SAN LUIS VALLEY — In response to the Spring Fire and High Chateau Fire and to support organizations responding to the immediate needs of those affected, El Pomar Trustees have provided a combined $20,000 to assist the Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado and the American Red Cross of Southeastern Colorado.
The Spring Fire has destroyed more than 130 homes, affecting residents in Costilla and Huerfano Counties.
The High Chateau Fire displaced more than 1,700 people.

“We are charged to promote the well-being of the people of Colorado and there are few more definitive times of need than following a devastating fire,” said El Pomar Chairman and CEO, William J. Hybl. “We thank the countless first responders and volunteers and our thoughts are with those who have been displaced.”
El Pomar Foundation, through the Wildland Fire Fund, provided $10,000 to the Care and Share Food Bank to support their disaster response efforts in both locations. Care and Share distributes food and water to affected families and first responders.
“Care and Share Food Bank is grateful and humbled by the generosity of El Pomar Foundation. We are proud to serve our neighbors who are affected by the fires in Southern Colorado, and couldn’t do it without the support we receive from our great community partners,” said Lynne Telford, president and CEO.
American Red Cross of Southeastern Colorado, also through the Wildland Fire Fund, received $10,000 to support their relief efforts in Costilla, Huerfano, Park, and Teller Counties.
El Pomar Foundation is one of the largest and oldest private foundations in Colorado. El Pomar contributes approximately $22 million annually through grants and Community Stewardship programs to support Colorado nonprofit organizations involved in health, human services, education, arts and humanities and civic and community initiatives. Spencer and Julie Penrose founded El Pomar in 1937. To learn more about El Pomar Foundation please go to www.elpomar.org.