It’s appropriate that Gerry Case dresses up as Santa Claus for several organizations in December because his persona isn’t far from being Broomfield’s real-life St. Nick.
His positive impact on others have earned him the Heart of Broomfield Senior Award, which recognizes an outstanding community member over the age of 65.
His passion to give back stems from being in Broomfield’s Rotary Club, where he has been a member for 43 years. To name a few of their projects, Case said he and the Rotarians donate more than $8,000 a year to impactful organizations and have worked to provide more than 9,000 dictionary/reference books to local third graders. The club’s motto “service above self” has kept him doing more, he said.
“I’m honored to have known so many people who lead by example and I am swept along by their examples,” Case said. “I love being able to repay society for all of the marvelous opportunities and wonders of life that I’ve been given. I find that both giving back and paying it forward make me feel whole.”
Outside of the Rotary, Case participates in the Broomfield Photo Club, the Broomfield Art Guild as well as boy and cub scout troops, among other commitments. He also coordinates sending more than 300 flowering plants to local seniors.
Case has lived in Broomfield for more than 38 years and when he suffered a heart attack five years ago, he said his perspective on life changed and his commitment to helping others only grew.
During the most recent holiday season, he dressed as Santa Claus to send messages of encouragement to 51 children with heart problems for Conquering CHD (Congenital Heart Disease) Colorado.
Keri Dillinghman has noticed Case’s welcoming personality and his talent as a photographer and painter. She has worked with Case through her job as the executive director for the Broomfield Council on the Arts and Humanities.
“He gives without any need for recognition or return and is a wonderful photographer, artist, and friend to many,” Dillingham said. “He was exceedingly kind and welcoming to me when I first started my job. I still look forward to our conversations about photography, art and the love we share for Broomfield.”
His ability to forge strong connections with others certainly compliments his history of giving back. It wasn’t hard for Dillingham to picture the award-winning photographer as this year’s Heart of Broomfield Senior award winner.
“For Gerry to win an award would be no surprise to the scores of local residents who know and love him,” Dillingham said. “He is full of heart and soul as he is an angel to the arts and everyone he encounters.”
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