’Tis the season for fundraisers and galas, and Friday’s EVICS Family Resource Center soiree served both as a fundraiser and a kickoff to the local holiday party season. The gala was a time for elegant evening dresses, shirts, and ties.
The setting was in the Homestead, a historic log cabin on the Black Canyon Inn property, built in 1929 by Charles Chapman as a home for the Wayne Stacey family. The warm patina of the rough-cut logs from the nearby forest, the original hardwood floors, and the log-burning fireplaces embody the warmth of a local community that shows up and leans in to support its nonprofits.
The gala was a sold-out affair with 115 guests in attendance, and preliminary numbers show that the organization raised more than $53,000, including sponsorships, ticket sales, a silent auction, and donations.
One special highlight of the evening was a videotaped message from Congressman Joe Neguse recognizing EVICS’ impact and the community’s commitment to children and families.
“It was a beautiful and emotional moment for everyone in the room,” said Rut Miller, executive director of EVICS.
Colorado Child Care Contribution Tax Credit
Paul Mueller spoke during the gala about why financial support matters so much and how far it goes in supporting EVICS’ mission. Mueller, a CPA and owner of Mueller and Pye Associates, a business advice, accounting, and tax services firm, said that EVICS is the only nonprofit in Estes Park that offers the Colorado Child Care Contribution Tax Credit certificate when a donor makes a contribution, which provides donors with a 50% credit on their state tax return. That means EVICS receives 100% of every gift, while donors receive 50% back, a win-win that helps sustain vital programs for local families.
Three Estes Valley residents, Erin Gillam, Hella Ducheneaux, and Nong George, shared their experiences of how EVICS, a member of the Colorado Family Resource Center Association, has impacted their lives. According to the FRCA, Family Resource Centers are community-based hubs that provide a variety of services, support, and referrals to help families become more stable, self-reliant, and healthy.
The evening offered a special recital as Elly Williams, an EVICS participant, performed a violin duet with her teacher, Anna Weddle. Elly. “Through EVICS, Elly has enjoyed summer programs at RMNP, learning with the Community Explorers, and making friends at the Ice Cream Social,” said Miller. “When Elly heard about the gala, she wanted to help.”
The history and impact of EVICS on the community
Founded in 2006 as a childcare scholarship program, the EVICS Family Resource Center is now one of only 30 certified Family Resource Centers in Colorado, and one of just two serving Larimer County. In 2019, the organization became a Family Resource Center, and today, EVICS provides a childcare scholarship program, family development programming, mental health consultations, and connections to other resources for families.
Additionally, EVICS offers help with infant formula, car seats, and diapers to families in need.
“All of those things are being affected by the federal government shutdown, since we are recipients of those federally supported resources,” explained Miller.
“We’ve also expanded our work to serve youth in partnership with other local organizations, and we now provide mental health support for Spanish-speaking individuals to help bridge critical gaps in access to care,” said Miller.
The EVICS legal clinic serves immigrant families with information and access to a licensed immigration attorney.
“We are now expanding this service to include online consultations, making it easier for families to receive guidance even if they can’t attend our in-person sessions,” said Miller.
The attorney who works with the legal clinic, Autumn Nelson, is one of the coordinators of the Citizen Project, a local program that assists individuals in applying for citizenship and prepares them for the citizenship test.
“Community support is essential in everything we do to serve families. Our families are our community — and it truly takes a village. This year’s gala is critical to sustaining and strengthening all of these efforts, ensuring that every child, youth, and family in our community has access to the resources and support they need to thrive, said Miller.
Community members interested in supporting EVICS can make an online donation.
By the numbers
In 2024, EVICS:
- Reached 1,023 individuals — a 30% increase in outreach to people in the Estes Valley community.
- Supported 400+ households.
- Served 242 children.
- Expanded childcare assistance — 58 children received tuition help in 2024 (a 61% increase over 2023); so far in 2025, 78 children have benefited.
- Distributed over $233,000 in tuition support.
- Delivered more than 200 hours of mental and behavioral health care to 43 Spanish-speaking community members.
- Offered childbirth classes, lactation consultations, and car seat safety education.
- Hosted the third annual Community Resource Fair with 300+ attendees and 30 participating organizations.
- Expanded the Kids Closet, providing nearly 2,000 articles of gently used clothing and baby items to children and expectant mothers.
- Launched a Community Legal Clinic to help families navigate legal challenges.
- Began DMV services to better reach diverse families.
- Generated $723K in revenues — exceeding the annual budget of $482,103 and marking a 49% increase over 2023.
- Hired three new staff members to strengthen programs and capacity, including a youth and family advocate who leads vaping prevention and digital safety presentations for teens and parents and guides students through college and scholarship applications.
- Secured $68K to support leadership development.
- Received a $100K infrastructure grant to ensure long-term sustainability and growth.