In the four year period covering 2008-2011, we saw great loss – mostly in terms of financial net worth!  In 2008, the sub-prime mortgage crises rocked the economy and continued to do so throughout 2009, leading to the collapse of several major financial institutions.  History was made in November of 2008 when the U.S. elected our first African-American President, Barack Obama. King of pop, Michael Jackson, died in 2009, ending the life and career of the most successful entertainer of all time.  In 2011, tech icon Steve Jobs passed away and single ladies everywhere mourned the marriage of handsome Prince William to the elegant Kate.

The economic crisis unfolding during this time also affected non-profits, including YouthZone, as the state cut 10% in funding.  Luckily, Garfield County stepped up to cover those funds.    The organization also experienced saddening loss as Bud Collett, YouthZone’s founder, died in April of 2009.

On a positive note, long-time YouthZone supporter, Dorothy Snearly, climbed her 23rd 14er in 2009 at the young age of 86!  And in 2010, famed author Jim Faye of “Love and Logic” presented at a YouthZone fundraiser at Rifle High School, helping raise $15,000.

In 2010, YouthZone opened an office at the Third Street Center in Carbondale, and we began writing an e-newsletter (like this one here!) in 2011.

Stay tuned for next month, when we recap 2012-2015!