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Notebaert 'changed the tide' of giving

Joanne Kelley, Rocky Mountain News

Published June 12, 2007 at midnight

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When Dick Notebaert arrived to turn around one of Denver's biggest companies, the outsider also made quick work of trying to restore Qwest's reputation as a corporate citizen.

As CEO, Notebaert implored employees of every rank to give their time and money to community causes, leading by example as he and his wife, Peggy, joined boards and committees around town. His approach was a far cry from his predecessor's hands-off approach to local charity.

"Just as Dick is credited for the transformation of Qwest, he is equally responsible for the transformation of their charitable involvement in the community," said Michael Durkin, president of Mile High United Way. "He changed the tide there."

As a board member for the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Notebaert diligently attended meetings, wrestled with budget issues and could be reached frequently on the phone for advice, said Dan Ritchie, DCPA board chairman.

"I really am grateful and kind of amazed frankly," Ritchie said. "It's very unusual" for "a guy in that position."

Notebaert's personal involvement in the community energized employees, especially after "the Nacchio years," during which there was less emphasis on getting involved, said Carey Wirtzfeld, director of the Qwest Foundation.

The company's charitable arm narrowed its focus to K-12 education and stepped up its financial support of local causes by creating a program that matched employee volunteer time with grants to nonprofits.

Notebaert was named co-chairman of A+ Denver, a nonprofit created to boost Denver Public Schools. The Notebaerts provided money for a teachers workshop this summer at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, where Peggy is on the board.

Education has been a regular theme for Notebaert, who also serves as chairman of the board of trustees at the University of Notre Dame.

Local nonprofit leaders expressed hope that Qwest would continue to support needy groups in the Denver area once Notebaert steps down.

"It's been a completely different picture since he came to town. I hope it's entrenched enough," said Jackie Norris, head of Metro Volunteers. "It's hard to imagine it going back to the Nacchio days."

Others, who credit him with helping to bring the Democratic National Convention to Denver in 2008, hope he'll stick around.

"He knew what was involved, the importance of local support, and he stepped up to the line," said Denver lawyer Steve Farber, a key fundraiser for the DNC host committee. "We'd love to have him stay in Colorado. He's been a great asset."

or 303-954-5068. Staff writer James Paton contributed to this report.