The tragic death of Officer Gordon Beesley and good samaritan Johnny Hurley in late June deeply affected the Arvada Community, leaving many with a feeling of helplessness.
In response to the shooting, the Arvada Strong brand and Facebook page were created by Arvada local and graphic designer Kelly Cullerton. Kelly’s apparel and unique Arvada branding are aimed towards inspiring togetherness among the community while celebrating Beesley’s role as an impactful local figure: “It shouldn’t just be tragedy that brings us together, but reminding ourselves that we’re closer to each other than we think.” Both Beesley and Hurley were known for the positive influence they had on others, and Kelly was particularly inspired by Beesley's personal motto: “Look for the Good in Every Day"
Kelly has loved designing for as long as she can remember. She received her M.A. in Integrated Design, Business, and Technology to gain a balanced understanding of both design and business. She uses Bonfire, a verified print-on-demand fundraising platform to create and sell Arvada Strong apparel. The brand’s online inventory is available for both adults and children, with Oberon Middle School students being seen wearing her t-shirts to class in support of Beesley’s past and future influence.
Cullerton’s collection of shirts, tees, crewnecks, and hoodies even include an old quote of Beesley’s: “Look for the good in every day.” It’s a concise representation of her overall goal to uplift the community’s spirit and bring everyone together, speaking to the season’s thankful nature. As a Colorado native, her love for Arvada played a large role in driving her to support her people in the best way she knows how: design. She intended on locals to eventually recognize the logo on the street, so as to be reminded that Arvada is still as strong as ever.
To browse the Arvada Strong collection and donate to the Colorado Fallen Hero Foundation, be sure to visit www.bonfire.com/store/arvada-strong/ and www.cofallenhero.org.