'Small Town, Big Heart' campaign looks to summer fundraising to hit $100,000 goal

Five months have elapsed since the Marshall Fire, and as the affected families continue the long process of rebuilding their homes and lives, Niwot's 'Small Town, Big Heart' campaign continues to drive on toward the Niwot Business Association's goal of donating $100,000 to victims of the devastating fire.

Deborah Read Fowler, vice-president of the NBA and local broker at the Niwot Colorado Landmark office, has spearheaded the Small Town, Big Heart Wildfire Relief Fund campaign from day one.

"I think everyone is looking for a way of donating and doing something," said Fowler. "And this was an easy way for us to provide that mechanism."

As of May 29, she said the campaign has raised $75,092.04, all of which has been donated directly to victims of the Marshall Fire through the Community Foundation for Boulder County. Much of the funds have come from fundraising events hosted by local Niwot businesses in addition to online donations.

Fowler said that two recent successful fundraising events helped boost funds to over 75% of the $100,000 goal.

On May 11, the WINC Brit Quiz trivia night raised $2,967.46. And a grand silent auction held as part of Niwot's Around the World Day on May 14 raised an additional $7,826.00. The auction items were donated by local artists and local businesses, and Fowler sponsored several items as well.

"It went excellent. We sold out of all the items," said Fowler.

Fowler noted that with several summer events on the horizon, she feels very confident that the NBA can achieve its $100,000 goal.

"We've got some businesses really coming together to donate profits. We've got some really fun family events ahead of us, and it's just a great way to raise the money," she said.

Of those upcoming events, on July 20, 1914 House will be donating 50% of their day's profits to the fund. Diners looking to support the effort can simply make a normal reservation and enjoy a dinner out. For folks interested in donating above the proceeds generated by the cost of their meal, bring your checkbook to make an individual donation to the fund as well.

Nick Mastronardi, the owner of 1914 House, said that even though the overall need might look overwhelming, these collective community efforts can and do make a difference.

"It's all about community, even what we do on any given night serving dinner," said Mastronardi. "And then you look just down the road at our neighbors in need after a horrible event, and we, not just we as in 1914 House, but we, as in Niwot, want to do everything we can to help and support them."

In a similar vein of pairing good food with fundraising, on July 24 Garden Gate Café will host a Bingo and Brisket night. La Musette, the food truck at Niwot Wheel Works, is also planning a private wine dinner on August 6.

And, as the summer of free Rock & Rails concerts takes off on June 2, the tip jar from the first Thursday evening concert will go toward the fund as well.

"I'm hoping that will add up to $25,000," said Fowler. "Hitting our goal will be really great."