Charity events get a fresh spark from yes the recession

No question: The lengthy recession has affected philanthropy big time. And not necessarily in a bad way. To attract the crowds that contribute the money, folks planning charity galas have been forced to step things up a notch. As a result, the social calendar is bursting with creative, innovative, never-been-done-before fundraisers that are pumping new life into a scene that had started to show signs of fatigue. Which doesn't surprise veteran observers. "Nonprofit organizations are nimble and responsive to the changes in Colorado's economic environment," says Sharon Knight, vice president and chief operating officer of the Colorado Nonprofit Association.