The Colorado Dining Community Holds Fundraisers to Help Flood Victims

Days of violent rain storms have left tremendous destruction in many areas in Colorado. The extent of the damage is yet to be determined but it is clear that many lost their homes or at least a lot of their possessions. The dining community is quickly coming together to help and provide some relief to those in need. Several fundraising efforts are pending with more in the planning stages. If you want to help, take a look at what is already on the calendar.

Right now: drop a few bucks in the box at Racines. The restaurant will match your cash donation up to $1,500 to help the victims of the Colorado floods.

On Thursday, September 19: The Kitchen community will host a flood relief benefit at The Kitchen [Next Door]. The event will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. 100% of profits from food and beverage sales will be donated to the Red Cross for Colorado Flood Relief. For more information, call 720.542.8159.

Also on Thursday, September 19: at 5 p.m., Star Bar will host a Colorado Flood Relief Fundraiser. All proceeds of Colorado brewing and distilling products will be donated to local flood relief efforts. The fundraising goal is $5,000. For more information, call 720.328.2420.

On September 20 and 21: Attend Longmont Oktobfest. Proceeds from the event collected by Left Hand Brewing will go to the three beneficiaries actively working with flood relief: Longmont Meals on Wheels, Longmont HOPE, and the Left Hand Brewing Foundation. Longmont Oktoberfest promises to be a celebration of life and perseverance, accompanied by great music and beer from five breweries. More information is available on the event's webpage.

On Wednesday, October 2: Mateo Restaurant Provencal (1837 Pearl Street, Boulder) will host the Provence to Lyons flood relief benefit dinner. Some of Boulder's powerhouse chefs and bartenders are coming together to create a seven course meal with cocktail and wine pairings. Among the participants are Nate Bychinski of Mateo, Kelly Whitaker of Basta, Will and Coral Frischkorn of Cured, Bryan Dayton of Oak at Fourteenth, and Brett ZImmerman of the Boulder Wine Merchant. The dinner costs $150 per person and reservations for two seatings (6 p.m. and 9 p.m.) can be made by calling 303.443.7766. A complimentary community table will be reserved for residents of Lyons for both seatings. Proceeds will go to benefit the citizens of lyons who have been displaced by the flood.

Now through September 22: dine out at Frasca and Pizzeria Locale. The two restaurants have joined forces with Downtown Boulder and Community Foundation of Boulder County and will donate 10% of sales during those days to the Community Foundation Flood Relief Fund.

For the first responders: now through the end of the day on Wednesday, September 18, Smashburger, the popular burger chain with locations around Colorado, is offering free meals at all its Colorado locations. All first responders need to do is show their agency ID to get a free entree, side and beverage. Participating Smashburger locations include Aurora, Boulder, Denver, Englewood, Federal Heights, Fort Collins, Glendale, Greenwood Village, Highlands Ranch, Lafayette, Littleton, Lone Tree, Longmont, Loveland, Northglenn and Wheat Ridge. Smashburger hours are 10 a.m.-10 p.m.