Dear Editor,

Sandy Hollingworth and I met while she was volunteering at the Gilpin County Fair in the summer of 2022. We discovered that we both have connections to Iowa, where I grew up and she lived for some time while her father was stationed in the Army. Growing up in a military family with parents who instilled a strong sense of serving others has made Sandy who she is. I have become increasingly impressed with Sandy’s life-long dedication to public service. Sandy’s professional career began while serving as a Social Worker, first as a Case Manager, then promoted to Program Organizer, and finally to the City’s Division Manager. Sandy embraced a lifelong commitment to serving her community with an impressive resume of volunteerism. Remember Candy Stripers in local hospitals? This was one of the few ways that young girls (they were always girls then) could volunteer. Sandy, and her cheerful demeanor, would visit patients and help in whatever way she could. I know from experience how welcome these young ladies were, and lonely patients always enjoyed a pleasant visit from a candy striper. Sandy also helped with school fundraisers and served on student councils. Even during college and while working full-time jobs, she continually found time to serve others. Decades later, Sandy remains committed to a high level of community service. She spent the last 25 + years volunteering for numerous non-profits in Gilpin County. She helps people who are underserved to meet basic needs and be safer in their homes. She helps without judgment or expecting anything in return. I have often asked Sandy, “How do you DO all this?” She just shrugs her shoulders and says she just carves out the time. Amazing! Let me just talk about a few ways that Sandy has been a long-term and invaluable asset to our community. Sandy was on the task force that was able to secure CLINICA Health Care, after being in a health care desert for over 12 years. Sandy is obviously dedicated to our public lands! She participates in monitoring Forest Service visitors, trail work, noxious weed pulls, and trash clean-ups. She was active in her homeowner’s association for years including their fire mitigation projects. Many of you know her via her continuing service with High Country Auxiliary, CSU Extension as a Master Gardener, Peak to Peak Rotary, Axe and Snax, the food pantry, including growing produce for residents, plus food and school supply donation drives. Because Sandy understands the importance of pets to a family, she delivers pet food to the pantry. These are just a few examples of Sandy’s dedication to our community. Sandy lives by putting her community first, which is exemplified in her work as the current longest-serving County Commissioner. With her experience in governance, setting policy, and identifying community needs by listening to residents from all walks of life, she is your number one choice for Gilpin County Commissioner. Let’s join together to re-elect Sandy Hollingworth!

Celia Wilson

Gilpin County