports Giving Day we were able to increase our after-school program by 25 percent and keep them at low or no cost.”
– Jodi Asarch, Colorado Soccer Foundation
02 - Child Development Center: Casper center for special needs children recognized for passion and dedication
“Being a pillar of the community and having a passion for helping children with special needs is what led the CDC to be recognized by the Daniels Fund with its Medal of Excellence.”
03 - Aarit Koul: 2025 National Civics Bee winner on how he prepared for the competition
“Understanding civics gives every citizen the opportunity to make a difference in their community. It has enabled me to go out into the community and make a positive difference.”
– Aarit Koul, 2025 National Civics Bee Champion
04 - Saylor O'Brien: NAC’s O’Brien captures bronze in Switzerland
“Saylor O’Brien races for the National Ability Center (NAC) team. The Sisters in Sports athlete earned her Swiss bronze medal in giant slalom, gaining 60 World Cup points.”
05 - Susie Loyacona: "Es una oportunidad que puede cambiar tu vida” Daniels Fund ofrece beca estudiantil
“As a teenager in Lamar, I stared down the reality that college might never happen. My family could not afford it, and the thought of graduating with heavy student debt was overwhelming. But I knew one thing for sure: if I wanted a different future, I had to try. So, I applied for every scholarship I could find. One of those applications changed my life.”
– Susie Loyacona, 2012 Daniels Scholar Alumna
06 - Tiffany Johnson: How CrossPurpose is breaking families out of generations of poverty | Vince Bzdek
The secret to the program’s success seems to be a no-holds-barred commitment to helping folks navigate a transition out of poverty over three to five years, rather than just giving them a handout or a job. It’s sticking with someone until the need is met instead of drive-by charity.
07 - Notre Dame Team: Notre Dame ESTEEM students take top prize at national AI ethics competition
“Equipped with ethical principles, sharp business acumen and technical expertise, the future looks bright for this team of students as they prepare to graduate ESTEEM this May and make their way as a “force for good” in the world.”
08 - Sifre Family: Investing One Life at a Time with the Daniels Fund and ACE Scholarships
“ACE has really made a big impact in my life because without them, I wouldn’t get to go to this school,” said Emmanual Sifre. “It shows that no matter how hard life gets, there are other people out there who are willing to support you.”
09 - Emily Brubaker: National Civics Bee Winner
“Eighth-grader Emily Brubaker won the first National Civics Bee in 2024. Despite not knowing the meaning of the word civics at first, she has been practicing civic responsibility most of her life.”
10 - Tevia Reading: Fourth sister in Colorado family receives Daniels Scholarship
“The Daniels Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity. For one Highlands Ranch family, it’s one they’ve received four times.”
11 - Girls Rugby: Play ball! Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day wants to make sports accessible to every child!
“I’m a firm believer that every child should have the opportunity to play sports, regardless of the parents’ financial situation. … This helps us fund the scholarships so we can never turn down a girl.”
– Nick Rosario, Program Coordinator, Girls Rugby Colorado Springs
12 - Multiple Daniels Scholar Finalists: Looking for inspiration? I found it | SONDERMANN
“Many of the applicants I have interviewed over the years have that last quality and lived experience in spades. They hold leading positions in every field of endeavor in our diverse country. One Scholar alum is an engineer working on a new supersonic airplane while another was named Ms. Rodeo America 2024.”
– Eric Sondermann
13 - Cameron Parker: Colorado teen from Boulder County competes in National Civics Bee
“Most 14-year-olds wouldn’t put a trip to the Colorado State Capitol on their bucket list, but Cameron Parker was in his element as he soaked up history with Colorado Senate President James Coleman before heading to the nation’s Capitol, where he’ll represent Colorado in the National Civics Bee.”
14 - Special Olympics Colorado: Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day kicks off Wednesday
“We know that sports are fun but we also know that it is powerful, and provides confidence, teamwork and discipline. And we believe like the Daniels Fund that sports are for everyone.”
– Megan Scremin, President and CEO, Special Olympics Colorado
15 - Brenly Shipp and Tylynn Hall: Lingle student exemplifies what it means to be a Daniels Scholar
The impact that the Daniels Fund has on scholarship recipients does not stop once students enter college. The fund keeps up with students to make sure they are continuing to strive both academically and personally. “I met some friends I have in town and they are still friends of mine to this day. They came to my wedding and everything.”
– Tylynn Hall, 2013 Daniels Scholar Alumna
16 - Mayor JD Mangat: Why civics education matters more than ever | OPINION
“As an educator and as a mayor, I see every day how this kind of learning transforms students. When young people realize a city council decision affects their local park, or that their voice at a school board meeting can shape what happens in their classrooms, civics stops being abstract and becomes a living part of their world.”
– Mayor JD Mangat, Civics Teacher and 2013 Daniels Scholar Alumnus
17 - Shantell Anderson: Aurora Regional Navigation Campus set to open by end of month, can help 600 people experiencing homelessness
“Once formerly homeless, Shantell Anderson is now the Program Director at Advance Pathways. She’s hopeful having so many supportive services under one roof in addition to the tiered approach will help those wanting to change their lives to become self sufficient and successful.”
18 - Natasha (Funk) Butler: Dove Creek local becomes Colorado’s first female bridge engineer
Natasha (Funk) Butler has made history as Colorado’s first female state bridge engineer, a milestone that reflects her dedication, expertise and deep-rooted connection to her home state. “I had this dream in high school that I was going to go off to college and come back to Dove Creek and bring something to the community. And I still have that dream, but I hope that at least by filling this role, I’m helping that a little bit, right? It’s just at a statewide level. I’m just really grateful to be where I am.”
– Natasha (Funk) Butler, 2009 Daniels Scholar Alumna
19 - Joseph Drexler: Colorado students showcase their civic knowledge in annual National Civics Bee competition
“I’m much more confident than I used to be. I’m so grateful that I could do something like this. It’s a great opportunity.”
– Joseph Drexler, 2024 Colorado Civics Bee Champion
20 - Laila Armstrong: Colorado steps up to support kids through Youth Sports Giving Day
“Everyone should be able to get to play sports. It gives people a sense of belonging, collaboration, and always feeling like they belong somewhere.”
– Laila Armstrong, Chance Sports Athlete
21 - Victor De Lara, Brett Miller, Kawin Nunnery: Alumni & Scholarship Applications
Guest opinion: Don’t fall to Imposter Syndrome: Take the leap and apply for scholarships
“When I was seven years old growing up in Orem, I remember driving past Utah Valley University and thinking: college isn’t for kids like me. My dad worked in construction, my mom cleaned houses, and no one in my family had gone to college. A university degree felt like a distant dream that might be within reach of other families, but certainly not mine.”
– Victor De Lara, 2012 Daniels Scholar Alumnus
Don’t count yourself out: Why students in Wyoming should step up this scholarship season and apply
“Growing up in Encampment, where my graduating class had just 10 students, I learned quickly that opportunities don’t always come knocking in rural America. But when one of my classmates a year ahead of me earned the Daniels Fund Scholarship, it lit a fire in me and others. If someone from our tiny school could do it, why couldn’t we?”
– Brett Miller, 2014 Daniels Scholar Alumnus
Don’t Count Yourself Out – Why New Mexico Students Must Apply for Scholarships
“I grew up in Hobbs, and when the Daniels Fund came to present at my high school, I realized this was my chance. For me, the scholarship was not simply a nice opportunity, it was the only path I had to leave my hometown and pursue my dream of going to college. My family did not have the means to send me away to school. This was it.”
– Kawin Nunnery, 2002 Daniels Scholar Alumna
22 - Gold Crown Foundation: Colorado Sports Giving Day raised over $5 million
“Our focus is using sports to help kids prepare for the game of life. It’s all those character building things like how to be a good teammate, how to win and how to lose. It’s so important to give every kid that chance.”
– Kevin Petty, Gold Crown Foundation
23 - Simeon Gibbs: Meet A Future Leader In Colorado Springs
“Simeon Gibbs stands out as a remarkable young leader in El Paso County due to his resilience, adaptability and academic drive. Growing up in a military family, he experienced the challenges of frequently changing schools and households during his mother’s deployments, which taught him to be self-reliant and flexible in diverse environments. Despite these challenges, Gibbs remained focused on his education and future, earning a full-ride scholarship from the Daniels Fund.”
24 - Keith Lee: New Mexico Chamber of Commerce Foundation supports the National Civics Bee
“Being New Mexico Civics Bee Champion has been surreal. What I value the most from this competition is seeing my hard work pay off.”
– Keith Lee, 2025 New Mexico Civics Bee Champion, 3rd Place winner of the 2024 National Competition
25 - Athletics & Beyond
“Funding like this is huge for an organization like ours. We are grassroots and community based and Youth Sports Giving Day helps keep our doors open.”
– Narcy Jackson, Athletics & Beyond