It started with an assignment in Julie Butterworth’s biology class at Pikes Peak Early College earlier this year. Butterworth asked her students to select a nonprofit and assist them with an awareness and fundraising campaign. “It’s about connecting biology to the real world,” she shared. 

Jordyn Maisano, freshman in the class, considered different charities, but ultimately chose the Colorado Springs Therapeutic Riding Center, an organization that provides high-quality, specialized equine therapy for people of all ages with physical, cognitive and behavioral disabilities.

Jordyn’s plans initially included organizing a fundraising dinner hosted in cooperation with John Suthers, the mayor of Colorado Springs. Jordyn herself pitched the idea to the mayor, and he quickly came on board to support her event that was originally scheduled to take place in April.

While COVID-19 restrictions didn’t allow the event to happen, Jordyn still made an impact for a nonprofit she grew to love. Together, on May 7, Jordyn and Mayor Suthers presented $5,700 that was raised in corporate sponsorships to the Colorado Springs Therapeutic Riding Center.

“I am proud that I pulled this together,” shared Jordyn. “The riding center needs money, and I’m so happy the mayor and Karen Palus [parks, recreation and cultural services director] could come today and visit the stables.”

Mrs. Butterworth also attended the special check presentation. “It takes ambition and motivation for a student to do this,” she commented. “Jordyn took this assignment to the community in every sense of the word.”