What good is giving back if no one knows you’re the one who did it?

Obviously, I’m kidding. Intrinsic motivation should be the basis for donating time or money, but it’s nice to recognize those who have given selflessly throughout the year.

The Summit Foundation will do exactly that at the 20th Annual Philanthropy Awards at the Keystone Conference Center Friday. I don’t have any hints on who the big winners are, so you’ll have to show up and see for yourself. To RSVP email tsfadmin@summitfoundation.org or call (970) 453-5970.

Feel like shopping this weekend? Saturday marks the final of three Shopping Extravaganzas at the Outlets at Silverthorne. The unbridled display of consumerism will benefit a slew of area nonprofits, and it’s an excellent opportunity to avoid the Black Friday crowds by getting out a weekend early. As a former employee at one of the retailers at the Outlets, I can tell you from experience it’s a fun event. For more info visit http://bit.ly/akiwZs or call (970) 468-5780.

Have a furry family member who’s normally not allowed at photo studios for your annual holiday card shoot? Head over to Frisco from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday to get your family portrait shot with your favorite canine, kitten, sugar glider or whatever pet you own. Proceeds from the event will go to benefit LAPS (see story).

On the grant-receiving front, a pair of local nonprofits benefited to the tune of $25,000 over the last week. Advocates for Victims of Assault received a $15,000 grant from the Daniels Fund – a fund that honors cable television pioneer Bill Daniels. The High Country Conservation Center was the beneficiary of a $10,000 grant from Vail Resorts Echo.

Speaking of Vail Resorts, last weekend’s Colorado Mountain Express Fill the Van food drive collected a whopping 15 tons of food for Colorado’s hungry. This year’s 30,000 pounds trumped last year’s 22,000 pounds by a sound margin. CME is a subsidiary of Vail Resorts, and the Fill the Van program is coordinated by Echo.

SDN reporter Drew Andersen can be contacted at (970) 668-4633 or

drewa@summitdaily.com.