About Us

Sparking Joy and Providing Community Support since 1984

At Bright Christmas, we believe that every child and family in Estes Park deserves to experience the joy and hope of the holiday season—and to feel supported by their community all year long.

As a local non-profit, we bring neighbors together to help those in need through monetary donations, donated school supplies for children, and sponsorship of low-income families over Christmas.

Whether it’s a new backpack for the first day of school or wrapped gifts under the tree, Bright Christmas connects caring community members with families who could use an extra hand.

Together, we make the season brighter and build a stronger, more compassionate Estes Park for everyone.

Our Story

Bright Christmas began in the mid-1980s, when Jean and Jim Austin sought a meaningful way to teach their children the true spirit of the holiday season—the joy of giving. Wanting to help local families in need, Jean reached out to Harv Neeley at County Social Services to ask whether anyone in Estes Park might benefit from extra support at Christmastime. His reply was simple and profound: “How many do you want?”

That first year, the Austin family provided gifts and a complete Christmas dinner for three Estes Valley families. By the third year, the number had grown to 15, and it became clear that they would need to involve friends and neighbors to meet the growing need. From this grassroots effort, the Bright Christmas program was born—built on community generosity and a commitment to ensuring every family could enjoy a warm, joyful holiday.

With continued support from local residents, organizations, and volunteers, Bright Christmas grew steadily, reaching more families each year. After two decades, the program was serving over 100 families annually, and it continues to expand through sponsorships, volunteer involvement, and the trust of families who reach out for assistance.

“This simply could not have happened without the great generosity and help of the wonderful people and organizations of Estes Park!”
— Jean & Jim Austin

Founders of Bright Christmas

Meet The Board

Mary Murphy

Co-Chair

Mary has called Estes Park home for 32 years and has been involved with Bright Christmas for more than a decade. With a lifelong commitment to nonprofit service—and personal experience growing up in a family that sometimes needed extra support—she brings both expertise and compassion to her role as co-chair. As the community’s needs have grown, Mary felt called to take on a larger leadership role to help ensure the program continues to support families with dignity and care. Grateful to give back to the place she loves, she finds deep purpose in serving the Estes Park community.

Nancy Almond

Co-Chair

A Virginia transplant, Nancy has called Estes Park home for 37 years. With nearly 15 years of experience leading EVICS and a background in early childhood education and nonprofit management, she brings extensive expertise and a deep passion for supporting families and children to her role as co-chair of the Bright Christmas Board. Her long-standing commitment to the Estes Valley community—and her love for the mountain environment—inspires her work in helping local families thrive. When she’s not volunteering, Nancy loves to travel and spend time outdoors.

Kylene Newman

Board Member

Kylene has lived in Estes Park for 20 years and is proud to be raising her two children in the community—her daughter, Kilah, now a student at CSU, and her son, who attends second grade in Estes Park. She has served on the Bright Christmas Board as secretary for the past two years and has also taken on a leadership role for Bright Christmas' Kids Give initiative, which provides gifts for children to give their parents. Having once been on the receiving end of community support, Kylene feels deeply grateful for the opportunity to give back and help local families through Bright Christmas.

Steve Misch

Board Member

Steve retired to Estes Park in 1996 after a career in pharmaceuticals and hospitality, following his pre-med studies at the University of Kansas. In 2000, he co-founded the Estes Park Community Thanksgiving Dinner, which served residents for 20 years. His community involvement has since included Restorative Justice, the Partners Program, and Sunrise Rotary. He was honored to join the Bright Christmas board in recent years.

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Eva Bañuelos

Board Member

For the past 14 years, Eva has partnered with Bright Christmas by supporting family sign-ups, coordinating with Crossroads Ministry, and helping Spanish-speaking families access the program. Her work includes organizing registration space, assisting with qualification processes, promoting the program to local families, and helping with school supply distribution and book donations. Eva is grateful to play a role in ensuring families receive the support they need during the holidays and throughout the year.

Patty Shafer

Board Member

Patty has lived in Estes Park for over 35 years and began supporting Bright Christmas when her children were young, sponsoring families and organizing her Rocky Mountain National Park ranger team to do the same. After retiring, she joined the Bright Christmas Board to deepen her involvement. Patty also volunteers locally with Crossroads Ministry and nationally with the American Red Cross, assisting communities during disaster relief efforts. She is grateful to help ensure Estes Park families have the support they need during the holiday season.

Austin Logan

Board Member

Austin Logan was born and raised in Estes Park and is proud to call the community home. A product of the local Junior Golf Program, he now gives back by mentoring young golfers and promoting the same values that shaped him. Austin has volunteered with Bright Christmas since 2011 and joined the Board in 2022. Grateful for the opportunities and support he’s received throughout his life, he is dedicated to serving the families and community that have always supported him.

Isaiah Johnson

Board Member

Isaiah moved to Estes Park in 2023 and joined the Bright Christmas leadership team in spring 2024. With a strong desire to serve others and connect with his new community, he quickly became active in local nonprofits, including Rotary, the Estes Park Duck Race, and the Interact Club.

Isaiah enjoys working with Bright Christmas because of the team’s dedication to supporting families with joy and dignity during the holidays and beyond. Outside of volunteering, he loves spending time outdoors, fly fishing, golfing, and engaging with the local business community.

Michael Grigsby

Board Member

Michael’s role as a Bright Christmas board member reflects his strong commitment to supporting local families and strengthening the Estes Park community. With 10 years of financial experience at Bank of Estes Park, he applies his skills to help ensure the program operates responsibly, sustainably, and with meaningful impact. He believes deeply in Bright Christmas’s mission to provide support, dignity, and hope to families during the holiday season and throughout the year. Having grown up in the Estes Valley, Michael is proud to give back to the community he calls home and is dedicated to helping Bright Christmas continue its important work.

Sarah Almond

Board Member

Born and raised in Estes Park, Sarah recently returned to the valley and brings volunteer experience from her time with Meals on Wheels in Salt Lake City, where she discovered her passion for nonprofit work. Grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community that raised her, she is excited to help Bright Christmas expand its reach through a new website and fresh, innovative ways to increase awareness of the program.