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The greatest love story in Douglas County

Colorado’s own “Firefall” took time back stage for a photo op with Castle Pines
Connection staffer and event volunteer Sharon Kollmar (in yellow). Proceeds
from the concert benefitted the Douglas/Elbert Task Force.

By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Peter Cranstone

Colorado’s own platinum recording artist “Firefall” broke out some old favorites for the 30th anniversary celebration of the Douglas/Elbert Task Force. The band, which is well known for its hits including “Just Remember I Love You” and “You Are the Woman,” was the centerpiece of a spectacular celebration which highlighted the tremendous work that the Task Force does on behalf of our community.

The Douglas/Elbert Task Force was founded in 1984 by Mela Rudolph, who collected food and clothing items in her garage in order to assist those in need. After several moves to larger spaces, the Task Force currently resides in the heart of downtown Castle Rock. In its thirty year history, the Task Force has assisted more than 100,000 people. In 2013, the nonprofit organization served 15,684 people, totaling approximately $1,050,000 in assistance, its biggest year to date.

The Task Force focuses on providing assistance to those who are in serious economic need, at risk of homelessness, or in crisis. The organization offers counseling and provides food and much needed necessities. The Task Force collects food donations, clothing donations, and operates a thrift store with the help of more than 200 volunteers.

The “30 Years of Love” benefit concert was a tremendous success and raised more than $45,000, which will be used to finish the unfinished 4,000 square-foot building which houses the Task Force. More than 630 people attended the event and were equally inspired and entertained.

Aside from enjoying the great concert, attendees were introduced to several community organizations and people who have made the Task Force a success. Awards were given in the name of Mela Rudolph to Philanthropic Business: FirstBank, Philanthropic Family: Lee and Nani Lindig, Philanthropic Organization: New Hope Presbyterian Church, and a special Pioneer Award was given to a thirty-year volunteer, Connie Huydts.

The Castle Pines Connection was proud to be a sponsor of this event, along with many other local businesses including the Highlands Ranch Rotary Foundation, FirstBank Castle Rock, and presenting sponsor Rockyard Brewing Company.

Task Force Director of Philanthropy Joe Roos was thrilled with how the event turned out: “The event was a remarkable success. ‘Firefall’ was fantastic and provided everyone with a truly powerful music experience,” said Roos. “The event also provided the Task Force a way to celebrate the 30 years of service to our community and gave us an extraordinary venue to raise awareness of our mission through print, radio and TV media that we ordinarily don’t have, thereby reaching hundreds of thousands of people to tell our story – ‘the greatest love story in Douglas County’.”

To learn more about the Douglas/Elbert Task Force, visit DETaskForce.org.

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