It's been about month since fire ravaged Fourmile Canyon outside of Boulder, Colorado, destroying 169 homes and causing $217 million in damage. The fire is out, but the recovery is ongoing, and will be for some time.
Within 24 hours of the start of the fire, Foothills United Way established the Fourmile Canyon Fire Relief Fund, with the intent of using donations to the fund to help respond to immediate unmet needs, and to help fund long-term recovery for fire victims and the community.
The first distributions from the Fund happened within 72 hours of its creation. To date, more than $15,000 has been distributed, helping with such things as basic needs (gas, food, clothing), replacement of home-business items destroyed in the fire, and temporary/transitional housing. Trained caseworkers from the Boulder County Victims Assistance Center have been helping with the intake and assessment of requests for help.
The response from our community has been incredible. As of today, more than $110,000 had been donated to the Fund. The donations have come from businesses, including major gifts from Ball Corporation/Ball Aerospace, Bank of the West and the realtors associated with CARHOF/BARA. Donations have come from fundraisers, such as Left Hand Brewing's Fire Fundraiser Event, which raised more than $14,900. And contributions have come from countless organizations, groups and individuals all wanting to do what they can to help out. Additionally, there are two concerts coming up the weekend of October 9-10 which are expected to generate additional donations for the Fund.
In-kind donations in the amount of $65,500 have also come in from businesses that are part of the Outdoor Industry Manufacturers’ Association. These include items such as wool socks, fleece jackets, hats, etc. They are being distributed as they are received by the distribution center.
A Task Group of volunteers was formed at the same time the Fund was established, to oversee the distribution of the Fund. They are currently meeting weekly. A timeline for long-term distributions is being developed and potential partners are being identified. It has been agreed that, beyond the cash distributions for unmet immediate needs, long-term recovery will be working with direct service providers as is the established procedure for Foothills United Way.
The Fourmile Canyon Fire was a sudden and catastrophic event for many in our community. But the generosity of our friends and neighbors - giving of their dollars, goods and time - has been overwhelming. We extend a heart-felt thanks to every person, business, group and organization who has stepped up in this time of need.
If you still need help, or would still like to give help, please contact 2-1-1 (simply dial 2-1-1 from any phone), or Foothills United Way at 303-444-4013.
