Small Town Big Heart sets events to aid fire victims

After a strong start during the Après Ski weekend which raised $2,113 for families affected by the Marshall fire, Niwot's benefit events are continuing. A pair of events that combine dining and music are the next set of community fundraisers supporting the Small Town Big Heart Fire Relief Fund.

"We've got a Niwot-wide goal of $100,000 and this is a great way to start," said Deb Fowler of DRF Real Estate, who is coordinating the events.

Her total included amounts from the first weekend, but didn't include additional online fund-raising from sales of ski equipment purchased after the in-person sale Jan. 29. It also didn't include amounts raised at a subsequent Prime Rib Dinner held at Niwot Tavern on Feb. 1, a Brit Pop Dinner held on Feb. 3 at Niwot Wheel Works and a Poker Night also held at The Wheel House on Feb. 5. Those totals were not yet available at press time.

The next event, at Farow restaurant in Cottonwood Square, is a four-course wine dinner with music by musicians from the Boulder Symphony. The dinner takes place on Thursday, Feb. 10 at 6:30 p.m. and will also feature a silent auction.

The four-course meal paired with wine will feature a country pate with cornichons and dijon mustard, a mushroom cavatelli with tarragon cream, Buckner Family Ranch steak with caramelized shallots and duchess potatoes, and an almond pound cake with sherry roasted dates.

Pricing for the wine dinner is $120 with a portion of the ticket proceeds going to the fund. As an added incentive for donors, the first $5,000 in funds raised will be matched by Porchfront Homes of Niwot. Tickets can be purchased online at Eventbrite.

Farow's pastry chef and co-owner Lisa Balcom said, "We were heartbroken to see the devastation in Louisville and Superior. We've seen the impact it's had on friends and our regular customers and just wanted to find a way we could pitch in. We're beyond thrilled to offer people the opportunity to dine out, enjoy some amazing food and wine, listen to some live music and help support our neighbors."

Those who would like to enjoy brunch instead of, or in addition to, the wine dinner, can reserve a place for brunch at Cimmini's (formerly Pinnochio's) on 2nd Avenue in Niwot.

The brunch will take place on Saturday, Feb. 26 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and will feature live classical music by Boulder Symphony musicians, and a silent auction. For $25, brunchers can enjoy selections from a pastry basket, french toast or pancakes with choice of a breakfast meat, a cottage cheese parfait with avocado toast and specialty coffees and hot chocolates. Tickets for in-person or takeout dining for this event are also available online at Eventbrite.

"Since Covid hit and since the fires, we wanted to be able to do something for others, to be able to contribute somehow," said Kelsey DeBoard who owns Cimmini's along with her husband Joe. "We can't do something personally right now, but this is a way we could give back. We're grateful to Deb Fowler for helping to organize it."

Although these, plus previous events, have given a strong boost to the fundraiser. Fowler is encouraging business owners and individuals to add other events to the schedule. Anyone interested in hosting events should contact her at [email protected].

All funds raised are administered through the Community Foundation Serving Boulder County and will be used to directly help families in need. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.