AROUND TOWN: Empty Stocking Fund finale

They came to hear the good news, spend an evening at Penrose House and to receive checks. It was also an opportunity for the agencies to visit with top donors, supporters and those who had worked on the annual campaign at The Gazette and El Pomar Foundation.

The 15 health and human service agencies each received part of the $1,143,744.64, an increase of $100,000 over last year. The fundraising campaign has no administrative costs.

Pats on the back came from the speakers: El Pomar’s Bill Hybl, The Gazette’s Liz Cobb, and Jerry Bruni, who with his wife, Pam, matches up to $70,000 in donations raised. El Pomar Foundation gave $200,000 in matching funds.

Recipients for this 28th annual holiday-season drive: American Red Cross, Pikes Peak Chapter; Care and Share Food Bank; Ecumenical Social Ministries; Griffith Centers for Children/Chins Up Youth & Family Services; Marian House, Catholic Charities; Northern Churches Care; Partners In Housing; Peak Vista Community Health Centers; Pikes Peak Community Action Agency; The Salvation Army; Silver Key Senior Services; Southeast Family Center Armed Services YMCA; Tri-Lakes Cares; Urban Peak; Westside CARES