More than $200,000 Generated at Community Gala
Rick Langenberg
Cripple Creek’s long-time dream of establishing a 24/7 childcare center continues to gain momentum and has now struck an 11-hour jackpot.
Still, the $5 million project hasn’t quite scaled the final funding mountain. “We are almost there,” said Ted Borden, director of the Community of Caring, the main group spearheading the project, which eventually will feature a 10,000-square-foot facility, next to its Aspen Mine Center West facility.
During a recent presentation before the Cripple Creek City Council, Borden signaled the thumbs-up for the project to meet its goal of starting construction on the first phase in August, with a projected opening in the summer of 2027. And from a financial standpoint, he indicated “A Place For Kids” has struck the jackpot, at least when it comes to securing needed funding.
Borden said the project recently secured a $2 million line of credit from Park State Bank & Trust, its primary lender, ensuring it has enough funds to pay contractors and cover construction expenses.
And more importantly, a community gala, held at the Chamonix Casino & Hotel and entitled “Where Dreams Grow,” raised more than $200,000.
“We had a good gala,” said Mary Bielz, the chairperson of the Community of Caring board.
During a recent council meeting, Bielz wasn’t shy about making thank you tributes to various leaders of the project, including departing City Administrator Frank Salvato. She even gave the former administrator, who attended his last meeting with the city on June 17, a special “blessing stick.”
The “Where Dreams Grow” gala included speeches, testimonials, live music and a rare auction featuring historic guns seldom seen by the public. The firearms sold for prices that often approached $5,000 each.
The event was packed with community leaders, business and casino operators, elected officials and even journalists.
One clear message was delivered at this event: The entire Teller County area is fully behind the “A Place For Kids” venture and so let’s get it done.
“It is unbelievable the support we have received,” said Borden, following the recent gala.
Bielz hinted that more community fund-raising events could occur, based on the success of the “Where Dreams Grow” gala.
The fundraising for the project is still lacking a little more than $500,000.
Even so, the total raised is impressive for a community the size of Cripple Creek. With the help of several sizable grants, the project has generated nearly $5 million.
The project propelled from a mere idea into a real venture when the Colorado Department of Local Affairs stepped into the picture with a $1 million grant. A similar-sized special projects grant was made by Congresswoman Brittany Peterson, who represents the 7th congressional district, which includes Teller County.
The initial phase of the project will encompass about 7,000 square feet and will be equipped to service the community five days a week. It will have the capability of handling 60 kids at one time.
The Cripple Creek City Council has enthusiastically supported the project and is hoping it can open its doors as soon as possible. Childcare is considered as the number one community demand in Cripple Creek, according to Mayor Annie Durham.
