Celebrate an early St. Patrick’s with CMC Children’s Mini College

Seasonal food and entertainment on March 13 helps benefit preschool’s children, families and teachers

GLENWOOD SPRINGS – A festive pre-holiday tradition supporting much-needed, affordable local child care returns for a third year. The Gold & Green celebration helps ease into St. Patrick’s Day at the CMC Glenwood Center – a free after-work event with food, drinks, music and more.

“Our Gold & Green fundraiser has become such a meaningful tradition for our school community,” said Abby Hollenbaugh, Children’s Mini College director. “It is great fun and brings together so many people who support and love Children's Mini College.”

'A significant fundraiser'

The Gold & Green serves as a significant fundraiser that supports CMC Glenwood’s Children’s Mini College program. The Irish-themed happy hour, plus a silent auction packed with great local offerings, will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, March 13.

The recently expanded Mini College is a longstanding and important resource in a community with limited child care and offers a variety of year-round child care services.

In the St. Patrick’s Day tradition, the Gold & Green party features drinks, Irish music and authentic Irish appetizers, some of which have been created by the Mini College youngsters themselves.

Participants can take a look at the Wall of Giving, built and decorated by Mini College students and their families, and submit a bid at an extensive silent auction featuring prizes such as event tickets, ski passes, weekend getaways and local artwork.

All of the proceeds from the auction will go directly to the Mini College, which was created to benefit both children of CMC employees and students, with remaining spaces offered to community members – with a preference for low-income families.

“We are so grateful for the generosity of everyone who attends—because every dollar raised directly supports our teachers, our families, and, most importantly, our children,” said Hollenbaugh.

Mini College expands

Last fall, the Mini College expanded significantly, adding a second classroom, as well as offering a new, year-round, full-time option for child care, providing a wide range of coverage for working families. The program’s half-day, school year and summer programming will continue to be offered as well. The center’s capacity expanded as well, from 18 to 30 children daily, as well as lowering the minimum age from 3 to 2 ½, with care available for kids up to age 5.

For more information about the event, contact Abby Hollenbaugh at 970-945-2446.

More information about CMC’s Children Mini College is also available at Children's Mini College.

CMC Glenwood Center is located at 1402 Blake Ave., Glenwood Springs.