Together We Raised Hope
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By Deana Ratliffe, Little Fins Swim School in Colorado Springs
Photo credit: Sophie Kempf Photography
In a world that often moves too fast, moments that remind us of the power of community stand out like sunlight breaking through the clouds. One of those moments recently took place right here in Colorado Springs, when families, local businesses, and compassionate individuals joined forces to make sure every child has the chance to learn to swim and stay safe in the water.
Through the generosity of our community, children have now received scholarships to attend swimming lessons at Little Fins Swim School. These scholarships don’t just represent financial assistance; they represent safety, opportunity, and hope.
Heather THomas, Jenni & Baby Walker Fisk, Stuart & Nan Thomas, John Underwood, with our owner, Lauri Armstrong Enjoying the beautiful Balcony at Private Label Distilleray at Hope on the Rocks.
Hope on the Rocks: A Night of Impact
Hosted at Private Label Distillery, Hope on the Rocks was more than a fundraiser, it was a celebration of connection, purpose, and generosity. Guests filled the evening with laughter, heartfelt conversation, and a shared mission: to raise funds for the Hope Floats Foundation, which provides swim scholarships for children in need.
From delicious food and spirited bidding at the silent auction to moving stories shared by Little Fins families, the energy in the room was unforgettable. The message was clear when, we come together, we can change lives.
Local businesses stepped up in incredible ways. Restaurants donated gift cards, artisans contributed handmade items, and sponsors provided experiences, services, and themed baskets for the auction. Each donation represented the same goal: helping children access life-saving swim lessons.
Why It Matters
For many families, swim lessons can feel like a luxury. But the truth is, swimming is a life-saving skill. Drowning doesn’t discriminate; it affects families of every background and community. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children ages 1 to 4, and the second leading cause for children ages 5 to 14.
Every year, around 4,000 people die from unintentional drowning in the United States, and another 8,000 experience non-fatal drowning incidents that can lead to long-term health complications or brain injury. Most tragically, the majority of these drownings are preventable.
Formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88%, giving children the confidence and ability to stay safe around water. Each scholarship awarded through the Hope Floats Foundation helps ensure that financial barriers never stand between a child and the chance to learn to swim.
One attendee summed it up beautifully, saying, “When we invest in a child’s safety, we’re investing in their future. It’s something that benefits the whole community.”
More Than Lessons
At Little Fins Swim School, lessons are about so much more than swimming. Each one-on-one lesson builds confidence, trust, and courage — both in and out of the water. Children who once feared the pool learn to float, glide, and smile. Parents find peace of mind knowing their children are safer, and families leave with memories of achievement and joy.
As one parent shared,
“My son used to cry whenever we went near a pool. Now he jumps in with a smile and says, ‘Watch me!’ It’s changed our family’s life.”
Moments like these are why we do what we do. And they’re made possible because of you — our community.
The Ripple Effect of Giving
One-on-one swim lessons make a huge difference for kids of all ages.
Every act of giving, no matter how small, creates ripples that reach far beyond the pool. The generosity shown at Hope on the Rocks didn’t just provide lessons; it created opportunities, built confidence, and strengthened relationships throughout Colorado Springs.
Each scholarship tells a story of a child learning to float for the first time, a parent feeling relief, and a community united by compassion and purpose.
“The Hope Floats Foundation has allowed my child the opportunity that I never had, to learn to swim. As a single mother it has truly been a blessing to us.”
Continuing the Mission: Teaching the World Water Safety
At Little Fins, our mission goes beyond teaching, it’s about saving lives and making an impact, world-wide. Through our partnership with the Hope Floats Foundation, we’re committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of circumstance, has access to the water safety skills they deserve.
But the need continues. Thousands of children across Colorado Springs still lack access to formal swim lessons, and together, we can change that.
You can make a difference by:
Donating to our Hope Floats Swim Scholarship Fund
Sponsoring a child or family for lessons
Partnering with Little Fins Swim School as a local business supporter
Sharing water safety education in your community
Every dollar, every share, and every act of kindness helps save lives.
Formal Swim Lessons reduce the risk of Drowning by 88%.
Gratitude and Hope for the Future
The team at Little Fins Swim School is deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to Hope on the Rocks and to those who continue to champion water safety across Colorado Springs. Your support has already changed lives, and it will continue to do so for years to come.
As we look ahead, we carry one simple truth:
When we teach a child to swim, we teach them to live fearlessly.
Together, we are making waves of change, one lesson, one swimmer, and one act of hope at a time.
To learn more about Little Fins’ mission, water safety education, or how to get involved in future events like Hope on the Rocks, visit our website. Together, we can continue making waves of change, one lesson and one child at a time.
