I will admit that it is not so easy to stop bashing 2020 for all the turmoil, fear and uncertainty it laid upon our doorsteps. Letting go takes longer when the impact has been so severe. I believe, however, that letting go can come more naturally when we open our hearts and minds to both a new year and new opportunities to serve others. The needs of our nonprofits continue to grow, and thankfully, there are ready-made initiatives within our community that make it easy for us to give back.

Sparkle for Special Needs
Just in Time for Valentine’s Day

Leading with their hearts, the PandoraJohnProperties real estate team at Madison & Company is presenting a special drawing to benefit the Evergreen Park & Recreation District INSPIRE (special needs) program, which helps people with disabilities enjoy recreational activities while learning life skills. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, participants have a chance to enter the February 12 drawing for a gorgeous diamond pendant from Daniel Diamonds, valued at $1,250.

Entrants are encouraged to make a donation of $20 or whatever amount they desire to support INSPIRE, which will receive 100 percent of the contributions collected.  

“The special needs program is near and dear to our hearts and is something we’ve supported for many years through Ice House and Boogie at the Barn benefits,” says John Erlandson.  “This year, PandoraJohnProperties team members Maria, Jenna and Pandora and I are excited to partner with Daniel Diamonds to present a fun and unique way to give. And who wouldn’t want to receive a diamond necklace for Valentine’s Day?” 

To see a photograph of the pendant, complete your entry information online, and consider a donation, visit PandoraJohnProperties.com.  You may also stop by the Madison & Company office at 1193 Bergen Parkway near the King Soopers Shopping Center, or Daniel Diamonds, where the pendant is on display, at 31955 Castle Court in Bergen Park. Entries onsite will accept cash or check donations for INSPIRE.

“All I can say is WOW,” said EPRD Special Populations Program Coordinator Maren Schreiber. “I’m totally touched that John and Pandora have chosen to do this for INSPIRE. I cannot thank them and our community enough for all the support we’ve received this past year.”

 

Intrepid Rotarians Launch Barrel
to Begin Ice Melt Contest

With so many fundraisers canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions, some may have questioned whether the annual Evergreen Ice Melt Contest would see the light of day. Enter the intrepid members of the Mountain Foothills Rotary Club, whose determination to support the good works of INSPIRE (special needs program) and Evergreen Christian Outreach put the contest in full swing.

The barrel, placed on Evergreen Lake on January 13, is the focal point of the contest. Participants are asked to guess the date and time that they believe the barrel will fall through the ice, and there is no limit on the number of tickets/guesses they can purchase. One entry is $3, three entries are $5, five tickets are $10 and 11 tickets are $20. Tickets are available online at evergreenicemelt.com or from a member of the Mountain Foothills Rotary Club. They are also available for purchase at EPRD’s Wulf and Buchanan recreation centers.

Prizes are awarded for the four closest guesses. First place is $1,000, second place $500, third place $250 and the fourth closest guess receives $125. The deadline for entry is midnight on March 17, 2021.

For more information and to purchase tickets, go to evergreenicemelt.com.

To learn about our deserving contest

beneficiaries, visit evergreenrecreation.com and evergreenchristianoutreach.org.

EAPL Begins Food Drive to Help Pets Thrive

While the pandemic led to an increase in pet adoptions, it has also taken an economic toll on many individuals who are now struggling to feed their four-legged family members. To fill this gap and promote the health and welfare of our area pets, the Evergreen Animal Protective League has launched a pet food drive through the EAPL Thrift Store.

EAPL invites community members to donate pet food by dropping off contributions at the Thrift Store at 27888 Meadow Drive, Tuesday – Thursday between the hours of 2-5 pm. For those in need of food for their pets, EAPL offers a confidential sign-up process either at the Thrift Shop or by calling 303.679.2504 and asking for manager Elizabeth Kemp.

EAPL hopes to collect enough donations to make monthly distributions to families having trouble affording food for their pets. For more information about the food drive or EAPL, go to eapl.com.

 

Calling Young Contestants to Enter Resilience1220 Talent Spectacular

Resilience1220 is giving young, local talent a chance to shine during a Talent Spectacular, Wednesday, February 10, 2021. Contestants must be age 12 to 20 and live in the mountain communities of Jefferson, Clear Creek, Gilpin or Park counties. Entries may include (but are not limited to) singing, dancing, instrumental music, skits, magic, comedy, martial arts, and juggling.

Participants’ submissions may be uploaded through the Participation Form  on their website at resilience1220.org and are due by February 1. The Talent Spectacular will showcase entries on Zoom and will feature stand-up comedian Adam Cayton-Holland.

Resilience1220 provides free counseling services to youth ages 12-20 in the mountain communities west of Denver. Through counseling, support groups and community outreach, the nonprofit works to raise awareness of the social, emotional and mental health issues young adults face, and to provide the necessary life skills to create wellness and resiliency. For more information, go to resilience1220.org.

Consider Giving Blood

According to the American Red Cross, winter is one of the most difficult times of the year to collect enough blood products to meet patient needs. This year the shortage is even greater due to the impact of the pandemic and the cancellation of local blood drives.

With January being National Blood Donor Month, it is a good reminder to consider giving the gift of yourself to help save lives. In Jefferson County, Vitalant Blood Donation Centers are accepting online appointments. Vitalant follows all Centers for Disease Control guidelines to keep donors and staff safe including temperature checks, social distancing, sanitation protocols and mask requirements. For more information and to schedule an appointment, visit vitalant.org.