Corporate Challenge: Fuel Their Summer
May 5 – June 12, 2025
Handbook & Planning Guide
Thank you for participating!
Thank you for participating in the 28th edition of Corporate Challenge at Community Food Share! Corporate Challenge has been a longstanding tradition at Community Food Share, inspiring friendly competition in the Boulder & Broomfield business community to see who can have the biggest impact in fighting hunger and food insecurity in our backyard.
Since its inception in 2002, Corporate Challenge has raised over $5 million and collected hundreds of thousands of pounds of food. With this generosity and collaborative impact, Boulder and Broomfield's business community has left an indelible mark in the fight against hunger.
We're excited for you to join the fight! This year, Corporate Challenge is part of Community Food Share's Fuel Their Summer campaign. When schools break for summer, thousands of families lose access to the school meal programs they depend on. In our two-county area, 1 in 12 children experience food insecurity. For many kids, the 83 days of summer break should be filled with play and adventure—instead, they face the uncertainty of empty refrigerators and the weight of worry.
This handbook provides planning tools and keys to success. So read on, engage your teams, and help us exceed our goal of $80,000. Thanks for participating in 2025's Corporate Challenge: Fuel Their Summer edition!
Questions or Comments?
Contact Luke Gorka,
Corporate Relations Manager
The Structure
To ensure fair competition, companies will be grouped into divisions based on the number of employees, allowing corporations of different sizes to compete on a level playing field. These divisions will face off in various Corporate Challenge events, with each division resulting in one winner. Ultimately, these division winners will go head-to-head to determine the overall champion of each event and the entire competition.
Please note that recruitment for the challenge (with a maximum of 40 teams across 5 divisions) may continue until the week before the competition begins, which means division sizes and team compositions could fluctuate. All participating companies will receive regular updates on any changes to ensure everyone stays informed.
The Stakes
While all participating companies and teams will experience the ongoing reward of helping feed children and families throughout the summer, Community Food Share is dedicated to recognizing the generosity and drive of the top performers who make the greatest impact. The division winners, announced at 6 PM on Thursday, June 12, during the Corporate Challenge Celebration at Avery Brewing, will receive:
- A special trophy presented at the Corporate Challenge Celebration
- Logo placement on a Community Food Share truck for one calendar year
- Logo inclusion on Community Food Share's corporate recognition wall and website
- A featured spotlight in the Corporate Challenge social media and e-newsletter wrap-up
Additionally, the overall winner of the Corporate Challenge: Fuel Their Summer will receive:
- A customized trophy presented at the Corporate Challenge Celebration
- Premier, enlarged logo placement on a Community Food Share truck for one year
- Logo inclusion on Community Food Share's homepage slider
If your company has specific recognition needs or ideas, please don't hesitate to contact Luke to explore additional opportunities for visibility!
Point System
The point system in Corporate Challenge is designed to track and showcase which companies are making the greatest impact on food insecurity and hunger while fueling friendly competition. Companies can earn points through direction contributions and participating in events that drive community engagement and team building.
Dollar Donations
Strategically-minded teams might observe that donating funds is the most effective way to score points. That's because Community Food Share can make the biggest difference with dollar donations! Each dollar donated turns into $6 worth of groceries at Community Food Share due to our robust food rescue program, procurement advantage, and relationships with national retailers, manufacturers, and growers all over the country. Maximize your impact and drive your team's success by raising funds first!
All donations must be made to your team's Classy fundraising page (team captains will help customize and distribute their links). To be counted in your team's point total, donations must be made by 5:30pm, Thursday, June 12. Tax receipts and acknowledgements will be automatically emailed to the donor following submission!
NOTE: If your company matches gifts through Benevity, YourCause, CyberGrants, or another giving platform, please send your donation confirmation form to your team captain who will submit those weekly to Community Food Share for points to be recorded.
If your company does NOT match gifts, then ask for their support! Corporate gifts or matches during the competition will all count towards a team's point total.
Food Donations
Companies who decide to host internal food drives may use Community Food Share branded boxes (available for pickup) for easy assembly, collection, and delivery. All food donations must be non-perishable items and dropped off in the final week of the competition (June 9) at Dock Door 3 at Community Food Share between 9am and 3pm. Please notify Luke Gorka (lgorka@communityfoodshare.org) when with your ETA to ensure your teams earns your food donation points!
We appreciate all donations, and we are always in need of heathier options (i.e. low sodium, whole grains, and fruit in % juice). Please donate packaged, non-perishable items, and avoid glass containers. Our most-needed items include:
- Nut Butters
- Canned Tuna and Chicken
- Canned Fruits
- Cereal and Oatmeal
- Soup and Stew
- Baby Food and Formula
- Pasta and Canned Sauce
- Beans (Canned and Dry)
- Canned Vegetables
- Dietary restricted items (vegetarian/vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, etc.)
Event Participation
This year, Corporate Challenge boasts a full event schedule designed to promote team collaboration, friendly competition, and community building. From kickball, volleyball, & pickleball to volunteer days to partner agency tours to a closing happy hour reception, there is an event for everyone at your company. Teams are welcome to opt into the events that work for them but must notify Luke of their attendance status the week before!
Fuel Their Summer Kickball Klassic
Friday, May 9
Gerald Staszio Softball Fields
10am – 6pm
(end time may change due to number of participating teams)
The Fuel Their Summer Kickball Klassic is the opening event of the 2025 Corporate Challenge, kicking off on Friday, May 9th at Stazio Ball Fields. It's more than just a fun day in the sun—it's a chance for businesses across Boulder and Broomfield counties to come together, build team spirit, and compete for a great cause.
In addition, Avery Brewing will be offering $5 pints all day long as the official after party of the Fuel Their Summer Kickball Klassic! Stop by with your team at any point throughout the day and mention "Community Food Share Kickball Klassic" to receive the special offer! Food available for purchase as well.
NOTE: Dollar donations point values are DOUBLED throughout the event! Community Food Share staff will be taking credit card donations all event long (no cash).
(TOURNAMENT STRUCTURE MAY CHANGE) TBD
Division winners will earn 600 points for their team (the equivalent of a $100 donation) and the overall champion will earn 1,500 points (the equivalent of a $250 donation).
Rules can be found on The World Kickball Association's website and will be explained once at the beginning of each division tournament. Each field will have a referee.
Team captains must RSVP one week before (by Friday, May 2nd) and confirm their participation to Luke by email/phone!
Set, Spike, Serve Volleyball Tournament
Thursday, May 15th
The Oasis
11am – 5pm
(end time may change due to number of participating teams)
In the second week of the campaign, teams will battle it out on the beach volleyball courts at The Oasis in Broomfield! With 10 sand courts (7 indoor, 3 outdoor) and a full bar and kitchen, teams will enjoy upbeat tournament play and laidback hospitality all afternoon long.
(TOURNAMENT STRUCTURE MAY CHANGE) TBD
NOTE: Dollar donations point values are DOUBLED throughout the event! Community Food Share staff will be taking credit card donations all event long (no cash).
Teams will have an area to set-up, leave their belongings, and hang out in the events area by the bar and are welcome to bring in their own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Teams are NOT permitted to bring in their own alcohol; ALL ALCOHOL MUST BE PURCHASED AT THE VENUE.
Division winners will earn 600 points for their team (the equivalent of a $100 donation) and the overall champion will earn 1,500 points (the equivalent of a $250 donation).
Rules for beach volleyball can be found here. Only the championship bracket will be referee'd due to the number of simultaneous games. Teams are expected to self-officiate with mutual respect and kindness.
Team captains must RSVP one week before (by Thursday, May 8th) and confirm their participation to Luke by email/phone!
Paddles for Plates Pickleball Tournament
Thursday, June 5th
relish (opening soon, 550 McCaslin Blvd, Louisville, CO 80027)
12pm – 5pm
(end time may change due to number of participating teams)
Paddles for Plates Pickleball will be our last tournament of the competition with teams competing at relish, Louisville's brand new pickleball facility with 20+ courts and 8 food concepts inside. We will be one of the first events hosted at the venue so please be understanding as we work out logistics with the staff!
NOTE: Dollar donations point values are DOUBLED throughout the event! Community Food Share staff will be taking credit card donations all event long (no cash).
(TOURNAMENT STRUCTURE MAY CHANGE) TBD
Pickleball rules can be found on Pickleball USA's website. Please note the 20 minute time limit one each game.
There is lots of space within relish to enjoy the day with your colleagues. All food and beverage must be purchased at relish! In addition, there will be raffle prizes graciously donated by Babolat, the gear sponsor of relish's pro shop. All raffle proceeds will go towards your company's point total.
Team captains must RSVP one week before (by Thursday, May 29th) and confirm their participation to Luke by email/phone!
Corporate Challenge Celebration
Thursday, June 12th
Avery Brewing
4:30pm – 6:30pm
The Corporate Challenge Celebration will be the final event of the competition to celebrate teams' success and host one more opportunity to score points! 4 representatives from each participating company will be invited to help rack up final points and celebrate the end of the campaign.
Community Food Share will be providing 2 drink tickets per attendee as well as an appetizer bar in thanks of all the contributions of participating companies.
NOTE: All donations must be in by 5:30pm for the trophy presentation at 6pm.
Relax with your colleagues, network with other participating businesses, and enjoy delicious food and beverage provided by Avery!
Volunteer at Community Food Share or host a project at your office
Community Food Share's Volunteer Team has reserved the months of May and June to host volunteer groups from participating companies. Simply email Makenzie @ mruppert@communityfoodshare.org to schedule your two hour group volunteer shift in our warehouse (maximum group size = 15).
If coming to our warehouse is too difficult, host a volunteer project at your office by procuring and assembling items from one of outreach kits! Take a picture of your volunteer day with attendees and send to Luke to earn extra points for your team!
Volunteer Opportunities
Get your team involved in hands-on hunger relief! We're offering multiple opportunities to volunteer at our facility during the competition. Each volunteering employee earns 30 points for your company.
Contact Luke at lgorka@communityfoodshare.org for more information on available shifts. Space is limited, so sign up early!
Visit and tour a Community Food Share partner agency
Community Food Share couldn't do their work without the collaboration of 40+ partner agencies in Boulder and Broomfield Counties. Reach out to Luke to coordinate a tour at a partner agency to get a behind-the-scenes look at how they distribute food and implement their own programming! All attendees will receive the 60 point bonus for participating. Take a picture and send to Luke!
Company-hosted events
Have an idea of an event to plan at your company site to benefit your team? Plan and coordinate with Luke to ensure alignment with Community Food Share's mission and receive your 60 point attendee bonus!
Campaign & Competition Reminders
Remember, this challenge is all about the kids. While a little competition adds excitement, let's keep the focus on community and collaboration, ensuring that our collective efforts make the biggest impact possible.
Use your personal and professional networks to amplify your impact and point total! Consult the marketing toolkit for email templates, pictures, logos, and more to post on social media and bring more awareness and donations to your team page!
Keep your company's leadership informed of your progress and encourage their active involvement. The more supporters you rally, the greater your team's impact and success!
Don't forget about your company's matching gifts or corporate giving opportunities to amplify your team's impact and point total.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do we register our team?
Contact Luke Gorka at lgorka@communityfoodshare.org or call (303) 652-3663 ext. 209. He will help set up your team's fundraising page and provide all materials needed.
Can we participate in some events but not others?
Absolutely! While we encourage participation in as many events as possible, teams can choose which events work best for their schedules and interests.
How are divisions determined?
Divisions are based on company size to ensure fair competition. Final divisions will be determined once all teams have registered.
What if we can't attend the final celebration?
While we hope all teams can join us at Avery Brewing on June 12th, we understand if schedules conflict. Winners not present will still receive their awards and recognition.
Join Us in Fighting Summer Hunger
Thank you for being part of the Corporate Challenge: Fuel Their Summer! Your participation makes a real difference in the lives of children and families in our community facing food insecurity.
Remember, every dollar donated provides $6 worth of groceries, every pound of food helps stock our shelves, and every employee who participates brings us closer to our goal of fighting hunger in Boulder and Broomfield Counties.
We can't wait to see you on the field, court, or volunteer line. Together, we can ensure no child goes hungry this summer.