Honoring the Legacy of Phyllis Bigpond

Phyllis Bigpond (Yuchi) came to Denver in 2000 as DIFRC's founding Executive Director. A trained social worker, Phyllis was well known as a lifelong advocate for American Indian and Alaska Native children and families. Due to the great impact of her leadership and service, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper proclaimed October 7 as "Phyllis Bigpond Day." In her memory, we ask you to help us honor Phyllis Bigpond's success in building community, state, county, and tribal partnerships that help keep Native children safe with their families and tribal Nations.

**More About Phyllis**
Phyllis made a profound difference in Denver and all of Colorado. She had an extraordinary ability to connect with a young child or the highest level public official. Sadly, Phyllis was taken by brain cancer in 2009. She wanted us to keep working together to realize DIFRC's vision: "Generations of healthy American Indian and Alaska Native children and families."

**Phyllis Bigpond Day Celebration**
Please join us on Saturday, October 7th from noon to 3pm at Loretto Heights Park for an afternoon of food and fun to celebrate Phyllis Bigpond. Please consider making a donation in Phyllis' honor by October 7 at Colorado Gives. Or, starting November 1, you can schedule a donation to count towards our Colorado Gives Day campaign. DIFRC needs and appreciates your support as we continue the important work that Phyllis and our community began almost two decades ago.

Thank you for all that you do,
DIFRC Board and Staff