The Bansbach Family

Philanthropists Pam and Dutch (Louis Bansbach III) have given their time and treasure to many worthy causes for which they are passionate. They have been pillars of the community for decades and especially care about kids. They have been honored, celebrated and admired for their loyalty and contributions. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. In the case of the Bansbachs, this old saying couldn’t be more true. They have instilled the love of philanthropy in their family members. Daughter Brooke and son Bart (Louis Bansbach IV) are carrying on the family tradition of being deeply involved in and devoted to their community. It couldn’t be said any better than this testimonial by Brooke: “My mom has been a long time supporter served on boards of directors and board of trustees at Denver Children’s Home, she chaired the Denver Debutante Ball back when it was associated with the Denver Symphony, she has been a longtime member of Welcome to Colorado (part of Welcome Clubs International), and a long time supporter of Central City Opera, and the CCO Guild. I think my mom’s passion for Central City Opera comes from her theatrical background combined with her appreciation of Colorado history. My father has been a long time supporter of the Denver Area Boy Scouts and served as President for a term. They back up their time and energy with significant financial support to each of these organizations as well. Their fundamental interest is to serve children in Colorado which results in building a stronger community. My parents have demonstrated a commitment to Denver and to Colorado which instilled in me a desire to support our state and be a good steward of our land and our history. This ongoing community support contributes to our strong family connection. I hope that I too have demonstrated to my children that actively engaging and supporting our community strengthens our family bonds by connecting us to our past and our future. Personally I have served on a young advisory board for Boys and Girls Clubs (many moons ago), Graland Alumni board, Colorado Academy alumni board, the board of Trustees for Colorado Academy, I have chaired the Fete de Fleurs for Denver Botanic Gardens, chaired L ’Esprit de Noel for CCO Guild, and chaired Yellow Rose Ball and Flower Girl presentation for

CCO. I have also served on many event planning com mittees that support various local programming. recently, through my work on the development of Belleview Station, I have focused more time on City and County of Denver community groups focused on addressing encampments, and enhancing the public realm so that it serves everyone equally. Denver is a great city and I am proud to contribute in whatever way I can to support Denver’s future.” Brooke’s husband Chas Maloy is on the board of Denver Children’s Home. (Four generations of Bansbachs have been involved in that charity.)

Anne McGonagle had this to say about her close association with the Bansbachs when she learned The Villager was also honoring them: “Pam and Dutch Bansbach are two of the kindest, most thoughtful, and extremely generous people I since 1983 and was President of CCO’s Guild in 2008. She has been tireless in her commitment to the organization, chairing events and helping to keep the organization sound through her leadership. Pam and Dutch have not only been generous with their time, they have also been incredibly generous with their resources. They have sponsored several of the musicals Central City Opera has produced over the years – including West Side Story, Oklahoma!, Carousel and last summer’s production of The Light in the Piazza. I consider them to be extremely important to our Company as well as to many other organizations in the greater Denver area. Bravo, Pam and Dutch!”

Charlie McNeil had kind words to say about his fellow Scouter: “Dutch has supported the Scouting movement in the Denver Area Council for most of his adult career. He has always been there to support the various capital campaigns over the years, including the most recent. He is also very active on the Board of Trustees providing his excellent guidance and input. Dutch feels that if every youth could learn and follow the Scout Oath and the Scout Law in the way they conduct their life, that it would be a much better society for all us. He is very kind and gracious and always has a smile on his face.”

A glimpse of “The Back Story” – so much more fascinating history than space here permits…

With one brother and one sister, Pam Bansbach grew up in Iowa, was her high school valedictorian and attended the University of Iowa where she was in Delta Delta Delta sorority. The aspiring teacher had a double major – theater and math! One of her most fun experiences was performing in summer stock her junior year of college at Ledges Playhouse in Michigan. After graduation, she joined the Peace Corps and spent two years in the Phillipines. She taught and directed two plays – Carousel and South Pacific. Her portfolio of theater work in Colorado includes one play at Bonfils. Her sister lived in Arvada and Pam took advantage of an opportunity to teach algebra at Lakewood High School.

With one sister, Dutch was born in Denver and graduated from Cherry Creek High School and Stanford as the male Bansbachs before him. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi unlike his father and grandfather who were members of Sigma Nu. His love for sports included football, skiing (competitively), track and golf in high school and boxing in college. He was inducted in Sigma Xi honorary scientific research society and earned his Graduate Degree of Engineer from Stanford. (The first Bansbach came from Germany and was a quarterback at Stanford. Bart later chose Princeton where he played on the title-winning lacrosse team.) Dutch’s business ventures ran the gamut from opportunities in oil, finance and real estate – including an apartment complex, office buildings, Charlou in Cherry Hills (the name chosen from family names Charlotte and Louis) and currently developing Belleview Station. In 1998, Pam and Dutch established the Bansbach Foundation to assist the family in supporting charitable causes. It was an instant match! Both Pam and Dutch have ancestors from Hanover, Germany. Both are intelligent, love the arts and sports and are supportive of each other’s endeavors. Mutual friends set them up on a blind date. It was instant attraction. A second date to Central City Opera sealed the future. And the rest, as they say, is history. We are so grateful for that history and the legacy!

LEFT: Dutch Bansbach as a youngster LEFT, CENTER: Pamela Groteluschen as a child

BELOW, INSET: Dutch Bansbach as a young man

BELOW: Pam’s theater portfolio included this photo