Kurtz Fargo Blood Drive Continues to Save Lives in Memory of Employee’s Mother

A tradition that began as a tribute to a Kurtz Fargo employee’s mom is now a meaningful community effort with the potential to save hundreds of lives.

Boulder-based accounting firm Kurtz Fargo hosted its annual blood drive May 22 in partnership with Vitalant. Thirty-four units of blood were collected from 24 donors, including six first-time donors. According to Vitalant, the donations have the potential to save up to 60 lives.

Kurtz Fargo office manager Sarah Baer started the blood drive in 2023 to honor her mother on the one-year anniversary of her passing.

“In April 2022, I lost my mom to cancer,” Baer said. “During her illness, she relied on donated platelets and was also a lifelong blood donor herself. I wanted to celebrate her memory in a way that reflected her generosity and the support our family received during her treatment.”

Baer said the idea felt like a natural fit because of the compassion and flexibility Kurtz Fargo showed while she cared for her mother.

“Kurtz Fargo’s leaders encouraged me to take the time I needed to be there during her final months,” she said. “Because of that, I got so much extra time with my mom. I wanted to find a way to give back and honor her.”

What was planned as a one-time event quickly became an annual tradition after receiving a positive response from employees and community members. Since 2023, Kurtz Fargo's blood drives have collected enough donations to potentially save 240 lives.

“We didn’t expect it to grow into something we’d do annually,” Baer said. “But seeing people come together to help others is so meaningful. It’s become a wonderful way to remember my mom and make a difference in our community.”