|   Posted: December 10, 2014

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – (December 10, 2014) – Last week, Compassion International presented a check for more than $15,000 to Pikes Peak Academy (PPA), beneficiary of the child development organization’s 2014 Christmas Fundraiser. The money raised by Compassion staff will go toward student scholarships for current and incoming PPA students.

PPA is a donor-funded, faith-based alternative school in Colorado Springs that gives youth at risk of not graduating the chance to succeed. More than half of the school’s students come from low-income families. Learning at PPA is contextualized and unique to each pupil. In addition to its staff, volunteers, tutors and advocates provide support to help students reach their goals.

“Seventy percent of our budget is raised in the community, and often it comes in ways we can never anticipate,” said PPA Volunteer Coordinator Kristin Becker. “We went through a difficult financial summer, and Compassion’s gifts came at a time when we really needed encouragement from the Lord to keep going. We were thrilled Compassion was going to help us bridge that gap.”

Since 1999, Compassion has chosen a local charity to receive the proceeds from its annual Christmas Fundraiser. All of the donated funds are proceeds raised by Compassion employees through various activities and events. This year, staff took part in craft fairs, 5K run/walks, an International Sale of items purchased in other countries, Cash for Casual day and other events to raise money. Past recipients of the fundraiser include Family Life Services, Mercy’s Gate and Iron Horse Christian Youth Ranch.

“Pikes Peak Academy is a phenomenal ministry that not only equips young people with the skills needed to succeed, but also offers the life-giving message of hope through Jesus Christ,” said Santiago “Jimmy” Mellado, president and CEO of Compassion International. “Compassion celebrates PPA's dedication to restoring confidence in young people facing difficult circumstances, and we are honored to present PPA with this year's Christmas Fundraiser proceeds so that they may continue to serve youth in need.”

About Compassion International

Compassion International is a Christian child development organization working to release children from poverty in Jesus' name. Founded in 1952, Compassion partners with more than 8,500 local churches in 29 program countries to deliver spiritual, economic, social, and physical care to over two million babies, children, and young adults in poverty. Ranked No. 12 in Forbes' America's Top Charities List in 2022, Compassion is a founding member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability and an accredited charity with the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance. For more information, visit compassion.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.