Left Hand Laurel: Deborah Read Fowler

On the gusty morning of Thursday, Dec. 30, Niwot realtor Deborah Read Fowler and her family were on US Highway 36 headed to Breckenridge when they noticed something alarming: a plume of dark smoke rising on the outskirts of Boulder. As they drove on, the scene quickly escalated from alarming to frightening as it became clear that the wind-driven fire was out of control and headed east. For the rest of the drive, she and her husband stayed tuned to radio reports, which only confirmed their worst suspicions.

"We saw it unfold right in front of us," she recalled. "It was just a windy day, and then suddenly there was smoke everywhere, and we realized we were driving right through the evacuated zone."

Once in Breckenridge, where the family planned to spend the holiday weekend, no one was much in the mood for skiing or celebrating. Fowler was so unsettled that she had trouble focusing on anything, except news reports of what had come to be known as the Marshall Fire.

"I would say I was kind of traumatized," she said. "We all felt really guilty being there, and going out just didn't feel right."

What did feel right to Fowler was figuring out how she could provide immediate help. She reached out to Orly Ripmaster, a Niwot resident and incoming president of Colorado Landmark Realtors, and the two started brainstorming.

The first step was a GoFundMe page Louisville Love, which was established the day of the fire, and reached its goal within 24-hours. Fowler started compiling a list of essential items for victims and first responders, then went to work getting them collected. Among the first stops was the Frisco Walmart, where she secured 52 cases of water, destined for the evacuated residents of a Louisville senior living facility.

"I knew down here, water might be limited," she said. "It felt like we were doing something meaningful, but this is going to be a long haul."

On Jan. 3, Fowler kicked-off a donation drive at her Colorado Landmark office in Niwot, requesting items such as gift cards, new clothing (any size), blankets, personal hygiene items, and toys. So far, the response has been "incredible," Fowler said, with enough donations to fill an empty office and half of her garage, and not just from locals.

On Jan. 7, four large boxes of clothes and bedding arrived from Phoenix, Ariz., after news of the drive spread to a friend of Niwot residents Patty and Stewart Moss.

"Everybody wants to help, and we've provided a quick, easy mechanism for them to do that," Fowler said.

Once the items are organized, Fowler plans to hold a "shopping day" for impacted individuals and families, so they can select what they need. She is also creating personalized gift baskets for her many personal friends and acquaintances that suffered a loss in the fire.

"I want it to make it easy for people, and for it to be nice, and lift up their hearts a little," she said.

Fowler's efforts would be laudable if they stopped there, but the indefatigable mother-of-two teenagers is hard at work planning additional benefits and fundraisers in the coming weeks. At the Niwot Business Association's upcoming Apres Ski event, on Jan. 29, Fowler is hosting a "ski swap" to replace ski and snowboarding equipment lost in the fire and collect donations for fire victims.

Then, on Feb. 1, she is launching the "Small town, big heart" benefit dinner/concert series, starting with Prime Rib Night at Niwot Tavern. The evening will also feature a special dessert from Joan's Petite Sweets, and the musical stylings of local favorite Tim Stiles.

Also confirmed is Brit Pop Night at The Wheel House on Feb. 3, with the Billy Bower Band. Appropo of the British theme, shepherd's pie will be featured. Fowler also is working on events at Farow, Cimmini's, and the Niwot Inn, with details to be announced soon. Tickets will be $50, with all proceeds going directly to Marshall Fire assistance.

"It's not just giving things, like donations, it's bringing the community together and lifting spirits," Fowler said of the concerts. "Even if we didn't lose anything in the fire, it affected all of us. It's just so hard to believe."

Fowler is also leaving the door open to future fundraising efforts, as survivors transition from temporary housing to more stable situations.

"This is going to be ongoing, and I think more needs are going to emerge in the coming weeks and months. Right now, I think we're all just guessing."

To make a donation for victims of the Marshall Fire, drop off new items at 136 2nd Ave, Unit E, behind Old Oak Coffee. For a complete list of requested donations, visit Fowler's Facebook page.