When we launched Steamboat Locals Media on July 1st, our vision was clear: to create a space where our community could come together for light-hearted entertainment and information, whether through music, podcasts, or written stories. From the very beginning, our guiding principle has been to celebrate the vibrant and unique character of our local community. But we knew that our platform could be more than just a source of entertainment; it could also be a powerful tool for giving back to the organizations that make Steamboat Springs special.
That’s why teaming up with Jon Wade and The Steamboat Group felt like a natural fit. Their commitment to Keeping Steamboat Special aligns perfectly with our own mission. The Steamboat Group has long been dedicated to preserving the spirit and charm of Steamboat Springs, a commitment that extends far beyond their work in real estate. Through the TSG Fund, they support local causes that make a real difference, whether by protecting our environment, supporting local businesses, or fostering a strong sense of community.
In 2019, The Steamboat Group was honored as the Business Philanthropist of the Year by The Yampa Valley Community Foundation, a recognition that Jon Wade cherishes deeply. “I’ve helped a lot of people find their dream home in the Steamboat area, and we’ve certainly had a positive impact on a lot of lives in that regard. But being recognized in this way is the achievement I have to say I am most proud of professionally,” Jon reflects.
This July, we at Steamboat Locals Media writer, John Camponeschi, produced a four-part blog series highlighting the efforts of local organizations working to get underrepresented members of our community outside and recreating. As part of this initiative, we partnered with The Steamboat Group to raise money for two incredible organizations: The Cycle Effect and Routt County Riders. For every song request made through The Steamboat Locals Choice for Music, Jon Wade and The Steamboat Group donated $1 to each of these organizations, turning each request into a $2 contribution to our community.
“It may be the easiest way to make a positive impact,” says Eli Campbell, owner of Steamboat Locals Media. “Listeners request music they want to hear, and without having to open up their own wallets, those requests turn into donations to local organizations, courtesy of Jon Wade and The Steamboat Group.”
The Cycle Effect is a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young women through mountain biking, providing access to outdoor activities that foster confidence, leadership, and a healthy lifestyle. Meanwhile, Routt County Riders advocates for sustainable cycling in the Yampa Valley, with programs that include trail maintenance, safety advocacy, and community events aimed at growing our local cycling culture.
“We’re really passionate about biking here in the Valley, and love what RCR and The Cycle Effect do for promoting biking in the community, especially what The Cycle Effect does to get more girls on bikes,” Jon Wade shares.
The impact of this collaboration has been deeply felt by these organizations. Laraine Martin, Executive Director of Routt County Riders, says, “The Steamboat Group does a great job advocating for cycling in our community. Whether it’s staff support for our workdays, financial support, or just the way they talk up cycling in our area, we’re really appreciative of their support.”
Helen Beall, Routt County Manager for The Cycle Effect, echoes this sentiment. “We’re really appreciative that The Steamboat Group has long believed in our mission of empowering young girls through mountain biking. They have had volunteers come out to support us, but more than that, 90% of our kids are scholarshipped in the program. Without the financial support from organizations like The Steamboat Group, we wouldn’t have a program.”
Thanks to the community’s engagement, in July alone, 123 song requests were made to the Steamboat Locals Choice for Music, generating $246 that was split between Routt County Riders and The Cycle Effect. It’s a testament to the power of music, community, and the willingness of our residents to support each other.
As we moved into August, our focus shifted to organizations and individuals who promote and foster our local ranching and agriculture heritage. This month, the beneficiary of $2 per song request is the Community Agriculture Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening and sustaining local agriculture by supporting ranchers, farmers, and producers through education, advocacy, and direct marketing initiatives. So, keep those requests coming! And if a song isn’t available in our current library, we also accept suggestions via this form.
Looking ahead to September, we will be turning our attention to mental health in our community, with the beneficiary being Reaching Everyone Preventing Suicide (REPS). REPS works tirelessly to prevent suicide in Northwest Colorado by providing education, resources, and support to individuals and families affected by mental health challenges.
Beyond these monthly efforts, The Steamboat Group is committed to raising $100k annually through the TSG Fund at the Yampa Valley Community Foundation. They’re doing this through their “Double Your Donation” drive, where they will match all donations to YVCF.org/TSG up to $50k, creating a $100k total impact on our community. These funds will go directly to LiftUp, an organization that provides food, rent, and other assistance to those in need in our community.
At Steamboat Locals Media, we believe in the power of community, and we’re proud to be part of a town that truly looks out for its own. Whether through music, storytelling, or charitable giving, we are committed to celebrating what makes Steamboat Springs special.