Firefall Helps to Celebrate 30 Years of Love for DE Task Force

The Douglas County Events Center was rockin’ to the gills on Sunday night as the Douglas/Elbert Task Force brought the famous band Firefall to play some of their memorable hits. It was the celebration of 30 years for DETF, and Firefall did not disappoint, as they romanced the audience with favorites such as “You are the Woman,” “Mexico,” “Cinderella” and “Strange Way.”

The band claimed to be a little road weary as they arrived from a gig in Minnesota, but if that was the case then 100% to them must be warp speed. There was energetic toe tapping, clapping and dancing as the audience remembered the hits from the ’70s and since. Everyone agreed with with lead singer Jock Bartley as he marveled on how it could be 40 years since this music was introduced, and it was every bit, if not more, vibrant Sunday night as the band returned home to Colorado.

Before the concert, special awards were presented by DETF Executive Director Suzanne Greene, including FirstBank, Connie Huydts, Nani and Lee Lindig and New Hope Presbyterian Church. Douglas/Elbert Task Force works to meet the immediate needs of residents of Douglas and Elbert County who are in financial distress and at risk of becoming homeless. They help through troubled times, while maintaining dignity and respect.

In 2012, DE Task Force served 15,684 people–half of which were children. Crisis situations can come swiftly and mercilessly, and volunteers are there to help with a safe environment, a listening ear and a smile.

The Task Force began in 1984, when local parishioners of several Castle Rock churches joined forces to create a centralized location to send people in need. Volunteers were encouraged to help those less fortunate.

Now, 30 years later, $761,491 in food, hygiene and household supplies was distributed last year, with food bank and housing assistance being provided as well. There are also utility assistance programs, emergency overnight lodging, “Santa’s Sharing,” and thrift store projects, a medical mobile van, and much, much more. Task force volunteers provided almost 31,000 hours of service; the equivalent of 23 full-time staffers.