Community Building at Paradise Ramble: Record Number of Attendees
Donald Gimbel (left) accepts the inaugural Westerly Award, marked by the sculpture held by PCCF Board Member Barbara Green (center). PCCF Philanthropy Director Tricia Erikson (right) shared how local nonprofits nominated Gimbel for both his service and his generosity. Photo: Keelia Jo Photography.
The PCCF Staff and Board of Directors, and Paradise Ramble Host Committee members thank the record number of 300 people who attended the event on a beautiful July evening at Sage Lodge. Neighbors gathered together – stretching from the Roosevelt Arch to the Crazy Mountains – to reconnect with each other, foster community, and celebrate the invaluable work of nonprofits in Park County.
The Westerly Award was presented for the first time to Donald Gimbel, whose robust nominations from local nonprofits led to his selection. The award and presentation are shared below.
Thanks to Paradise Ramble sponsorships and ticket donations, $170,000 was raised to support the programs that PCCF offers to nonprofits, including the Give A Hoot campaign.
Thank you all for your generosity!
The Westerly Award Presentation at the Paradise Ramble
The Westerly Award is an annual Park County Community Foundation Award to celebrate philanthropy and the spirit of generosity in the county. Community-inspired and community-led, the award takes its name from the Westerly winds and speaks to the idea of spreading goodwill, positive change, and generosity across distances, much like the westerly winds shape weather patterns and influence the climate across our region.
The community foundation put out a call to all Park County 501c3 organizations to nominate one individual (or couple) with a distinguished record of both generosity and service to help keep our community livable and loveable.
Here is a small taste of what the nominating organizations said about our inaugural 2025 recipient:
“a pillar of generosity” “creating a lasting legacy for generations to come”
“not only a donor, but a true partner” “who brings people together and ensures accessibility for all”
Someone with “a generosity that runs wide and deep”
“an active and inspiring board member who sets an example for others”
“motivates others to donate more and encourages management to always do its best”
In summary, the 2025 Westerly Award recipient is a steadfast supporter of numerous nonprofits ranging from arts to environment to health to social services: our favorite cowboy, Donald B. Gimbel.”