Help the ColoRADo Bolgers

My name is Mike Bolger, and I've spent my life looking up to my brother, Pat, for his love and dedication to the things that matter most to him--his family and the great outdoors. On December 30, 2021, our entire family watched in disbelief as the 6,000-acre Marshall Fire in Boulder County, CO, burned through Pat's hometown of Louisville, CO.

 

Thankfully, Pat and his kids, Jacob (10) and Olivia (12), were able to escape the fire unharmed, but with only a very small collection of essentials.

 

The next morning, we learned that Pat's entire neighborhood, including his home, was reduced to ashes. Thankfully, Jacob and Olivia's mom's home was spared, so the kids still have their things there, but Pat has only the clothes on his back, his computer, phone, and, being the ever-ready outdoorsman, some of his own fishing and ski gear that happened to be in the car already.

 

Pat's home was more than a house. It was stability and comfort for himself and his children--an office for Pat, a school for Jacob and Olivia, a joyful haven in an uncertain time--and, most recently, home to a Christmas tree filled with a lifetime of childhood handiwork and sentiment, where loved ones had delivered new treasures--among them, camping chairs and card games for the next ColoRADo Bolger game-night-under-the-stars.

 

Pat's home reflected his heart--his love for his kids, his family, and the outdoors. The kids' bedrooms were filled with memories and mementos--a seashell Pat retrieved for them from the ocean floor--as well as countless camping and ski area stickers--badges of honor earned through quality hours of camping, hiking, skiing, and fishing with their dad. And always ready for a hug were their carefully-tucked-away stuffies, well-tenured residents of their rooms.

 

Pat's basement gave a heartfelt welcome to all who entered, both into his home and into the next ColoRADo Bolger adventure. The basement was always ready for out-of-town family to stay for an extended sleepover, or to make a pit stop before the next mountain drive. It was filled with photos and mementos from Pat's own childhood, and an outdoor gear storage room organized with the love and attention only a true outdoor enthusiast can provide.

 

The backyard was joyful and content. The kids would ramble through the fallen autumn leaves and race up and down the wooden jungle gym. Olivia would proudly grow her own summer vegetables and flowers, and Jacob would bravely swing from the rope swing and tree branches.

 

Even when faced with disaster, Pat is ColoRADo strong--he is positive, focused, and gracious. We are so inspired by his attitude and heart, and want to help bolster him as he navigates this uncertain time. We want to help him find his sense of Home Sweet ColoRADo Home, wherever this year may take him.

 

The entire Boulder County community is sifting through the damage and working to plan a way forward. Pat is currently staying in a hotel while searching for interim housing. He has home owner's insurance that will help eventually, but we know that family and friends are eager to help in the meantime. 

 

We are aiming to raise $20,000 to help cover basics for the coming year: Basic furniture and home essentials, clothing, school supplies, and any outdoor essentials needed to help keep the family safely together in nature (to enable quality time that is sure to be a critical piece of healing for them). Any amount helps--and even more than contributing dollars, your donation contributes morale support and love. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

 

Current Marshall Fire Twitter Feed: https://twitter.com/hashtag/MarshallFire?src=hashtag_click