Jacqueline Hart Gibson, Gilpin County. Cold temperatures, poor driving conditions and a temperature that could only be described as, “Sooo Cold!” didn’t stop dedicated High Country Auxiliary volunteers, or Gilpin community members, from supporting the Annual Chili Dinner and Silent Auction at the Gilpin Community Center, last Saturday night.

Over 300 locals braved the winter storm to warm their bellies with tasty homemade chili, provided by HCA volunteers, and pick up some great deals on donated items available for bidding at the fundraiser.

Guests whose tastes didn’t include chili, were met warmly at the door with the comforting aroma of home cooking, providing a welcoming environment for catching up with neighbors and shopping at the auction.

Some items available for bidding included; Southwest Airlines passes, artwork, pottery, services, liquor gift sets from Underground Mid County Liquor, sweatshirts from Green Grass in Central City, and much more.

High Country Auxiliary uses proceeds from benefits like the one last Saturday night to support Timberline Fire Department, Gilpin County Animal Response Team and other emergency support teams as deemed appropriate and necessary. The auxiliary may be called upon to provide; food and water to emergency service workers called to an emergency for an extended period of time, scholarships for training, or needed equipment that is outside established budgets for TFPD.

This year’s fundraiser included a volunteer surprise guest. Tracy Terbell, a firefighter from Minneapolis, was in town to enjoy winter sports and to visit longtime friends Mary Mohn and Auxiliary Secretary, Mary Mackenberg-Mohn. Tracy was enthusiastic about helping out our auxiliary and said she loves visiting our area.

The next Auxiliary Fundraiser is the Annual Flea Market scheduled for June 7 and 8, 2019 at the Gilpin County Fairgrounds.

For more information about the High Country Auxiliary visit www.colorado.gov/pacific/timberlinefire/high-country-auxiliary.com.

(Originally published in the March 7, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)