This year we want to take a moment to give thanks for something we are relearning and witnessing all the time: Contrary to conventional wisdom (and the dictionary), gratitude is not a noun, it’s a verb. Because here’s the thing: it is the action that really counts. Action is what makes a dent or leaves a mark. Action is what causes a shift. A shift toward something better. 

Gratitude turned into action is what our clients do all the time. We are thankful for the action they take to make our world better. As we reflect upon 2018, here are just a few examples of gratitude in action.

EnCap Flatrock Midstream and Habitat for Humanity

Volunteerism is a core company value at EnCap Flatrock. It isn’t just a word on the website or in the company handbook. The spirit of volunteerism is rooted in the DNA of the firm and innate in those who work there. Year after year EnCap Flatrock partners with organizations like SAMMinistries and Hill Country Daily Bread Ministries to serve the needs of the homeless and those living in poverty in the San Antonio area.  

The past year presented unique needs in Texas, particularly in the neighboring community of Rockport. When Hurricane Harvey decimated the small coastal town, EnCap Flatrock’s employees responded resolutely. The firm partnered with Habitat for Humanity and deployed the resources needed: financial support, time and physical labor. They assisted with the rebuild of two homes in the area by getting their hands dirty and putting in hours of sweat equity to help those who suffered incredible losses. 

“We often say we use our time, talent and treasure to make the world a better place.  2018 was a year in which we were able to stretch all of those tenants. We are grateful we were able to help a hurting community, one that came back with grace and grit.”

Jana Jonas, Manager of Administration and Chairman of the Charitable Giving Committee at EnCap Flatrock

Tall Oak Midstream and Folds of Honor

Education. Hard work. Transparency.  Patriotism. These are the values held dear at Tall Oak Midstream. Through their partnership with Folds of Honor, they are able to bring meaningful action to these ideals. Since its inception, Tall Oak has invested time and money to support “the Folds,” as they refer to it.  This extraordinary organization provides educational scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service members.

In October of this year, Tall Oak sponsored the fourth annual Stars, Stripes & Pipes Golf Invitational near Tulsa, Oklahoma. This tradition is an annual highlight for all employees and has raised in excess of $1.5 million to benefit the families supported by Folds of Honor.  

“Folds of Honor is an organization that embodies the principles we strive for at Tall Oak. They provide services to the families of those that have served our country with honor and humility. I think their motto says it best: Honor Their Sacrifice. Educate Their Legacy.”

Ryan Lewellyn, President & CEO of Tall Oak Midstream and Board of Directors at Folds of Honor

Altira Group and the High Line Canal Conservancy 

Altira is a venture capital firm that invests in technology-advantaged energy companies. As they evaluate investment opportunities, they always start with one elemental question: is this a group or person that leads with integrity? Altira demands this not only of their portfolio companies, but also of themselves. To the people of Altira, part of leading with integrity is giving back to causes that are important and consequential in the communities in which they live.  One such cause is helping to maintain and enhance the integrity of Colorado’s great outdoors by providing greater access to the quiet and wonder of nature in urban and suburban areas. 

Dirk McDermott, managing partner of Altira, contributes to this cause by serving as chairman of the High Line Canal Conservancy board. The conservancy is aggressively implementing a plan to preserve and enhance the canal’s 71 meandering miles as a place that connects people to nature and wildlife and binds varied communities together from the Foothills to the Plains. 

“When we think about leading with integrity, we consider giving back to our community a core component of that tenet. At Altira we each have causes about which we are passionate, and we are very intentional about carving out time to support those important endeavors.”

Dirk McDermott, Managing Partner of Altira and Board Chairman of the Highline Canal Conservancy

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At TEN|10 we are steadfastly committed to turning our gratitude into action. One of our driving core values as a company is connection. This holds multiple meanings for us including connection to each other, connection to our clients and partners, and connection to our community here in Denver.  It is this connection that inspires our collaboration and pro bono work with Denver Public Schools.  

A great public education system is directly at the heart of any thriving community. Parents need to believe that students are being set up to succeed as future citizens, and we work with schools to convey this message. In 2018, TEN|10 worked with four elementary schools, investing considerable staff time and resources, to help them better communicate their achievements and their vision for success. We are so fortunate to contribute to our community in a way that utilizes our expertise and passion.

As we all give thanks in the weeks ahead, we at TEN|10 will continue to focus on giving back and gratitude in action — both in appreciation of all the hard work done in 2018 and in honor of the work to come in 2019.