After months of venue cancelations, the Bailey Chapter of Colorado was at their wits end when it came to securing a location for their annual banquet. Yet the chapter had some guardian angels in the Roller family. Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) Lands Project Manager Susanne Roller offered the property and barn as a venue to any local chapters free of charge. Bailey was the first to accept.
“We’re very blessed,” say Roller. “We want to share what we have.”
Roller’s husband did have to move his workshop from the 50×110 foot barn, but that effort was worth it as the Bailey Chapter sold out of its 130 tickets. “I think a few more people showed up though,” Roller laughs.
On Saturday, August 21st, the Rollers opened their barn at 4pm, and by 4:30 the two-acre parking area was full. “We had all the regular items up for the raffles and silent auctions. I spent more there than I have at any other banquet. So did my kids. They reached into their own pockets to give, purchasing hats at the door. It was incredible.”
Colorado Parks and Wildlife set up an archery course for the youth. Food and refreshments were provided at cost from the caterers. Even the tables and chairs were donated by a local church and elementary school as a gift. “The whole event was made possible by people giving what they could,” says Roller.
Many of the older attendees mentioned to Roller that this was the America they remember: Community coming together for a common cause. “We all had to think outside of the box for this one,” says Roller. “But with RMEF volunteers, anything is possible.”