Marshall fire fundraising efforts are pushing to reach $100,000 goal

When the community's "Small Town Big Heart" fundraising campaign to help Marshall fire victims kicked off during Apres Ski Weekend at the end of January, coordinator and NBA Vice-President Deborah Read Fowler expected that it could take through the summer to reach an ultimate goal of $100,000. But thanks to the generosity of area residents, the effort is getting closer much earlier than that. So far, the campaign has raised $62,468, including a single $10,000 contribution from an anonymous donor.

"It's been really smooth. People want to help," Fowler said. "And it's been fun seeing the thermometers around town. It's a good visual. We've even got a mobile thermometer that we take to each event."

The fundraising takes effort and hard work from Fowler and from event planning partners at a multitude of businesses throughout town. These include The Wheel House, Niwot Tavern, Cimmini's, The Niwot Inn and Spa and Farow Restaurant.

Businesses have been pleased to be part of the effort. "We had a wonderful time putting that on," said Farow's co-owner, Pastry Chef Lisa Balcom. "It was really great to see so many of our community members show up to enjoy a great meal and participate in the silent auction."

Balcom went on to describe the structure and results from their event. "We offered four courses with our wine pairings for $120 per person. We also had a live harpist from the Boulder Symphony playing while people enjoyed their meals. I think in total we were able to raise over $13,000 that night for the campaign."

Those affected by the fires were grateful for the effort to help them. When first hearing about Niwot's effort, Louisville Mayor Ashley Stolzmann was appreciative of a neighboring community making a supportive effort. "I think it's been really wonderful," she said. "There has been a lot of darkness our community experienced, but it's been met by a lot of light. It's amazing, and even though the fires happened in December, people still need a lot of help."

To that end, Fowler has put out a reminder for community businesses, organizations, and members to continue to work together to reach the campaign's ultimate $100,000 goal. Anyone who is interested in planning an event should contact Fowler at [email protected].

In their eagerness to help, the team isn't waiting for event ideas to be suggested to them. Other events that are continuing to be planned include another euchre night, a wine pairing night, a day at Blessings Day Spa, an evening at 1914 House where profits are donated to the fund, a trivia night, a tips jar at Rock n Rails and a grand silent auction at the community's Round the World Day. "I think we'll get to that goal, though we are looking for companies that are interested in matching funds too," she said.

Even as events are being planned, Fowler wants to be sure to address a question she's heard multiple times.

"One big concern, and it's a valid concern, is that people want to make sure the money goes directly to the families. And it does, through the Community Foundation," she said, referring to a portal tracking site at the Boulder Community Foundation. Fowler further clarified that the Foundation is very overwhelmed with supportive work right now, resulting in a lag in them reporting the funds. But everything is being routed through the Foundation so that it can be properly distributed directly to victims.

If Fowler has a lasting message to the community, it's simple. "Just join in. It's a good thing to be part of."