While summer is coming to an official close in a matter of days, there is no slow down when it comes to nonprofit activities. Typically, fall is the season for fundraisers, and our mountain area events are second to none when it comes to combining philanthropy with fun.

Mount Evans Says “Thank You” With September 18 Community Event

Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice is hosting a Wild West Fest in its parking lot at 3081 Bergen Peak Drive on Saturday, September 18 from 10 am – 2 pm. The whole family is invited to this free event designed by Mount Evans to express its gratitude for the opportunity to serve mountain residents for 40 years. Attendees can enjoy a barbeque luncheon, learn how to lasso a spring-loaded calf, ride a mechanical bull, and more! Western attire is most welcome.

Hard Hats & High Heels to Benefit Habitat for Humanity

This signature fundraiser for Blue Spruce Habitat for Humanity will take place on Thursday, September 23 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at the Mount Vernon Canyon Club. Held annually, Hard Hats & High Heels raises much needed funds to support the nonprofit’s mission to help low-income families realize their dream of safe, decent and affordable homes. An affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, Blue Spruce serves the mountain areas of western Jefferson County, Clear Creek County and parts of Park County.

Tickets for the September 23 gala are $75 and include hors d’oeuvres, two drinks and live music. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit bluesprucehabitat.org or call 303.674.1127 ext. 8.

Newcomers Group Marks 60th Year With September 25 Koffee

The Evergreen Newcomers and Neighbors organization has fostered networking and community engagement for six decades. A nonprofit organized to bring together new and longtime residents of Evergreen, Newcomers will be marking its 60th anniversary with a special Kickoff Koffee on Saturday, September 25 from 10 am-noon at the Buchanan Park Recreation Center.

The Koffee will give attendees a chance to learn about the group’s activities which explore more than 20 interest areas including books, cards, crafts, hiking, wine and yappy hours, where dogs and their owners enjoy socializing. The nonprofit also hosts social events and participates in community outreach. To learn more about Newcomers and how to become a member, visit evergreennewcomers.com.

September 30 Wild Aware Event Focuses on Living With Wildlife

No matter how long they have lived in the mountains, most people still get excited when they spot wildlife. Watching bull elk battle during the rut or seeing a moose meandering through a meadow are reasons we love living here. Wild Aware was formed to promote the positive co-existence of wildlife and humans.

The nonprofit focuses on education, hosting presentations like the one scheduled for September 30 at 6 pm at Center Stage on Fireweed Drive. Featured panelists for “Becoming Wildlife Aware” will be Denver Parks & Recreation Wildlife Program Manager Vicki Vargas-Madrid, Colorado Parks & Wildlife Officer Scott Murdoch and Jefferson County Open Space Visitor Services Manager Mary Ann Bonnell. There is no admission fee, but a $5 donation is suggested.

Attendees are asked to comply with the Center Stage requirement that visitors show proof of COVID-19 vaccination, and the venue highly encourages masks as a safety protocol.

For more information about Wild Aware, go to wildawarecolorado.com.

Bailey Theatre Company to Host October 16 Fundraising Event

Bailey Theatre Company, a new professional ensemble, will host a fundraiser featuring dinner and a reading of David Mamet’s play, “A Life in the Theatre,” October 16 at 6:30 pm at the Glen Isle Resort, 573 Old Stagecoach Road in Bailey. General admission to the fundraiser is $50 and there are a limited number of $150 VIP tickets that include an exclusive meet and greet opportunity with the cast.

Bailey Theatre Company is undertaking a capital campaign in conjunction with this event with the goal of raising $50,000 which will enable the theatre to open its doors in spring of 2022. For more information about the theater, check out Facebook.com/BTCBailey. Event tickets are available at tinyurl.com/bmfsxdeu

MRC’s Bowls After Dark Returns to Evergreen Lake House September 30

Grab your flapper dress and pearls or your fedoras and wingtips and get ready to celebrate the Roaring 20s at the Mountain Resource Center Bowls After Dark Evening Gala Thursday, September 30 from 6-9 pm at the Evergreen Lake House.

Individual tickets are $95, tables of six are $500 and tables of eight are $700. The cost includes entertainment, hors d’oeuvres and dinner by Footers Catering, and new this year, beer and wine will be complimentary. The event will also feature a silent auction, paddle raise and wine pull. Since there have not been bowl painting parties due to health guidelines, bowls will not be included with the gala ticket as in the past.

For the past 31 years, MRC has been a staple of the mountain community, providing services to help community members in need. In the last 18 months, MRC has experienced a significant increase in emergency assistance requests and food pantry visits. The nonprofit is hoping that Bowls After Dark will yield much-needed funds to enable the continuation of critical services to the community at no cost. To purchase gala tickets, go to mrcco.org.