'Small Town, Big Heart' benefits coming to Niwot

Although much of the publicity has died down in the month since the Marshall Fires, Niwot community members are continuing to rally to help victims of the tragedy.

Stepping up now is as important as it was before. It may be more important. "The needs of the victims are a lot clearer," said Deborah Reed Fowler of DRF Real Estate whose office has been collecting donations for victims. "We've been talking with Boulder Community Foundation, Boulder County and with victims directly or with friends of victims to understand what they need."

Fowler said that at this point, a lot of individuals have found their home and are needing furniture. Others who are having insurance issues need money. Some people lost things like running gear or art supplies.

As an extension of the donation collection activity, Fowler is organizing a larger fundraising campaign through a new donation link hosted on the Community Foundation of Boulder County's ColoradoGives.org website.

It's called the "Small Town, Big Heart Wildfire Relief Fund" and it comes with an ambitious goal: raising $100,000 by the end of summer. Donors can contribute money under their own name, anonymously, or in memory of a friend, loved one or pet. The Foundation's account will also help to track the money raised by Niwot, as a community.

Fowler and others aren't relying on individual donations to reach their goal. They're planning a community-wide series of fundraising events organized in partnership with businesses. Donations raised from each event will be processed through the Community Foundation site.

Not all events are planned yet as Fowler wants to give people time to consider what they want to do and how they can contribute. However, the first trio of events are already set:

Saturday, Jan. 29 | Ski and snowboard sale with Niwot High School: As part of the annual, Community-wide Apres Ski day, the Grange will be hosting a morning donation drive of used ski gear. Items raised will go on sale that afternoon with funds donated to fire victims.

Tuesday, Feb. 1 | Prime rib dinner, concert and silent auction at the Niwot Tavern: Along with dinner, participants can enjoy desserts donated by Joan's Petite Sweets and music by Tim Stiles. Dinner is priced at $50 a head and Takeout options are also available.

Wednesday, Feb. 3 | Brit Pop Night at Niwot Wheel Works: For $50 a head, diners enjoy shepherds pie and salad donated by Niwot Market, sticky toffee pudding by British Bash in Longmont, and British pop tunes by the Billy Bauer Band. There's also a silent auction and takeout is available.

With these events and other activities, Fowler said she's hopeful that enough events will be added in the next few months that the campaign will meet or exceed its goal. "Niwot is such a strong and caring community," she said. "This is a great opportunity to show our true character and support a neighboring town."

Anyone interested in hosting further events should reach out to Fowler at Deborah@ColoradoLandmark.com.