As press time approaches, the war in Ukraine has taken an even more disastrous turn with intensified fighting, a rising death toll and a widespread scarcity of food, water and shelter. The attacks have targeted the hearts of the Ukrainian people as schools, residences and neighborhoods are being destroyed. Amid the devastation and danger, there have been countless demonstrations of compassion and community: Ukrainians and their neighboring countries have been caring for families torn apart, offering them food, shelter and comfort. We hold the Ukrainian people close in our hearts as our prayers for peace continue.

April 8 Music Fundraiser to Benefit Ukrainian Relief Effort

The organizers of the Boogie at the Barn music series have announced that the proceeds from the April 8 Boogie fundraiser will be directed to International Medical Corps (IMC), a nonprofit responding to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. The IMC has been expanding its relief efforts as violence has escalated inside Ukraine and has been serving neighboring countries with Ukrainian refugees providing medical, mental health and protection services to millions of people.

The spring Boogie event will take place at The Wild Game from 5-10 pm with musical performances by opener Melanie Fernandi and headliner Wendy Woo. As a special treat, magician Mitch Meyers will entertain the crowd between acts. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. They are available for purchase online at boogieatthebarn.com. For more information about International Medical Corps, go to internationalmedicalcorps.org.

Local Rotary Clubs Present Foothills Home, Garden & Lifestyle Show, April 9-10

The Rotary Clubs of Conifer and Evergreen have been busy organizing this year’s Foothills Home, Garden & Lifestyle Show which will take place at Conifer High School on Saturday, April 9 from 10 am-5 pm and on Sunday, April 10 from 10 am-3 pm. The show returns after a hiatus during the pandemic and is poised to raise thousands of dollars for local nonprofits. Admission is either $5 at the door or a donation of two non-perishable food items which will be collected for Mountain Resource Center or the 285 Backpack Project.

Attendees will have the opportunity to visit nearly 80 vendors representing home improvement, garden and landscape, leisure, health and cooking services as well as nonprofit organizations and local artisans. Coffee and baked goods will be available for purchase from the Conifer Interact Club, and Slife’s Devil Dogs will have a food truck onsite.

There is a full schedule of seminars taking place throughout the weekend ranging in topics from wildfire mitigation to how to make your own hammock. A detailed itinerary is available at foothillshomeshow.com

The home show is volunteer-run with proceeds distributed to charitable causes across the foothills through grants from the Conifer and Evergreen Rotary Club foundations. The event has raised more than $250,000 since it began 15 years ago.

Young Artists’ Creations Bring Hope to Others Through Local Businesses

There is a unique and inspiring partnership taking place between elementary school artists and 

local businesses. Initially an effort to bring comfort and connection to the families impacted by the Boulder County fires by sharing art created by school children, the outreach is continuing through the coordination of Conifer resident and business owner Amber Burr of Daddy’s Homemade Syrup.

Burr has paired together elementary school art programs and their teachers with local business owners in Louisville who display the students’ work as a sign of encouragement and support for the community. The Disaster Center in Arvada that serves families impacted by the fires has included children’s drawings in care packages for other children to let them know that their peers are thinking of them.

If you would like to learn more about this initiative or if you know of a business or nonprofit interested in displaying kids’ art, you can contact Burr at [email protected].

Mark Your Calendar for the EChO Spring Gala, April 22

Evergreen Christian Outreach is hosting a fundraising gala on April 22 at Christ the King Church in Evergreen from 6-9 pm. “An Evening of Hope” will feature dinner, a silent auction and a wine pull. You can purchase individual tickets, tables and sponsorships by going to evergreenchristianoutreach.org. All proceeds benefit EChO programs to meet the basic and urgent needs of mountain area residents.