Our mountain summers are hard to beat with an abundance of sunshine and a full slate of outdoor activities to feed our souls. There are ample opportunities to enjoy our surroundings while helping to sustain the nonprofits that do so much for our community. Take a look at these upcoming events and put a few of them on your summer calendar.
Support Mount Evans Hospice at the Independence Day Freedom Run
Start your Fourth of July celebration by participating in the annual Freedom Run to raise money for Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice. Runners and walkers begin the 5k event at Evergreen Middle School at 2059 Hiwan Drive promptly at 8 am. The course will wind through local neighborhoods and finish at the Evergreen Athletic Club, 2932 Evergreen Parkway, with a post-race celebration.
Advance registration, which includes a race t-shirt and bib, is encouraged. The entry fee for adults is $40 through June 28, $45 beginning on June 29, and $50 on July 4. Youth registration for participants under the age of 18 is $20 through June 28, $25 beginning on June 29 and $30 on race day. If you are walking or running in memory or in honor of a loved one, you will receive a free bib in recognition of that person.
Prizes will be awarded for the fastest runners in each age category as well as the top three best overall times for male and female runners. Costumes are encouraged and participants with dogs and strollers are welcome to step off behind the runners and walkers. The post-event festivities will feature refreshments, music, prizes and entertainment for all ages.
All race proceeds will go directly to Mount Evans to support its home healthcare, palliative, hospice and bereavement programs, as well as Camp Comfort for children who have lost a loved one. To register and
to learn more about event logistics, go to freedomrunrace.org.
Join Wild Aware for Family Fun Day at the Ranch, July 15
Get a glimpse into life on a ranch during a Family Fun Day event to benefit Wild Aware, a local nonprofit with a mission to educate mountain area residents about living with wildlife and to promote safety. On Saturday, July 15 from 10 am – 2 pm, Wild Aware will host an outdoor fundraiser at a beautiful ranch just five minutes from Evergreen High School. Attendees will meet baby goats, horses and a miniature horse, see a HawkQuest presentation on raptors at 11 am, and have the chance to participate in a scavenger hunt and other games. The nonrefundable ticket prices are $10 per adult and $5 per child.
The event will be held rain or shine. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch and a blanket. For tickets, go to bit.ly/43s6ZWU. The ranch address will be provided at the time of ticket purchase.
Tee Up for Local Charities at the July 17 Andy Smith Senior Golf Tourney
The Mountain Foothills Rotary Club and the Evergreen Park & Recreation District invite golfers to a special day on the links at the private Hiwan Golf Club on July 17 to raise money for the INSPIRE (Special Needs) program, Evergreen Christian Outreach, and charitable causes supported by the Mountain Foothills Rotary Foundation.
Registration is open to single players for $175, twosomes for $350 and foursomes for $700. Fees include two free drinks from the bar cart, lunch, door prizes, a swag bag, and a foursome photo. There is an option to buy an additional Super Ticket that includes mulligans and prize entries. Non-golfers’ lunches can be purchased for $35 per person.
Organizers are seeking additional event sponsors ranging from hole and contest sponsors at $300 to Birdie, Eagle and Double Eagle sponsors at $1,250, $2,500 and $5,000, respectively. Each sponsorship package includes a range of promotional opportunities and golfer registrations. For more information, contact mfrotary0@gmail.com or call 720.655.1946.
Mark Your Calendar for Conifer’s Elevation Celebration, July 29-30
The Elevation Celebration, a community festival featuring family-friendly activities, food, live entertainment and local vendors, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Plan to join in the two-day, 10 am – 8 pm event, which also showcases unique, handmade crafts from local artists, and children’s activities including games and facepainting. Musical performances will take place on two stages throughout both days of the festival. Look for more coverage in our July issue and go to elevationcelebration.goconifer.com for the latest details.
