Money raised will support quality early childhood care and education for Denver three year olds
Three local Early Head Start child development centers will share $25,000 to support Denver three year olds thanks to local sales of Mile High H2O bottled water, a partnership of
Deep Rock Water and the City and County of Denver. Surrounded by curious three-year-old students,
Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper joined executives from Deep Rock Water to present the donation at
Family Star Montessori and Early Head Start in west Denver.
“When we can ensure that all of Denver’s children have an equal chance at the starting gate, we can improve the chances they will make it successfully across the finish line,” said Hickenlooper. “One of the most important investments we can make as a city is to provide our young children with quality early childhood education that sets the foundation for lifelong learning, strong public schools, and a vibrant economy. To be truly successful, we need the support of our local businesses, and Deep Rock Water’s community spirit runs as deep as their wells.”
Over 250,000 bottles of Mile High H2O were sold to raise the $25,000. The money will be divided among three Early Head Start programs: Family Star Montessori and Early Head Start, Catholic Charities, and Clayton Family Futures Early Head Start.
“Throughout the year, we provide our Colorado customers pure Artesian water as an alternative to tap water and a resource for a healthy lifestyle,” said Bruce Lohn, CEO of Deep Rock Water. “Today, as a part of the Denver community for 111 years, we’re happy to provide Denver toddlers with resources for learning lifestyles.”
Mile High H2O launched in 2004 with half-litter bottles featuring the newly-released Denver Mile High logo. Deep Rock Water pledged to donate 10 cents of every bottle sold to Denver’s Invest In Success early childhood education initiative, a program of the Mayor’s Office for Education and Children and part of the administration’s ongoing commitment to improving and expanding early childhood education opportunities in Denver.
More than 80 percent of a child’s cognitive, social and emotional development occurs before age five. Reaching children at a young age with quality early education programs gives them a better chance of succeeding in school and in life. Early Head Start provides a solid foundation for the Denver Preschool Program, the early childhood education program for all Denver four year olds approved by voters in 2006, explained Dr. María Guajardo, director of the Mayor’s Office for Education and Children.
Deep Rock Water has been in operation for 111 years at the same location in Denver's Five Points neighborhood. Deep Rock's Artesian well is located 852 feet under the surface, and the company's community roots are just as deep. For more information on Deep Rock Water, visit www.deeprockwater.com or call 800-695-2020.