Season’s Greetings! As the year comes to a close, we’re grateful for your continued support and excited to share updates, reflections, and plans for the year ahead! 🎁

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver provide a safe and nurturing environment for children to grow and learn valuable life skills.

The organization offers a variety of programs and opportunities for kids to engage in activities that promote healthy development and help them reach their full potential.

From academic support to sports and recreation, the clubs focus on helping children build self-esteem, strong character, and leadership skills.

The organization also provides resources and support for families to ensure that children have access to the tools they need to succeed.

By fostering a sense of community and belonging, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver help children enjoy their childhood while preparing them for adulthood.

With a focus on academic success, healthy lifestyles, and positive relationships, the clubs strive to empower children to become confident, responsible, and caring individuals.

Through mentorship, guidance, and support, the organization aims to create a positive impact on the lives of the children and families they serve. Overall, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver play a vital role in shaping the future of young people and helping them thrive in all areas of their lives.

Through a combination of education, mentoring, and enrichment activities, the clubs provide children with the skills and support they need to navigate the challenges of growing up and become successful adults.

You can support the children at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver by making a donation to the CBS Colorado Together for Colorado Toy Drive. Just drop off a new, unwrapped toy in the donation bins at participating King Soopers stores through December 24, 2024. 

Why did the Denver Broncos go to the bank?

To get their quarterback!

"Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you." - Walt Whitman

Denver psychiatrist Dr. Joseph Horvath emphasizes that loneliness during the holidays is common, affecting one in three older adults in the U.S.

He advises individuals to proactively reach out to others instead of waiting for social contact, highlighting our inherent need for connection. Engaging in simple acts of kindness, altering social environments, and smiling can enhance mood and foster connections.

Dr. Horvath also suggests that if traditional large family gatherings are overwhelming, opting for more manageable activities, like meeting for coffee, can be beneficial. Recognizing and addressing loneliness by seeking social interactions and support is crucial for mental well-being during the holiday season.

Secret Little Hack

Check out the free art walk in the Santa Fe Arts District on the first Friday of every month for a unique and vibrant cultural experience.

The High Altitude Denver Chocolate Sheet Cake is a moist, tender dessert, ideal for high-altitude baking.

Ingredients

Cake:

• 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups very hot water
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1¾ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon coarse Kosher salt

Icing:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup whole milk
• ¼ cup unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 to 2½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Position a rack in the center. Lightly spray a 13×18-inch rimmed baking sheet with non-stick spray or line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, melted butter, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Gradually add hot water, whisking continuously to temper the eggs without cooking them.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, whisking until combined; the batter will be thin.
4. Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for approximately 25 minutes, until the top springs back when gently touched. Place the pan on a cooling rack.

Icing:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter with milk. Whisk in cocoa powder and vanilla extract, then remove from heat.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, whisking vigorously until smooth. If lumps persist, beat the icing with an electric mixer for about 30 seconds.
3. Immediately spread the icing over the hot cake and sprinkle with chopped walnuts if desired. The icing will set quickly.
4. Allow the cake to cool completely for several hours before cutting into 24 squares.

This recipe is adapted for high-altitude baking at 5,280 feet. For adjustments at different elevations, refer to the original source: curlygirlkitchen.com.