Community Advocate Award
Ent honors extraordinary community advocates
This prestigious award honors Coloradans who have gone above and beyond to make a positive impact in their communities. Introduced in 2022, the award continues to recognize individuals who demonstrate extraordinary dedication to helping others and creating lasting change in Colorado communities.
Previous recipients of the Ent Community Advocate Award have been recognized for stepping up in remarkable ways to make a difference in their communities. From running a café that provides free meals to those in need, to using personal funds to support special needs students and even offering free medical and dental care to the uninsured, these individuals embody what it means to give back. Among them are two brave men who courageously intervened to stop a gunman at a local club, risking their own lives to protect others. These stories showcase the extraordinary impact that everyday heroes can have on the lives of those around them.
In addition to the recognition, the $50,000 award will either be granted to one winner or, in the event of multiple winners, shared among all selected nominees. Ent encourages nominations that vividly demonstrate the nominee's involvement in community-oriented actions, charitable causes, projects, events and more. Nominations for 2025 will open in November 2025.
See our 2024 award winners
Skyler Nelson - $15,000 South
Skyler Nelson, an Army combat veteran who has faced severe medical challenges, founded the nonprofit Bailey Military Support, dedicated to suicide prevention for service members, veterans, and their families. Despite her own health struggles, Skyler donates her time to host support groups, annual suicide prevention dinners, and community outreach. She is also a special needs advocate, volunteering as a substitute teacher and mentor at PTAA Charter School, where she fosters mental wellness and rapport with middle school students. Additionally, she has supported K9s for Veterans Abroad and recently earned her Master’s in Psychology to better serve her community. Skyler’s efforts have directly supported individuals in need, including veterans, service members, and students, while saving lives through her advocacy for mental health resources.
Mark McIntosh - $15,000 North
Mark McIntosh is a former Denver sportscaster and founder of two nonprofits: Victory Productions, which inspires people to overcome challenges, and A Stronger Cord, which mentors homeless men to build their mental, physical, and spiritual health. After surviving amyloidosis and a kidney transplant, Mark became an advocate for organ donation through his Drive for Five campaign. His efforts have impacted thousands, from mentoring homeless individuals to supporting students through the Irv Brown Endowment Fund. Mark’s transparency and motivational storytelling inspire others to contribute to their communities, and his diverse advocacy efforts have undoubtedly saved lives and transformed countless futures.
Chastity Gomez- $10,000 North
Chastity Gomez, a former foster parent for eight years, has cared for 19 children, offering them not only a home but also personalized care and support. She and her husband adopted a child, Aubriana, and helped her biological mother, Amber, overcome challenges to build a stable life. Chastity's efforts extend to mentoring foster parents, advocating for vulnerable children, and bridging connections with birth families. Her tireless dedication has created a sense of belonging for children and families and significantly reduced the burden on community resources by fostering stability and hope for those in need.
Kelly Bull - $10,000 South
Kelly Bull has transformed her disadvantaged neighborhood in Colorado Springs through innovative community-building efforts. She spearheaded gardening initiatives, including planting parties that turned neglected spaces into sustainable, pollinator-friendly landscapes, bringing neighbors together and inspiring collaboration. Kelly’s focus on sustainability, such as using rainwater irrigation and regenerating soil, has preserved critical resources while fostering a sense of community. As the interim executive director of Cono, Kelly is expanding these programs to impact more neighborhoods. Her work exemplifies the power of grassroots change, creating a safer, more connected, and environmentally sustainable community.
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