With Thanksgiving in our rear-view mirrors and the Holiday season quickly approaching, it is now the time of year to show gratitude for all we have and continue to pay it forward to those less fortunate in our communities. This is not a one-way street; by volunteering and helping others, it is proven to improve one’s mental health and physical health, increasing joy and even contributing to overall longevity.
When Ray Nunn started Nunn Construction over 40 years ago, the first people he gave back to were the employees. “When we first started out, we barely had enough to make ends meet, but Nancy and I decided that we had to make sure that our employees felt appreciated and so we scrounged together enough to throw all our employees a holiday party. Nancy helped make some decorations for our little office, and all we could afford to get hot dogs and fries, nothing fancy – but it felt important to do something!” Out of that, grew an annual tradition each December which is “Nunn Hot Dog Day” a day where everyone is encouraged to gather at the office and eat hot dogs. We’ve come to appreciate the simplicity of the day and the reminder of how far our company has grown since those early days.
Bells will be Ringing
A generous spirit and dedication to the health of our community has driven Nunn’s values since our earliest days; a value still embedded in our culture today. In particular, our support for the Salvation Army goes back to 1998, when Ray joined their advisory committee to honor his father, a WWII veteran positively impacted by Salvation Army’s reach into France during the war. Ray retells stories he heard from his father of donut trucks as treats for soldiers, a godsend in a time when men felt ripped from their families and traditions back home. The Salvation Army’s acceptance of all people in need without discrimination has made Ray and Nunn Construction ardent supporters of the organization. Our employees even spend a day each December to Ring the Bells for the Red Kettle. You can sign up to volunteer with the Salvation Army by ringing bells during the holiday season or by visiting https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/ways-to-give/.
Dignity and Compassionate Care
Nancy’s mother, Chubby was often described as “a woman before her time.” She was a rock that held the family together in many ways. So, when the end of her lifetime was approaching in 2004, the Nunn family was so grateful to have the care and support of Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care to deliver compassion and dignified care to Chubby as well as grief support for the family. Within the next year, Nancy began a nearly 20-year tradition of volunteering and support of PPHPC, the only non-profit hospice provider in Colorado Springs who offers care to anyone regardless of the ability to pay. PPHPC is also the only Level 5 Partner (the highest level) in the area with the national “We Honor Veterans” program, which supports veterans in hospice with benefit navigation, bedside salutes, and pinning ceremonies.
Nancy states “Being with families at the end-of-life time, helps me keep in perspective what’s truly important: That we are kind, build lives we are proud of and keep our families and values close.” Ray and Tyson have also served on the organizations’ boards. There are many ways to volunteer as a direct care volunteer with Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care including helping with pet therapy, healing touch therapies, soothing sounds music, veteran outreach, companionship and respite, vigil volunteers and more. https://pikespeakhospice.org/volunteer/
Vibrant City
A strong downtown is a catalyst for growth and vibrancy in any community. That is why Nunn supports Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs, through their Downtown Ventures’ placemaking non-profit, and “Art on the Streets” program. For many years we have served on the boards and committee who bring annual sculptures and murals to beautify our Downtown, and act as an economic driver for businesses at the heart of our community. You can support this mission over the holiday season through Colorado Gives at: https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/Colorado-Springs-Community-Ventures
Culture of Giving
Nunn continues to make a difference in our community through time, talent, and treasure; giving back from our organization and fostering ways for our employees to do the same. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we were unique in that while others were out of work, construction was an essential industry. Nunn’s “Grateful” campaign fundraised over $10,000 in direct employees’ donations to support local non-profit organizations supporting families in our community. https://www.nunnconstruction.com/grateful/ We also hold annual donation drives for coats and warm clothes for the Springs Rescue Mission, and support Toy 4 Tots in the Holiday season.
We feel passionate that a rising tide can lift all boats, and we are appreciative that our success allows us to give back to our community. We encourage everyone in our community to take a pause this holiday season, reflecting on what you hold to be most important and give back in some way that will add more joy to your life and the lives of others around you. We’ll join you.
