🎉 Bridging the Gap 2025 – What a Day!

Dear Friends of World at Hand,

Thank you for helping make this year’s Bridging the Gap event our most impactful yet.

On Saturday July 19, we brought the event back to my roots — hosting it outdoors in the heart of the Park Hill neighborhood as a true block party. The day was filled with meaningful moments: students bravely sharing their stories, families learning about global opportunities, and neighbors gathering in support of something bigger than ourselves.

If you missed our student speakers, I invite you to read one of them: Andrea’s story.  Her journey beautifully captures what this work is all about — the transformation that happens when students are given the chance to see the world and reimagine their place in it.  👉 Read Andrea’s Story

Overall, this was a celebration of what we’ve built together and a glimpse of where we’re headed. I’m looking forward to seeing what all the future holds!

Thanks to your support, we’ve already raised $6,707 toward our $7,500 fundraising goal. These funds will directly support passport access, study abroad scholarships, and cultural learning programs for students across Colorado. With a matching fund still active, every donation made today will go twice as far.  👉 Make a Matched Gift

We are especially grateful to our generous sponsors, including Denver International Airport, The Colorado Trust, EF Education First, WeWave, Costco, and 4 Noses Brewing Company, for making this community celebration possible.

In the coming days, we’ll be launching our online silent auction, featuring some remaining incredible local experiences and donated items from dozens of Colorado businesses. If you weren’t able to join us in person, this will be a great opportunity to show your support and grab something special.

More than anything, I hope you know how much your belief in this mission means to me — and to the students we serve. It is a privilege to do this work with you.

Click here to view all the event photos on our website! (they’re at the bottom)

With gratitude,
Shawn Wall
Founder& Executive Director
World at Hand