As we begin 2022, our hearts ache for the families who lost their homes, beloved pets and irreplaceable keepsakes when the Marshall and Middle Fork fires struck at the close of 2021. After watching news footage of the violent flames ripping across neighborhoods and hearing the stories of so many displaced families, it is nearly impossible not to be grateful for the blessings of our homes, loved ones and neighbors. Our mountain community has stepped up to find ways to help the Boulder County families just as it continues to rally support for the local nonprofits that enhance the safety, well-being and sense of belonging for all of us fortunate enough to call this beautiful area our home.
Coming to the Aid of Our Boulder County Neighbors
If you are looking for ways to help the families impacted by the devastating fires in Boulder County, you can get the most updated information from coloradoresponds.org. This website was created in partnership between Colorado Voluntary Organizations Active on Disaster and the Donation and Volunteer Coordination Team in cooperation with Colorado’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. It is a go-to resource for individuals and groups who want to assist with relief efforts. You can subscribe to the Colorado Responds e-newsletter which outlines the most critical and timely needs for volunteers and donations. Here are some highlights from a recent issue:
—Volunteering: Volunteer roles are still developing as agencies determine where help is necessary. If you are interested, you can register here: bit.ly/3FgA8HN
—Financial Gifts: Several nonprofit agencies are accepting monetary donations to support relief efforts for the fire victims including Boulder Community Foundation, Community Food Share, and Sister Carmen Community Center.
—Material Donations: The disaster response team is establishing a designated donation drop-off location and compiling lists of desired items. Initial donations of food, clothing and household goods exceeded expectations so organizers are now determining what will be most helpful to the affected families in the coming weeks. Here’s a link to a list of items that will be collected in the near future: bit.ly/3ncwY1F
Rotary Club of Evergreen Hosts Mardi Gras Party for Good Causes
Catch the fun and festivities of Mardi Gras without leaving the mountains at the Rotary Club of Evergreen’s fundraiser on Friday, February 18 at The Wild Game Event Center. Doors open to the general public at 5 pm.
Attendees will enjoy a fajita and shrimp jambalaya buffet with traditional king cake for dessert. There will be live mellow dinner music to be followed by the high-energy performance of the band Tunisia.
Tickets are $35 per person for entry only, $70 per person for entry and dinner buffet. For an additional cost, attendees can reserve VIP seating in close proximity to the dance floor. There will be a cash bar. To purchase your tickets, go to: bit.ly/3Gkg6xs.
Event proceeds will support the work of the Evergreen Rotary Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that grants more than $50,000 annually to philanthropic projects including those focused on eradicating Polio, providing clean water and sanitation, supporting mothers and children, promoting literacy and strengthening emergency preparedness and response.
Luau Fundraiser to Support Home Health Care and Hospice Services
For more than four decades, Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice has been delivering compassionate care to our mountain community. Whether providing residents with in-home therapy as they recover from an injury or surgery, counseling families and their loved ones on hospice, helping individuals manage palliative care, or conducting a grief support group, the work of Mount Evans relies upon the generosity of its donors and the success of its major fundraisers.
This year’s midwinter gala will transport attendees to a Hawaiian luau complete with island fare, tropical cocktails, auctions, and dancing to the music of Tunisia. The celebration takes place on Friday, February 25 beginning at 6 pm at Mount Vernon Canyon Club. Costumes are encouraged, so sport your Hawaiian shirts, leis, hula skirts and other tropical accessories.
Tickets are $100 per person with tables of eight available for $1,000 and tables of 10 at $1,200. Purchasing a table guarantees that a large group will be seated together for the evening. A highlight of the event will be the silent and live auctions. If you cannot attend in person, but would like to participate in the auction, a special online preview will be available in February and bidding will open on Friday, February 18. To purchase gala tickets and preview the auction, go to mtevans.org.
CAE Exhibit Showcases the Artistic Expressions of Teens
The Center for the Arts Evergreen’s (CAE) exhibition, I’m Here, reflects the resilience of teenagers whose educational and social norms were upended in the midst of the pandemic. The show features the original artwork of students from ages 13-17. Their work will be on display until February 12 at CAE, 31880 Rocky Village Drive.
Admission to the teen show is free. Presenting sponsors are Bruce Anderson Farmers Insurance Agency and Lynn Westfall of RE/MAX Alliance. For more information on the exhibition and other events on the CAE calendar, go to evergreenarts.org.
CAE is a nonprofit that strives to foster a positive, creative environment in which young and emerging artists realize their full potential as creative individuals. The Center offers art instruction, exhibitions and special events. Its main gallery showcases local and nationally-acclaimed artists in both curated and juried exhibitions.
