February 27, 2014

Denver’s Applewood Plumbing supports healthy Colorado youth

Envision a world where every young girl knows her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams. This is a reality supported by Girls on the Run of the Rockies, the winner of the $1,000 Applewood Plumbing

Heating & Electric monthly “Caring Community Giveaway.”

Applewood is pleased to kickoff this year’s Giveaways by selecting Girls on the Run of the Rockies as the January 2014 recipient. In nearly a decade, Applewood has given more than $100,000 to support small, local charities and nonprofits in the Denver area.

“Girls on the Run of the Rockies is well-deserving of the award because their efforts are making a tangible impact on the youth of Colorado,” said John Ward, president of Applewood.

Girls on the Run of the Rockies is a nonprofit organization providing innovative health education and wellness to 8-13-year-old girls. The program brings girls into an environment to learn about themselves and how to connect with others and contribute to the community.

The organization understands that every day young girls struggle with physical, emotional and mental health, body image and eating disorders. At the end of each program, girls complete a non-competitive 5k run/walk. This provides a tangible understanding and application of the confidence, strength and ability each girl has to achieve her goals.

“Through running, the program helps girls change the way they seem themselves,” Executive Director Lisa Johnson said. “Girls have a better sense of self-esteem and confidence after the program.”

Research shows girls who are physically active are better in school, too, according to Johnson. Program coaches notice a difference when they see the girls transferring what they’ve learned to other parts of their lives, such as at home and school.

“Coaches find that the girls can make small steps for themselves such as working through a math problem or finishing a novel,” Johnson said. “It’s about building those tools for them.”

Last year, Girls on the Run of the Rockies served 4,000 girls in the greater Denver area and Colorado Springs. The $1,000 will help them provide scholarships for 2,000 girls to participate in the pro

grams in the greater Denver area. Each year, 50 percent of registration costs also support scholarships. The organization has seen a 30 percent growth in participants each year for multiple years, so the funds will help accommodate those increased number
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