My Big Day Events Blog: Weddings, Events, Deals, Ideas, Planning, Colorado in the Know!

My Big Day Brings Back the Drive-Thru Trick-or-Treat Experience!

10/12/2021

Back by popular demand (and thanks to a global pandemic), My Big Day is supporting Thompson Education Foundation and the ond of a kind event we created in 2020 to offer families a safer way to trick-or-treat!

What you need to know:

Saturday, October 30, 2021
Thompson School District Admin Building
10:00am - 2:30pm
$5 per vehicle

A socially distanced Halloween for families, with something for everyone.
Picture a reverse parade! Kids can trick-or-treat safely from their car window.
Families will slowly drive through a long series of Halloween scenes decorated by local businesses, schools and nonprofits. COVID safety measures will be in place.

This is a fundraiser for Thompson Education Foundation.
The event is only $5 per vehicle.
Booth and Sponsor packages available.

*This event will sell out quickly
***Tickets will be available on October 15th at 9am
Ticket Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../nocos-greatest-drive-thru...

BOOTHS AVAILABLE FOR PERFORMERS AND BUSINESSES!

Hosted by:
Thompson Education Foundation
and My Big Day Marketing & Events

No DUI Larimer: Drinking & Driving Penalties

7/12/2021

MBD Marketing & Events has been proud to be supporting the No DUI Larimer initiative. Part of our marketing campaign includes education. At No DUI Larimer, we talk a lot about the safety implications of impaired driving. But there are legal implications as well.

Deciding to Make the Call instead of driving impaired can save not just your life, but also time, money, and your license.

Read on for an overview of Colorado’s DUI/DWAI laws and penalties.

Colorado DUI/DWAI Laws

DUI/DWAI in Colorado
In Colorado, you are considered to be Driving Under the Influence (DUI) with a blood or breath alcohol content of 0.08% or higher. You can still be charged with a DUI if your test result comes back below 0.08%. You will be charged with a DUI if you refuse to submit to a chemical test while showing signs of intoxication or of being under the influence of drugs, including marijuana.

Although Colorado uses Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) language during sentencing, there is no difference in the statute (law) itself. DUI laws in Colorado cover impairment due to alcohol, drugs, or any combination of the two.

First Offense DUI

Misdemeanor
5 days - 1 year in jail
$600 - $1,000 fine
48 - 96 hours of community service
Mandatory 9-month license suspension
Alcohol education classes
Even for a first offense, defendants with BAC 0.15% or higher are designated “persistent drunk driver (PDD)” and sentenced as repeat offenders (see Persistent Drunk Driver section). This designation comes with mandatory jail time of 10 days, up to one year.

Second Offense DUI

Misdemeanor
Mandatory jail time of 10 days, up to one year
$600 - $1,500 fine
48 - 120 hours of community service
Mandatory 1 year license revocation
Mandatory Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for 2 years, up to 4 years
12 DMV points
Alcohol education classes

Third Offense DUI

Misdemeanor
Mandatory 60 days in jail, up to 2 years
$600 - $1,500 fine
48 - 120 hours of community service
Mandatory 2-year license revocation
Mandatory IID for 2 years, up to 4 years
12 DMV points
Alcohol education classes

Fourth Offense DUI

Class 4 felony
2 - 6 years in Colorado State Prison
3 year parole
$2,000 - $500,000 fine

Persistent Drunk Driver/Aggravated DUI

Penalty sustained if you: drive with a BAC 0.15% or greater; refuse to take a chemical DUI test; have two or more DUI convictions; or drive on a license suspended or revoked for DUI.
Mandatory Level II alcohol education and treatment program
Mandatory Ignition Interlock Device for 2 years, up to 4 years
Mandatory provide proof of financial responsibility (SR-22 insurance coverage) for at least 2 years

First Offense DWAI

Misdemeanor
2 - 180 days in jail
$200 - $500 fine
24 - 48 hours community service
8 DMV points

Second Offense DWAI

Misdemeanor
Mandatory 10 days in jail, up to one year
$600 - $1,500 fine
48 - 120 hours community service
8 DMV points
Mandatory 2 years probation, up to 4 years
Mandatory 1-year license revocation if second offense occurs within 5 years of the first

Third Offense DWAI

Misdemeanor
Mandatory jail time of 60 days, up to one year
$600 - $1,500 fine
48 - 120 hours community service
8 DMV points
Mandatory 2 years probation, up to 4 years
Mandatory 2-year license revocation

Fourth Offense DWAI

Class 4 felony
2 - 6 years in prison
3 year parole
$2,000 - $500,000 fine

How many points will cost you your license?
Adult Drivers (21 and older)

12 points in a 12-month period, or
18 points in an 18-month period

Minor Drivers 18-20 Years Old

9 points in a 12-month period
12 points in 24 consecutive months, or
14 points or more between the ages of 18 and 21 years old

Minor Drivers Under 18

6 points in 12 months, or
7 points before turning 18

Colorado’s Chargeable BAC Level
In Colorado, the “legal limit” for drinking and driving is a BAC of 0.08%. It is important to note, however, that alcohol affects people differently, and a BAC of 0.05% may be enough to cause impairment. Therefore, if you show signs of driving under the influence and/or cause an accident, and your BAC is 0.05% or higher, it is a permissible inference that you drove under the influence of alcohol, and you can be charged.

Providing Alcohol to a Minor
In Colorado, people who “sell, serve, give away, dispose of, exchange, or deliver or permit the sale, serving, giving, or procuring of any alcohol beverage to or for any person under the age of twenty-one years” can be charged with a Class 2 misdemeanor. This conviction can include a prison sentence in a county jail of at least three months and up to one year. Fines range from $250 to $1,000.

Avoid penalties and save your life – or another’s – by always Making the Call. Follow No DUI Larimer on Facebook for tips and updates from us and our partners.

NoCo Easter Keg Hunt - Nearly Sold Out

3/16/2021

Grab your team tickets soon! The NoCo Easter Keg Hunt is nearly sold out!
The 2:30pm heat still has a few team slots and we'd love to see YOU there!

Event Info

Contact MBD Marketing & Events

Small Business. Big Impact.

Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068

Email Us

We serve the entire Front Range; Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken

Tips for Creating Healthier Drinking Habits

1/18/2021

As the Marketing company for Partner's No DUI Larimer Initiative, we are working hard to provide our Colorado Community with education and helpful, healthy tips.

You may have heard the term “Dry January” before. Healthier drinking habits are a common New Year’s resolution – but cutting back is easier said than done when alcohol has become part of your daily or weekly lifestyle or is something you use to cope with life’s challenges.

Maybe you’ve experienced negative health effects because of your drinking, or it’s interfering with your interpersonal relationships and ability to function in everyday life. Maybe you just want to start the New Year off with a more focused, healthier you. Either way, here are some tips for cutting back gradually.

1. Set a goal
Start by writing down some current stats: How many days per week you drink, how many drinks you have, and – if some of those drinks are extra large – how many servings of alcohol you have in that time frame.

Set an easy goal to start with. One less drink per week or day is a great place to start. You can even offer yourself a non-alcoholic reward for each day or week you meet your goal.

2. Measure drinks
You may think to yourself, “I only have one drink at the end of each day,” but consider the size of your drink. One serving of alcohol is: one can of beer; 9 fluid ounces of malt liquor (a stronger lager or ale), 5 ounces of wine, or a 1.5-fluid-ounce shot of hard liquor like gin, vodka, or tequila.

If cutting down your number of drinks sounds too difficult at the start, first make sure that each drink is truly just one drink by measuring your alcohol.

3. Make your drinks smaller
If daily drinks are your go-to and less frequency seems daunting, try cutting down even more. Try a half serving of alcohol or even just a few sips at a time. Make a mixed drink with half a shot of hard liquor instead of a full-sized shot. Savor a few sips of wine like you’re a sommelier.

4. Drink lots of water
Drink a glass of water before an alcoholic drink, and alternate each alcoholic drink with a non-alcoholic one. Staying hydrated will help your body process the alcohol, and your stomach will fill up more quickly, naturally limiting the amount of alcohol you can drink in one sitting.

5. Eat while drinking
Similarly, eating before drinking can reduce alcohol cravings, fill your stomach with something other than alcohol, and slow the speed at which you become impaired. If you find yourself always craving alcohol at a certain time of day, time your meal then. Savor your food, enjoy your favorite TV show, and see if the cravings pass.

6. Set a budget
Set a monthly or weekly budget for alcohol based on your servings goal or a financial goal, and stick to it. One technique for sticking to this budget is to buy a gift card at the beginning of the week or month to your go-to liquor store; when the gift card is gone, you’ve reached your limit until you buy your next gift card.

Each time you meet your budget goal, treat yourself to a reward with some of the money you’ve saved.

7. Count your drinks
Sometimes, simply realizing the number of drinks you’re having regularly can be a wake-up call. Start keeping a tally as you drink. When you’re impaired, you may not realize how quickly you’re getting to three, or five, or more drinks.

If you’re shocked by your number, try reducing it by one at a time. Before you start drinking, measure out your goal number of drinks, and then hide the rest of the alcohol. When you’ve finished what you set out, you’re done drinking.

8. Drink-free day(s)
Another solution if frequency is your issue is to start with a drink-free day each week. Maintain that for a month (longer if you’re really struggling), then reduce your weekly drinking days by one more the following month.

9. Avoid triggers
Often, the situations in which you typically drink become triggers to drink. Start eliminating these situations from your life. If you often drink with a certain group of people, start seeing them individually, in a different setting, or not at all. If it’s a place that’s your trigger, it’s best to avoid it altogether. If it’s a certain time of day, try eating a meal and/or planning a fun activity for that time of day as a distraction.

10. Be able to say “no”
You probably won’t be able to altogether avoid situations where others are drinking. Whether it’s friends, coworkers, or a server at a restaurant or party, be able to say “no, thank you.” If you’re worried about the social pressure to drink, practice what you’ll say before heading into a situation where others are likely to be drinking. Be confident in your decision; your health is most important.

Benefits of cutting back on alcohol consumption
You can start to feel the benefits of cutting back immediately. Here are some short term effects you can look forward to:

Feeling better in the morning
Being less tired during the day
Better looking skin
Easier weight management

Long term benefits include:

Better sleep
Stronger immune system
Healthy heart
Better judgment
Better interpersonal relationships, if drinking was affecting your behavior toward others
Stable mood (alcohol is associated with mood swings, depression, and anxiety)

If you find that you can’t cut down, you may need help to quit drinking. If you have developed an alcohol use disorder, drinking may no longer feel like a choice. Never try to stop drinking cold turkey if you drink large quantities regularly; the effects of alcohol withdrawal can be fatal. If you find yourself at this point, it’s best to seek professional help.

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol use, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 to get support and local resources.
Make the Call.

Best Holiday Light Displays in NoCo 2020

12/13/2020

Christmas is too sparkly…….said no one ever!

Our team has scoured the corners of Northern Colorado to find all the best and brightest holiday light displays! Grab a thermos of hot cocoa (or something stronger), some blankets, your favorite Christmas playlist (come back tomorrow for our favorite holiday songs!), and your sweetie, and go out for a festive drive! Here are our favorite spots:

1. Winter Wonderlights - Loveland Winter Wonderlights™ is part of the Loveland Light Trail. Be sure to visit the Loveland Light Trail page for your self-guided tour, including info for the popular Gnome Scavenger Hunt taking place through Dec. 31!

2. Greeley Grizwolds - Greeley 354 50th Avenue, Greeley - This awesome home light display even syncs to music!

3. NoCo Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru - Colorado Youth Outdoors- This family friendly display is sponsored and hosted by Colorado Youth Outdoors. This one mile drive-thru of holiday lights includes twinkling lights, jingle bells, Christmas music, animated outdoor themed features and a fly fishing Santa.

4. Old Town Fort Collins - Always a favorite, you can make an entire evening out of these holiday lights! Plan to pick up some dinner from one of the Old Town restaurants, or finish up some of your holiday shopping under all of the twinkling lights!

5. Eagle Ranch Estates - Loveland This subdivision will surely get you in the holiday spirit with all of their festive displays!

6. The Garden of Lights at The Gardens at Spring Creek - Fort Collins A favorite Fort Collins tradition, you can stroll through vignettes and displays - all twinkling with color and magic! Make sure you plan ahead, however - you will need tickets to attend. $10 per person over 12 years old. Money well spent if you ask us!

7. Realities For Children Big Blue NightLights Tree - Fort Collins This iconic symbol in downtown Fort Collins is a holiday favorite! Representing a beacon of light within the darkness of abuse, this 50 foot tree is a reminder to at-risk children everywhere that they are not alone. This year, the tree has a wonderful show designed by Blazen Illuminations, and set to music that you can listen to from your car - 97.1FM, all provided by local musicians. This show runs every half an hour, 5-10PM through the end of December. www.giveanightlight.com for more information.

Ways to Say Good-Bye to the Dumpster Fire That Was 2020

12/11/2020

Wow! 2020 - what a year?! There aren’t quite enough words to describe all of the feelings, emotions, and happenings of this past year. We have a few new words and meanings to add to our vocabularies and vernacular - pandemic (not really new, but used more this past year than probably ever before), virtual, socially distanced, hybrid, and Zoom.

As event planners, New Year’s Eve is typically the perfect excuse to throw an awesome party! This year we won’t be throwing any huge gatherings or celebrations. 2020 was quite a ride of ups and downs. But - we’ve survived and made it, and that is something worth celebrating!

We’ve come up with an extensive list of ways to say good-bye to this dumpster-fire of a year, and welcome in 2021 - what we hope will be a year full of healing, health, and goodness!

Burn Sage. All of the sage. This suggestion might be a bit tongue-in-cheek, but there are actual cleansing practices and rituals around burning sage. It has to do with centering the self and cleansing the energy that surrounds us. Some people who use this practice note that they sense a change in their environment. They sense less negativity around them, and a boost in positivity. We think that anything that puts someone in a positive mindset is a good thing - especially after this often dark year.

Make a 2020 Pinata. What better way to work out your frustrations with 2020 than to beat the heck out of them with a rubber bat? This could be a fun, family centered activity, too! You can make a pinata in any shape that suits you and your family, but we think a Pandemic Pinata is the perfect way to say goodbye to 2020! You’ll literally be beating Covid-19 with a stick!

Dance it out! Get your body moving and your blood pumping, and dance 2020 away! Get everyone you’re celebrating with to choose a song, and then have one big dance party playlist! You can even do this during a virtual party. Spotify has a feature that allows multiple users to edit a playlist. What a fun way to celebrate together - apart!

Hold a virtual Festivus Party with friends. Ah, Festivus. If ever there was a year to celebrate this holiday, it would be 2020! Hold a virtual Festivus Party where everyone has a chance to air their grievances. We’ve got some great Festivus ideas on our Festivus inspired Pinterest Board.

Create a Vision Board for 2021 and beyond. Vision boards are a great tool in helping you reach your goals. A collage of images, a vision board represents your goals and dreams. It can be a great way to center yourself, focus on good things to come, and prepare for the new year.

Support a local Chinese restaurant. Order take-out and ask for extra fortune cookies. You are bound to get some good news, right!?!

Dedicate the day to random acts of kindness. What better way to drum up good vibes and karma for yourself than to offer goodness and kindness to others? Spend New Year’s Eve or another day of your choice, seeing who can spread the most kindness. A kindness contest if you will. 2021 will surely be better because of it! Book recommendation: 365 Ways to Live Generously

Research and book sessions with a life coach or therapist. Mental health is important for everyone. This year, more than ever, paying close attention and nurturing our mental states has been even more important. Making a resolution to focus on mental health is a good way to start 2021 off right. Here’s a list of Life Coach Therapists located in Colorado.

Go Axe Throwing. Yet another great way to get your 2020 frustrations out! There are axe throwing establishments and bars opening up all over Northern Colorado. When it is safe to gather, get out and throw a few axes. You can pretend that the bulls-eye is the coronavirus, your failed hopes and dreams of 2020, or anything that vexes you - it’s a safe alternative, and a fun way to celebrate with friends!

However you choose to say goodbye to 2020 and welcome 2021, we at My Big Day Marketing & Events wish you all the best - health, happiness, and fortune in the New Year!

Make the Call for a Ride Home in Larimer County

12/10/2020

If you’re out drinking or using drugs and need to Make the Call for a safe ride home, we’ve got you covered. No DUI Larimer has compiled a list of ride services throughout our county. Just scroll down to your city for name, description, and contact information for each service.

Fort Collins

zTrip: Ride services for northern Colorado with flat rate pricing. Runs 24 hours. Download the app on the Apple App Store or Google Play. To get $10 off a zTrip EVERY month, text #NoDUI to 970-224-2222.
Contact: Use the app or call 855-MY-zTrip

Lyft: Pricing based on demand. Runs 24 hours as long as drivers are available. Download the Lyft app on the Apple App Store or Google Play. You can also sign up or get an estimate here [https://www.lyft.com/rider/cities/fort-collins-co].
Contact: Get help through the app or online.

NOCO Party Bus: Perfect if you’re planning an outing with a big group. Must book ahead of time. Offers late-night rides. Pricing is hourly and based on number of passengers; view options and pricing here [https://www.nocopartybus.com/pricing/].
Contact: 970-235-0690

Genesis Executive Transportation: Luxury limousine and car service. Rates are charged per mile, hourly, or customized. View pricing online [https://www.genesis-executive.com/rates]. Must book ahead of time. Offers late-night pickup.
Contact: 970-599-9519

Ram Ride x Lyft: A taxi service for Colorado State University students that runs on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Ram Ride now pairs with Lyft to provide discounted rates (up to 50% off, up to $10 off per ride) to current CSU students. Download the app on the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Contact: 970-491-2248 until 5 p.m. or through the app

Transfort (currently FREE due to COVID-19): Fort Collins’ bus service. Does not run late at night. Check the schedule at www.ridetransfort.com.
Contact: 970-221-6620

Uber: Similar to Lyft, pricing based on demand. Runs 25 hours. Available on the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Contact: Get help online or through the app

FLEX: City bus system with routes between Fort Collins, Loveland, Longmont, and Boulder. Fare is $1.25 per ride per adult – exact change required. Does not operate on certain holidays or very late at night. See the current schedule here [http://www.ridetransfort.com/routes/flex].
Contact: 970.221.6620

Loveland

zTrip: Ride services for northern Colorado with flat rate pricing. Runs 24 hours. Download the app on the Apple App Store or Google Play. To get $10 off a zTrip EVERY month, text #NoDUI to 970-224-2222.
Contact: Use the app or call 855-MY-zTrip

Lyft: Pricing based on demand. Runs 24 hours as long as drivers are available. Download the Lyft app on the Apple App Store or Google Play. You can also sign up or get an estimate here [https://www.lyft.com/rider/cities/fort-collins-co].
Contact: Get help through the app or online.

Uber: Similar to Lyft, pricing based on demand. Runs 25 hours. Available on the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Contact: Get help online or through the app

COLT (City of Loveland Transit): Loveland’s city bus service. Adults 18-59 ride for $1.25. Check the schedule and routes at https://www.cityofloveland.org/services/public-works/bus-service. Does not run late at night.
Contact: (970) 962-2700

FLEX: City bus system with routes between Fort Collins, Loveland, Longmont, and Boulder. Fare is $1.25 per ride per adult – exact change required. Does not operate on certain holidays or very late at night. See the current schedule here [http://www.ridetransfort.com/routes/flex].
Contact: 970.221.6620

NOCO Party Bus: Perfect if you’re planning an outing with a big group. Must book ahead of time. Offers late-night rides. Pricing is hourly and based on number of passengers; view options and pricing here [https://www.nocopartybus.com/pricing/].
Contact: 970-235-0690

Genesis Executive Transportation: Luxury limousine and car service. Rates are charged per mile, hourly, or customized. View pricing online [https://www.genesis-executive.com/rates]. Must book ahead of time. Offers late-night pickup.
Contact: 970-599-9519

Estes Park

NOCO Party Bus: Perfect if you’re planning an outing with a big group. Pricing is hourly and based on number of passengers; view options and pricing here [https://www.nocopartybus.com/pricing/].
Contact: 970-235-0690

Genesis Executive Transportation: Luxury limousine and car service. Rates are charged per mile, hourly, or customized. View pricing online [https://www.genesis-executive.com/rates]. Must book ahead of time. Offers late-night pickup.
Contact: 970-599-9519

Estes Park Shuttle Service (FREE): Offers limited hours during the winter. Park at the town’s free parking structure (near the Estes Park Visitor Center) to pick your car up later. Currently operates on Wednesdays from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. Runs continuously, no reservations required. View the current schedule here [https://www.visitestespark.com/plan/getting-around/free-shuttle-buses/].
Contact: 970-577-3957 if you have questions

Eddie Limo: Offers luxury transportation for special events. Must book ahead of time. Services mountain cities, even in winter.
Contact: 303-803-7363

Colorado Canyon Connection: Offers one-way trips in town for $10 and round-trip for $15. Operates 24 hours; pickups requested between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. cost an extra $5. Out-of-town trips are available for a different fee.
Contact: 970-614-8669 or book in advance online [https://www.coloradoshuttleservice.com]

Windsor

NOCO Party Bus: Perfect if you’re planning an outing with a big group. Pricing is hourly and based on number of passengers; view options and pricing here [https://www.nocopartybus.com/pricing/].
Contact: 970-235-0690

Genesis Executive Transportation: Luxury limousine and car service. Rates are charged per mile, hourly, or customized. View pricing online [https://www.genesis-executive.com/rates]. Must book ahead of time. Offers late-night pickup.
Contact: 970-599-9519

Uber: Similar to Lyft, pricing based on demand. Runs 25 hours. Available on the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Contact: Get help online or through the app

Sapphire Car Service: Luxury taxi service, happy to accommodate short rides for individuals. Does not require advance booking. Contact Sapphire Car Service for more information.
Contact: 979-545-0919

Next time you’re out in Larimer County, Make the Call for a safe ride home!

The No DUI Larimer coalition and campaign was born out of the need to address the problem of impaired driving in our community. The goal is to prevent driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances by increasing community responsibility for safe and responsible driving.

Our campaign is encouraging the public to “Make the Call” to end impaired driving in our community. Make the Call to get a safe ride home. Make the Call about whether you should get behind the wheel, and Make the Call to report suspected impaired drivers. Driving under the influence IS an emergency–please call 911 if you see someone you suspect is driving impaired.

Ending impaired driving is a joint effort between law enforcement, government agencies, alcohol and cannabis retailers, local nonprofits, and the community. We need your help to stop impaired driving before it happens, and when it’s happening. Thanks for doing your part.

-Partners, RAR, MBD Marketing & Events

2020 Realities for Children NightLights

12/6/2020

My Big Day was proud to be asked to help pull together a new way to pull off a historic event in Old Town Fort Collins, the Realities for Children NightLights Tree Lighting.
A 23 year old tradition embraced by the community, we knew that COVID was going to make re-inventing this loved event quite a challenge.

With the help of many community partners, we were able to pull of a spectacular Live Stream of the NightLights tree lighting, with thousands of live viewers and impressive donations to this deserving charity serving Northern Colorado.

If you aren't familiar with Realities for Children, you should be.
Realities For Children provides for the unmet needs of northern Colorado children who have been abused, neglected or are at-risk. We do this by providing emergency funding, youth activities, critical distributions and collaboration resources for our Partner Youth Agencies.

Realities For Children was incorporated in 1995 and has been funding the unmet needs of Larimer County children who have been abused, neglected or are at-risk since 1996. Currently, Realities For Children supports the services of 39 Partner Youth Agencies and represents nearly 250 Business Members invested in making it their business to make a difference.

The many amazing businesses and talented folks who made this fundraiser possible include:

DUDE DAD (Taylor Calmus)
Built 13
EQ Concerts
The Via Company
Vi Wickam & Friends
Emma Marie
Julia Kirkwood
Larimer County Sheriff, Justin Smith
Craig Vollmer Photography
The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
Pastor Corey Nelson
SANTA
Blazen Illuminations
Townsquare Media
Blue Federal Credit Union
Davinci Signs
My Big Day Marketing & Events

Below are some photos captured by Craig Vollmer of the Live Stream event.
You can continue to support Realities and their NightLights fundraiser all December long HERE: https://www.realitiesforchildren.com/events/night-lights/

"Play It Forward" The Family Center/La Familia's End of Year Campaign

11/25/2020

We are approaching the end of 2020, and that means it’s almost time to launch The Family Center’s annual Play it Forward year-end campaign.

My Big Day has been proud to support this amazing non-profit and help lead their fundraising efforts!

If you’re familiar with The Family Center/La Familia, you know our goal in an average year is to raise at least $50,000 for families. This year has not been an average year. The needs of our community are greater than ever. Larimer County’s childcare assistance program has now been closed for three years due to lack of funding. And, if you received our Play it Forward 2020 letter, you know the pandemic has not slowed us down - in fact, it has only increased the needs of families in our community.

Here are some of TFC’s 2020 achievements so far, by the numbers:

Over $68,000 in scholarships for 23 children
Over $37,000 in rent assistance to 62 families
Over $150,000 in energy outreach utility assistance to 335 households
293 households have accessed the Advocacy Closet
112 households are enrolled in Family Development Services

Our goal for this year’s Play it Forward event is to raise $80,000.

Here are some examples of how far your donation can go:

$10 provides wipes for the entire infant classroom for 1 week
$30 provides a much-needed, safe car seat or booster seat to a family, and safety program in English or Spanish
$100 supports food for breakfasts for a week for ALL of the children in our center
$250 provides seeds for our garden
$500 provides breakfast and lunch for 60 children for 1 week
$500 can provide hygiene products to approximately 150 families through our Advocacy Closet
$600 provides hearing, vision, and dental screenings to all children in our care twice per year
$1,000 provides care for an entire month to a preschooler in our childcare center
$2,500 supports our community garden for a full year
$5,000 provides our 7 classrooms with consumable supplies for one year (items like construction paper, markers, glue, parent engagement activities, etc.)
$10,000 nearly covers the cost of childcare for 1 year for a child whose working parent(s) earn less than the federal poverty level income

Did you know that your donations to TFC/La Familia also qualify for Colorado’s Child Care Contribution Tax Credit? This means that 50% of your income comes right off your taxable income. If you donate $100 to our Play it Forward campaign, your net out-of-pocket cost is just $50 - for a $200 donation after donor matching.

You can donate to Play it Forward easily online HERE.
Thank you to our vibrant community for another year of support. We couldn’t operate The Family Center/La Familia without you.

No DUI Larimer: "Make The Call"

11/5/2020

My Big Day has been privileged to be working on a DUI campaign funded by a Colorado state grant, through Partners and their incredible efforts in the area of prevention education. The initiative is called No DUI Larimer.

Our primary goal at No DUI Larimer is to reduce the number of driving-under-the-influence crashes in our county by encouraging everyone to “Make the Call” to report drunk drivers.

Did you know that it is not only acceptable to call 911 if you suspect a drunk driver, but that it is the best way to get an officer to the area quickly? Driving under the influence is an emergency.

Each day in the United States, people drive drunk more than 300,000 times, but only 2,800 are arrested. Calling to report drunk drivers increases the chances that they will be caught, making our roads safer.

Follow this easy 3-step guide to report a drunk driver:

Recognize the signs. If you see any of these signs, the driver may be impaired:

Swerving or driving well below the speed limit
Erratic braking and acceleration
Sudden, abrupt turns
Driving down the center of the road; straddling lanes
Driving on the wrong side of the road
Stopping inappropriately in traffic
Failure to respond to traffic signals

It is important to note that not every drunk driver will show all of these signs. Even one warrants a 911 call.

Gather details. The 911 operator will need as complete a description as possible of the car. Have this information ready when you make the call, if possible:

License plate number
Make, model, and color of car
Location of the vehicle

Be prepared to describe any of the behaviors listed in step 1 that you witnessed. You are not required to provide your name when you report a drunk driver – in other words, you may remain anonymous.

After the call. After you report a drunk driver, law enforcement will attempt to locate the vehicle. If they have a reasonable suspicion of drug or alcohol use, the officer will conduct a field sobriety test on the driver. If the motorist fails this test, they will be arrested.

It’s that easy! So, Make the Call – for yourself, for your friends, for your family, and for your fellow NoCo residents.

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