We have officially moved into September, and it is hard to believe that the holidays are right around the corner. And even though it has been a few weeks since our signature fundraising event, Aprons & Appetizers, my cup is still overflowing with gratitude!
It was such a wonderful evening and so many of you came out to support us. Thank you so much! We had a great turnout and received endless positive feedback about everything, from the aprons to the food to the venue! Thank you to my team and my board of directors and to my fabulous volunteers, especially our event planner, Jill Crowley.
Aprons & Appetizers has been a dream of mine for a very long time, and I could not have brought it to fruition with out Jills expert guidance. Additionally, the event truly would not have been the success that it was without the very generous support to our sponsors, 1st BANK, Ray Ehrenstein, Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA), Alpine Life Planning Strategies, Inc., All Pro Realty of Denver. and Comcast.
Much gratitude also goes out to the chefs who were responsible for the amazing appetizers: Chef Carolina Orozco, Chef Marcelo Alvariza, Chef Jose Manuel Marquez and Chef Jeff Santangelo. And to Argonaut Wine & Liquor, our beverage partner and Athena Project, our entertainment partner – we appreciate you all! Make sure to Check out Carolina's Cooking Corner
this month's newsletter for more event details and beautiful photos! If you're hosting an event soon, Carolina can put you in contact with any of these talented caterers.
And most importantly – Thank You – to all of you for spending time with us and contributing to the success of the evening. We raised just over $6,000 and we couldn’t be more grateful. The true icing on the cake was hearing so many ask if we were going to do it again next year! And the answer is a resounding – YES!! We had so much fun and plan to do it again towards the end of August 2026! And we promise to give you lots of advanced notice next time.
If you were not able to join us and would still like to contribute to Southwest Improvement Council’s Signature Event - Aprons & Appetizer’s (including the option to buy a keepsake apron), please click HERE!!
SWIC partners with Volunteers of America (VOA) and Denver Regional Counsel on Governments (DRCOG) to provide opportunities for social engagement, physical activity, and healthy nutritional support. From arts and crafts to woodworking, chair yoga, music, and more, there's something for everyone. All activities are free, please reach out via telephone at 303.934.2181 for more info. Check out the link below to see what we have going on in August:
SWIC is also a United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved housing counseling agency offering free counseling services. SWIC has been providing Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) sponsored homebuyer education classes since 2017. Class is held once a month at SWIC's Dining & Activity Center. There's no charge to attend. Upcoming classes are (Saturdays) September 20, October 18, and November 15. Here's more info:
One of the largest Homeowner Association Communities in the United States is located right here in Colorado. Unincorporated Highlands Ranch, Colorado is a community located in Douglas County with a very large community association, called the Highlands Ranch Community Association. All households within Highlands Ranch are participating household members. As you can imagine the number of households in the community of Highlands Ranch can be staggering and somewhere in the range of over 40,000.
So, what is an HOA or CIC? A Homeowners Association (HOA) or Common Interest Community (CIC) are non-profit organizations that must follow the by-laws and articles of incorporation of the organization.
Since HOA’s are non-profit organizations, there is a Board of Directors pieced together by homeowners of the association who should have no financial gain for being on the board. Of course, fees are associated with HOA’s to help pay for the amenities of the HOA community and these fees are usually paid monthly. Amenities can include trash removal, water, sewer, snow removal and landscaping. When buying a home within an HOA the monthly HOA payment should be included into your housing ratio, along with your mortgage payment to help determine affordability.
Even though the mortgage payment and HOA are paid to separate entities it’s still important to include both these payments into your housing ratio formulas. The housing ratio is taking your gross monthly income and determining how much of that income will go towards your house payment. More information will be provided on HOA’s in future articles, including special assessment fees that HOA’s can charge the homeowner, and the various covenants that may be in place with an HOA.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
It’s time to start thinking about getting your house plants ready for the winter. In the fall,
houseplants require special care to thrive. Here are some key tips to help your plants
adjust to the cooler temperatures and shorter days:
Watering: Reduce watering frequency and allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid letting the plants sit in standing water to prevent root rot.
Light: Move plants closer to windows to provide them with enough light during shorter days. Grouping plants together can also help maintain consistent light exposure.
Temperature: Keep plants within a stable indoor temperature range of 60-75°F (15-24°C) and away from drafts, heaters, or air conditioners.
Humidity: Use a pebble tray filled with water or run a small humidifier to boost humidity around your plants, especially if you have several grouped together or if your home is very dry.
Fertilization: Hold off on fertilizing during fall and winter, as these are the dormant periods for most houseplants.
By following these tips, you can help your houseplants survive the fall season and continue to thrive into the winter.
Thank you for joining us at our unforgettable Fundraiser on August 21st, SWIC's first ever Aprons & Appetizers!
Your energy and enthusiasm helped transform the evening into a true celebration of flavor, culture, and community connection. We were thrilled to feature a lineup of incredible chefs who brought their culinary artistry to life:
Chef Marcelo’s Empanada Magic
A true highlight of the evening came from Chef Marcelo, whose Uruguayan empanadas were nothing short of spectacular. Freshly baked to golden perfection, each bite revealed a world of flavor—from traditional savory fillings to a standout vegan option featuring spicy mushrooms that had everyone coming back for seconds. Marcelo’s creations were a delicious tribute to South American comfort food, and we were honored to share them with you.
Spanish Flavors with Chef Jose
Chef Jose brought the soul of Spain to our tables with his rich and authentic dishes. From the classic Tortilla Española to a variety of bold, mouthwatering bites, his station was a flavorful journey that delighted every palate.
Interactive Fun with Chef Carolina
Our very own Chef Carolina added an interactive twist with her Asian-inspired dumplings and refreshing chicken salad. Her spring roll station was a hands-on hit—many of you crafted your own fresh rolls and picked up knife skills that we hope will boost your confidence in the kitchen. Carolina’s station was more than a meal—it was a mini culinary workshop!
Sweet Endings by Love Pop
To round out the evening, Love Pop delivered the perfect sweet finale. Their unbeatable peach cobbler and decadent chocolate cake pops were the cherry on top of a full-spectrum food experience. Every bite was a celebration.
We set out to create a night that honored our community through food, and thanks to you—and our amazing chefs—we did just that. We’re already cooking up ideas for next year and can’t wait to welcome you back!
Southwest Improvement Council (SWIC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies on funds from individuals, foundations and businesses in our community that enable us to continue providing our dedicated programs and services.
Did you know that SWIC is eligible to receive Donor Advised Funds (DAFs)? In most cases, you can make a grant directly from your DAF account to SWIC via electronic funds transfer. Please contact Donna Zimmerman for more information @ donnaz@swic-denver.org
THANK YOU to all of those who have supported SWIC in the past, who currently do, and who would like to! If you, your business or organization would like to support SWIC through volunteering, product donation, or financial contribution, please reach out to us, we truly appreciate you and consider you part of our SWIC family!
THANK YOU TO OUR
SWIC PARTNERS!
SWIC-Denver | 5045 W 1st Avenue | Denver, CO 80219 US
