When the fire struck, dozens of businesses sprung into action, doing what they could to help others affected by the damage. The list is endlessly evolving and growing, but here are just a few that have given a piece of their heart and soul to a community that lost so much.
Pica’s Louisville
Food, margaritas and community were compliments of the house once their Louisville location reopened. It also donated 20% of sales from one weekend to fire victims.
Blackbelly
By propping up a large tent, Blackbelly erected a temporary relief center at its Boulder location to nourish and clothe neighbors. It provided temporary packaged foods, sweaters, hats, coats, diapers, towels, toiletries, stuffed animals, backpacks and more. Repeated shopping (and eating) was strongly encouraged. Originally stemming from local donations, the relief tent quickly flourished with new partners dropping products off regularly, including GB Culinary and Rowdy Mermaid.
Acme Fine Goods
Through quick thinking, Acme Fine Goods opened a warehouse at 375 McCaslin Boulevard. This free market offered anything and everything you could think of for men, women, teens and kids and formed as a partnership between Acme Fine Goods and Lending A Hand, with the help of Jen Burlew. It serves as a distribution and donation center for anyone in need. A generous donation from The Conscious Merchant stocked an entire section dedicated to self-care and items for renewing the body and spirit.
Restaurants Revive
A group of Boulder and Denver area restaurants, Restaurants Revive, offered hot meals to displaced residents, in partnership with World Central Kitchen and Conscious Alliance, along with support from the Northwest Chamber Alliance and Downtown Boulder Partnership. World Central Kitchen worked with local partners to support Boulder County restaurants taking part in this initiative. Among the 100+ participants are Ash’Kara, Proto’s Pizza, Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant, Rosetta Hall, Salt, Snooze, and Wonder.
Rayback Collective
Through accepting donations from the community, Rayback Collective created an impromptu free market for several days in January for families and individuals to shop. It also donated 100% of its proceeds from its New Year’s Eve event to Boulder County Wildfire Fund.
JONES + CO.
To warm the heads, hearts, hands and toes of others, Jones + CO. created a place for community members to donate hats, socks and gloves for those affected.
Meet Buck
Our friend Buck is a service dog, helping by lending a paw to comfort and support when it's needed most. He works with crime victims and supports community outreach, the Boulder County District Attorney's Office and other first responders.
Sweep Balayage Bar
Not only did Sweep graciously donate several shampoo and conditioner bottles, but it also offered free haircuts and blowouts, so that those affected could take a moment for themselves to decompress and feel cared for.
Eleanor and Hobbs
Through asking community members to drop off gently used clothing, shoes and coats, Eleanor and Hobbs created a “free boutique” and asked for anyone who lost their homes to come in and “shop” for what they needed. Two Sole Sisters donated shoes and accessories while Assorted Goods and Candy gave away sweets to brighten the mood.
In addition, the store is helping to dress 100 people affected by the fire using names gathered by the community and partnering with brands such as AMO, White and Warren, Perfect White Tee, Citizens of Humanity, AGOLDE, Moussy, Collaboration Cashmere and more.
Disco Apocalypse
Working with Arc and Boulder OEM, Disco Apocalypse helped set up a distribution center to help clothe families and individuals affected.
Neptune Mountaineering
What started as a humble gently used coat and shoe drive organized by Neptune Mountaineering blossomed into a free market filled with top beloved outdoor brands that donated new apparel. Brands such as Icebreaker, SturdyGirl, ARTILECT, Tecnica Sports, The North Face, Patagonia, Deuter, La Sportiva, Columbia, ORTOVOX, Adidas, Toad and Co, Rab, Sherpa, and Mountain Standard sent boxes upon boxes of product. The market was open at the beginning of January, then Neptune partnered with Conscious Alliance to distribute leftovers.
Alchemy Face Bar
The salon generously donated $10,000 worth of Alchemy Face Bar gift cards to help replenish skincare and makeup to those who lost everything.
Boulder Denver Arts Community
Art may not be the most essential of what was lost in the fires, but art is often what turns a house into a home. The art community of Boulder, Denver and beyond wanted to come together to help those affected start to rebuild that sense of home and community. Darcie Shively and Danielle Borden Wertz organized an event where artists donated pieces that will be distributed this month.
Sill-TerHar Motors
Sill-TerHar Motors’ Ford showroom in Broomfield transformed into a massive donation center, a project spearheaded by vice-president Greg Larson. The company served as a site to gather gently used items from the community to help those affected restart and rebuild their new lives.