Warmer temperatures, outdoor activities, and summer plans will likely capture your attention this month. As you fill your calendar, consider reserving time to support fundraisers that combine fun with purpose.
April 25 Spring Boogie at The Wild Game to Raise Money for EChO
A night of live music, dancing and fundraising for one of our community’s outstanding nonprofits takes place on Friday, April 25 from 5:30-11 pm when the Spring Boogie comes to The Wild Game Entertainment Center to benefit Evergreen Christian Outreach (EChO).
The line-up features the harmonic sounds of opener Jon & Jarrett followed by Homeslice, a high energy nine-piece cover band with an impressive horn section and powerful vocals. Food will be available from Chi-Town Stop.
Tickets are $25 in advance through boogieatthebarn.com and $30 at the door. Proceeds will go to EChO, which relies in large part on individual donors to accomplish its mission. EChO operates the Resale Shop, a food pantry, and a host of onsite supportive services to help clients achieve stability and self-sufficiency. To learn more, go to evergreenchristianoutreach.org.
Tall Grass Spa Hosts 5th Annual Food Drive for Mountain Resource Center
Tall Grass Spa & Salon is giving back to those in need by collecting donations for the Mountain Resource Center. In its continuing commitment to philanthropy, the spa is encouraging clients and community members to drop off items for the MRC Food Share Pantry through April 30. The list of desired items includes high protein soup, canned tuna and chicken, peanut butter and jelly, rice, pasta, low-sugar cereals, low-sugar and low-salt canned fruits and vegetables, baby formula, and baby food. The spa is located at 997 Upper Bear Creek Road in Evergreen. Go to tallgrassspa.com for spa hours and services.
The MRC runs an onsite food share market at 11030 Kitty Drive in Conifer, and a mobile food share service which makes weekly stops at locations throughout the mountain community. The MRC promotes self-sufficiency and offers free services to improve the quality of life for families in the foothills. In addition to its food share, the nonprofit offers early childhood and family education, mental health services, veterans support and emergency aid with housing and utilities. To learn more, visit mrcco.org.
Ovation West May 3 Fundraiser Features a Murder-Mystery Theme
The “Showdown at the Evergreen Chorale” is not your typical fundraiser. The creative team at Ovation West has designed an interactive murder mystery for its guests at the event on Saturday, May 3 from 6-10 pm at the historic Center Stage, 27608 Fireweed Drive. Attendees are encouraged to don their western wear for an evening that also features live music, line dancing and a silent auction. The $99 admission includes a meal ticket, dessert ticket, drink ticket, an Ovation West souvenir bandana and a clue booklet to help solve the mystery. For tickets and other details, go to ovationwest.org.
Resilience1220 Invites the Community to its 6th Anniversary May 7 Event
Resilience1220 (R1220), a local nonprofit that provides free mental health services to youth 12-20 years of age, is marking the 6th year of supporting clients who struggle with depression, loss, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. R1220’s therapists meet with young people in individual and group sessions to help them build coping skills and resilience.
On Wednesday, May 7, R1220 is hosting an uplifting event at Center for the Arts Evergreen from 5-8 pm. The gathering will feature music and art by local teens, a silent auction, refreshments, an update on R1220, and a special musical performance by Dakota Blonde.
Organizers are seeking event sponsors and silent auction donations. At press time, sponsors included Michele Vanags, State Farm Insurance; Wooden Hawk Foundation; Tuppers Team; Colorado Serenity; Evergreen Dental Group; Robert & Associates, LLC; and Church of the Hills. Tickets are $40 and are available at resilience1220.org.
Wild Aware Recruits Volunteers to Help Monitor Elk Activity
To carry out its mission of promoting safe coexistence with area wildlife, nonprofit Wild Aware is looking for volunteers to help track the movement of elk along Highway 74, and to educate visitors how to be respectful and protected during calving season. Wild Aware board member Michel Horwith has developed a simple phone app, the “Wild Count,” which enables users to record wildlife sightings, snap photos, and log dates and times. The app is free and can be downloaded at wildaware.org/field-studies. The information entered by volunteers will become part of the nonprofit’s larger data collection efforts, with the goal of reducing collisions between vehicles and wildlife.
Monitoring elk near Evergreen Lake is another volunteer effort organized by Wild Aware during spring calving season. Evergreen Audubon and Denver Parks & Recreation team up with Wild Aware on the Wildlife Watch project, where volunteers educate visitors about local elk behavior. This is especially important in June during the calving cycle and in the fall during rutting season.
A special volunteer training will take place on Saturday, May 10 from 10 am – noon at Evergreen Lake. The group will meet at the picnic tables next to the parking lot. To register, go to tinyurl.com/mryb224f or send an email to [email protected].
Mountain Home Hosts “Art Gone Wild” Benefit on May 16
Art Gone Wild, featuring wildlife-inspired art and a focus on supporting local conservation efforts, happens Friday, May 16 from 5-8 pm at Mountain Home, 27965 Meadow Drive, Evergreen. This free event welcomes guests to view works by Colorado painters, sculptors and photographers while enjoying wine and appetizers, and connecting with like-minded wildlife enthusiasts.
Purchases will directly support Wild Aware’s educational programs in our community. Wild Aware volunteers, board members, and participating artists will be present to meet guests and answer questions. For more information, go to wildaware.org.
