‘Block party’ to benefit
Colorado wildfire victims
PRESQUE ISLE — Presque Isle resident and entrepreneur Natalie St. Pierre has announced plans to organize an event to benefit the victims of the wildfire raging throughout her hometown nestled in the foothills of Colorado.
Plans are under way for a unique fundraiser to help those affected by the Waldo Canyon wildfire in Colorado Springs, Colo. The all-day event, “Relief for the Rockies,” is slated to take place Friday, July 13 from 2-9 p.m.
The event will be held at the Wintergreen Arts Center and will feature a variety of Aroostook County’s best known bands and musicians including Brian Mosher and Doug Cronkhite from the band Common Crossing at 8 p.m. as well as a performance by local favorites Mark and Jordyn Shaw at 6 p.m. The center will host a “Relief for the Rockies” silent auction from 2-9 p.m. as well as a children’s “beach party” complete with face painting inside the center from 2-5 p.m.
“Although I now reside in Maine, Colorado Springs has always been home. It’s where I went to grade school and prom. My parents, grandparents, extended family and a number of close friends are there,” said St. Pierre. “A huge chunk of my life was spent in an area that is now either reduced to rubble or in danger of being lost forever. I felt I had to do something to let everyone back home know that they’re not alone in this fight.”
On Saturday, June 23, a fire began burning at the base of Colorado’s famed Pikes Peak on the west side of Colorado Springs in an area known as Waldo Canyon, just a short drive away from St. Pierre’s childhood stomping grounds. At the onset of the fire, record-breaking temperatures and high winds created an uphill battle for the hundreds of firefighters called to the scene. To date, the fire, now just over 50 percent contained, has destroyed nearly 350 homes and claimed at least two lives. The fire also ripped through the Flying W Ranch, which had served as a community landmark and tourist destination for 60 years.
“We are delighted to be taking part in this event. Wintergreen has worked with Natalie on several projects over the years. This event is special to her in a personal way and allows for us to join her in a show of support for something that has impacted so many lives,” said WAC Executive Director Wendy Gilman-Zubrick. “At times like this, it is important to come together and help whenever possible regardless of geography.”
St. Pierre is currently a graduate student at Husson University. She has lived in northern Maine for eight years and currently serves as event and editorial coordinator for Northern Maine Community College, as well as owner and operator of Social Envy Image and Event Consulting Services, located in Presque Isle.
Donations in support of the “Relief for the Rockies” prior to the July 13 event can be made locally by contacting Claudia Stevens at the United Way of Aroostook, 480 Main St., (third floor), Presque Isle, Maine 04769 or by calling 764-5197 and also through the American Red Cross by contacting Joyce Knorr at 493-4620 or by mail at American Red Cross, “Relief for the Rockies,” Colorado Springs Relief Fund, 7 Hatch Drive, Suite 250, Caribou, Maine 04736. Donations will also be accepted via a donation jar at Wintergreen Arts Center. Please be sure to indicate “Relief for the Rockies” on all contributions paid via check or credit card when making a donation at any of the three locations.
For more information about participating in this event, contact St. Pierre at 551-0763 or via e-mail at nstpierre@nmcc.edu.
