by Don Koveleski
October was another busy and rewarding month for the Exchange Club of Falcon, as club members continued their commitment to strengthening the community through fundraising, youth recognition, volunteer service and support for local organizations.
17th Annual Falcon Craft Fair raises $12,000 for local charities
The month began with the club’s 17th Annual Falcon Craft Fair, held Oct. 3-4 at Falcon High School. The two-day event was a tremendous success, featuring more than 130 vendors offering a wide variety of handcrafted items, gifts and specialty products. The fair attracted shoppers from Falcon and surrounding communities, providing an opportunity to support local artisans while raising funds for charitable organizations serving El Paso County.
The event raised $12,000, which will be donated to more than 11 nonprofit agencies in El Paso County that support the Exchange Club’s four areas of service: Americanism, community support, youth programs and child abuse prevention. These donations will help local organizations continue their important work supporting individuals and families throughout the community.
The club also encouraged shoppers to bring winter clothing and nonperishable food donations for local families in need. The Eastern Plains Community Pantry received 156 pounds of nonperishable food, 39 coats and sweaters, three blankets and personal care items collected during the event.
The fair’s success would not have been possible without the generosity of the vendors, the support of shoppers and sponsors, and the many volunteers who worked behind the scenes. More than 16 Falcon High School Space Force JROTC cadets and six members of the Falcon High School Cross Country Team assisted with vendor setup and teardown, including moving merchandise and handling the many tables and chairs needed for the event. Patriot Applied Learning Campus culinary students also sold lunches during both days, gaining valuable hands-on experience serving customers.
The Exchange Club of Falcon extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed to making this annual fundraiser such a success.
Recognizing students and encouraging future success
At its Oct. 14 meeting, the Exchange Club of Falcon recognized three students by presenting them with certificates as monthly scholarship nominees. The recognition celebrates students who demonstrate qualities worthy of consideration for the club’s annual scholarship program.
The three students will be encouraged to submit applications for the Exchange Club of Falcon’s annual scholarship competition. The club’s scholarship program includes its Youth of the Year and Accepting the Challenge of Excellence (A.C.E.) of the Year awards, which recognize students for their accomplishments, leadership, community involvement, personal growth and determination to overcome challenges.
The Exchange Club of Falcon welcomes scholarship applications from graduating seniors attending schools in El Paso County, Colorado. Students are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to be recognized for their achievements and potential.
For scholarship information and application details, contact Don Koveleski at (719) 369-5158 (call or text) or email exchangecluboffalcon@gmail.com.
Through its scholarship program, the club hopes to encourage young people to continue pursuing their goals and remind them that their hard work, perseverance and contributions to their community matter.
Supporting inclusion at a Halloween celebration
On Oct. 22, club members volunteered at the Rocky Mountain Inclusive Connection Halloween party. Exchange Club members helped set up for the event, kept food and drinks supplied throughout the celebration and assisted with teardown after the party.
These behind-the-scenes efforts helped the event run smoothly and gave club members another opportunity to support an organization that brings people together through inclusive community activities. The Exchange Club of Falcon is proud to contribute its time and energy to events that help individuals and families feel welcomed and included.
Four members tackle highway cleanup
On Oct. 24, four Exchange Club of Falcon members took to Falcon Highway to clean up a two-mile stretch of roadway. With only four volunteers participating, the cleanup took some time, but the members remained committed to completing the work and doing their part to keep the local community clean.
While highway cleanup may not be the club’s most visible project, it reflects an important part of community service: taking personal responsibility for the places where we live and work. The club appreciates the members who gave their time and effort to this worthwhile project.
Making a difference throughout Falcon and El Paso County
From raising $12,000 for local nonprofit organizations to recognizing outstanding students, supporting an inclusive Halloween celebration and maintaining local roadways, October demonstrated the many ways the Exchange Club of Falcon serves its community.
The club focuses on four areas of service: Americanism, community support, youth programs, and child abuse prevention. Through fundraising, scholarships, volunteer projects, and partnerships with local nonprofit agencies, members work throughout the year to improve the quality of life for residents of Falcon and the greater El Paso County area.
Interested in making a difference?
The Exchange Club of Falcon welcomes individuals who want to become more involved in their community. Those interested in learning more about the club’s projects and membership opportunities may contact Don Koveleski at (719) 369-5158 (call or text) or email exchangecluboffalcon@gmail.com.
Together, through service and community involvement, we can continue to make Falcon a better place to live, work, and raise a family.
