Word On The Street

Of course, we believe the Golden Civic Foundation is an outstanding organization pivotal to the vitality of our downtown.  Don’t just take our word for it; see what others say about us as well!

What They’re Saying

Dan Hartman – Director of Public Works 1988 – Current;  “In 1991 the City of Golden approved a 1 cent sales tax increase by 11 votes. That money was first used to rebuild Washington Avenue, one of the catalyst for downtown resurgence. The Golden Civic Foundation was an critical part of that successful election.”

Mark Pattridge – Co-Founder of New West Physicians;  “When I look at Golden and see the many businesses and buildings that are present because of the work of the Golden Civic Foundation it makes me realize what a fantastic organization we have here in the Foundation. Through the years the Foundation has continued the vision of my father and the other founders of the Foundation.  Although, I’m not sure even they envisioned all of the great things that would come about because of their foresight. Most folks don’t even know of some of the great things that have happened in Golden because of the Foundation, and I believe that’s the way these founders wanted it. We should all be proud of the work the Foundation has done over the years for the city of Golden”

Mike Bestor – Golden City Manager 1993 – 2015;  “As Golden City Manager for two critical decades, I know first-hand how downtown Golden went from a dying small town to the thriving, prosperous, high-energy and fun place it is today. The Golden Civic Foundation joined with the City of Golden and the Golden Urban Renewal Authority in a courageous and creative three-way partnership to make things happen. Each organization used its unique assets in entrepreneurial   ways with private sector investors to transform empty lots and blighted buildings into dynamic opportunities for small, home-town businesses. The Golden Civic Foundation, with its ability to move at speeds not possible for their governmental partners, played a key role in attracting smart private sector investors with vision and a love for Golden.”

Wonderful places that we now take for granted like, The Golden Hotel, Clear Creek Square, Clear Creek Commons, Indulge, Golden Sweets, and so many more, as well as the plentiful free parking that makes coming here so easy, all owe their existence to these organizations. We could not have done it without the Golden Civic Foundation!”

Bob & Jen Toohill – Owners of Bob’s Atomic Burgers;  “The Golden Civic Foundation made buying our building a reality. Thank you GCF from Bob’s Atomic Burgers.  Businesses in Golden are fortunate to have an organization like the Golden Civic Foundation.  The Golden Civic Foundation helped us with a loan to buy our building. Thank GCF from Bob’s Atomic Burgers.”

Amanda Hill – Virtuosity Dance Centre;   “The Civic Foundation was really, really good to me. I was a bartender and I had a dream. I had very little money and very little ability to get more. The Golden Civic Foundation stepped in, they let me come in and do a presentation for them…they were so warm and so welcoming to me and gave me a great deal and allowed me to open my business and have a beautiful sign out front.”

Bill Kilpatrick – Golden Chief of Police; The Civic Foundation has been essential to providing so many resources for so many entities in our community. They are part of the heart and soul of Golden!

Shannon Hancock, Executive Director of The Outdoor Lab Foundation – “The Outdoor Lab Foundation is grateful for the support of the Golden Civic Foundation.  Because of organizations like this, we can help continue the almost 55 year tradition of outdoor science education in Jefferson County.  Thank you for helping the over 6,000 students a year attend Outdoor Lab regardless of ability to pay or disability.”

Shelby Arnold, Executive Director; American Mountaineering Museum – “The Golden Civic Foundation was instrumental in the purchase and renovation of our beautiful building, and has given each of our organizations a home we can be proud of.  But more than that, over the years, the Foundation has supported all of us with grants that have enabled us to grow our membership, enhance our library, expand our museum, and purchase tools to maintain the trails we love so much.  Supporting the Golden Civic Foundation supports all of us.”

Deb Robinson, Manager Golden Farmer’s Market – “The Golden Farmer’s Market is a wonderful place to shop for healthy food for growing families, but it’s also an inviting place where people come to meet their friends on Saturday morning.  With the grant we got from the Civic Foundation, we purchased our colorful umbrellas and tables that encourage people to sit and visit with friends.”

Jess Mahanes – Colorado Fourteeners Initiative – “As the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative continues to grow and take on significant trail reconstruction and restoration projects, CFI appreciates the support and encouragement of the Golden Civic Foundation.  The grant provided by the Foundation is going towards the purchase of needed field equipment, including a new basecamp wall tent to support and expanded number of field projects…”

Howard Bagdad – Golden Optimists; “The Golden Optimists have used the funds provided by the Golden Civic Foundation to purchase bicycle helmets.  We give the helmets to children and adults along with the bicycles that we provide.  The bicycles and helmets are provided free of charge to anyone who wants one.  Without this grant, our program would lack a significant safety component.”

Donald Tallman – Executive Director Colorado Railroad Museum; “The Golden Civic Foundation has provided annual support for a wide variety of important projects at the Colorado Railroad Museum, from painting a 400,000 lb steam locomotive to funding new technology for our world renowned research library.  The Golden Civic Foundation is a wonderful cultural resource for the Golden Community!”