Our Rich History

Foothills Service League started in the home of Lois Anderson in 1959 with a cup of coffee and the desire to help, .

Our Story: A Legacy of Service Since 1959

The partnership between Foothills Service League and Foothills Gateway began in 1959, when a small group of determined women set out to educate the community about the needs and successes of the Foothills Activity Center — now known as Foothills Gateway.

The Center itself was born from the dedication of a few parents who had nowhere to turn for programs to support their intellectually and developmentally disabled children. With no funds, no site, no staff, and no equipment, they refused to give up. A modest $800 grant from the Cerebral Palsy Fund provided a start, but ongoing support was still desperately needed. That’s when Foothills Service League stepped in — and we’ve been by their side ever since.

In the mid-1990s, we expanded our mission to also support SummitStone Health Partners’ Child and Family Services. Through funds we raise, we help provide:

  • Support for grandfamilies raising their grandchildren.

  • Community-based, high-intensity treatment for youth and families.

  • Respite care and skill-building programs during extended school breaks.

  • On-site behavioral health treatment at Foothills Gateway.

From our grassroots beginnings to today, Foothills Service League remains committed to raising awareness and vital funds for these two essential organizations — ensuring the most vulnerable in our community have the resources and support they need to thrive.

Foothills Service League Today

Our Annual Fundraising Events

Each year, Foothills Service League hosts a handful of well loved events to raise funds for Foothills Gateway and SummitStone Child and Family Services — all while bringing our community together for fun, food, and festivities.

The Taste – Our Most Popular Event
The Taste has been capturing the spirit of Loveland for 19 years with an evening of sampling food, wine, beer, and spirits from some of the region’s best restaurants, breweries, wineries, and distilleries. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore new flavors, meet local vendors, and celebrate everything our area has to offer.

Tree for All – Kicking Off the Holidays
This magical holiday tradition combines a delicious meal with the excitement of one of Northern Colorado’s largest raffles of decorated Christmas trees and holiday décor. Generous businesses, Foothills Service League members, and community members donate these one-of-a-kind themed trees — which have included treasures like KitchenAid mixers, gift certificates, sports tickets, handbags & jewelry, tableware & home décor, pampering essentials, and games & electronics.

Other Fundraising Traditions
Our fundraising efforts also include publishing a community cookbook, and hosting Bridge and Pinochle marathons — both proud traditions that have been part of our organization for over 59 years.

Together, these events not only raise essential funds, but also create memorable experiences that bring joy, generosity, and connection to our community.

Cookbooks are available for purchase at several vendors throughout Loveland.  

Funds raised have made the following possible:

• Three swimming pools at Foothills Gateway

• Air conditioning of the Foothills Gateway facility 

• Three therapeutic playgrounds

• A complete print shop for the Sheltered Workshop 

• Multiple buses and vans

• An addition to a residence for Namaqua Center 

• Rebuilt the kitchen for Namaqua Center

• Refurnished the bedrooms and family room areas at Namaqua Center


Foothills Service League underwrote multiple innovative programs at Foothills Gateway and SummitStone Child & Family Services. We support the Grand families program at SummitStone Child and Family Services and several programs at Foothills Gateway.

You can help by making a donation.

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