As we all know, the Marshal Fire took place on January 21st around 3:00pm in Boulder Colorado.  The fire spread about 6,219 acres across the state and is now known as the most destructive fire in Colorado history. The fire had left more 30,000 people to flee their homes, and 500 homes lost and destroyed. The state of Colorado has been left in complete shock as ashes filled the streets and has been in mourning for those who have been left with nothing. However, this did not stop a small business owner from giving back to her community and doing everything in her power to help those in need. 

Due South is a locally owned business and boutique in Lafayette, Colorado. Due South sells various styles of womens clothing and jewelry alongside youth clothing. In addition they also sell coffee in their sister company next door called Brew.  The owner, Dennae Hill set up a fundraiser on Venmo to raise money for the women for those that had lost everything in the fire. With help from the local community and her everyday shoppers she was able to raise $75,000, giving a $500 shopping spree to 150 women affected by the fire. In an interview with Dennae she stated, “I believed maybe we would be able to raise enough money between us and our customers to help 10 maybe 15 women.” This just shows how strong the community can come together when there are people in need. 

Dennae held 3 different events for the women to come into her store and buy whole new wardrobes. These events were held on Saturday January 1st, 2022; the first weekend after the fire took place and the following week/weekend Thursday January 6th and Saturday 8th. Not only was Due South able to help rebuild the wardrobes of many women, other local businesses in the area supported Dennea on the days of these events. Each business brought in their own items to help give back to these women. These businesses include… 

Hope Hill Farm: Lovies 

Rock Hill Designs: Gave $10,000 of sterling silver jewelry 

Independent Mountain Jewelry: Donated handmade necklaces 

Little Things: Donated handmade earrings

I Support Girls (nonprofit organization): Donated new bras, underwear and feminine products

AleksSocks: Donated new socks for women

Create Good: Donated 18 handmade shirts

Landline Donuts: Sever free donuts to the women

BREW (The company next door): Severed free drinks at each event to the women.

 In an interview with Dennae I asked, “What made you want to give back to these women and why?” She stated, “My family lost our home to a house fire when I was young. We know this road. We know the devastation and the helplessness but we also know the other side.” Dennae also told me, that January 21st the same day as the Marshal Fire, marked 28 years of her childhood home going into flames. She knew that this incident it was not a coincidence. 

Business as normal on the day of the fire, Dennae was cleaning up shop. She told me she remembered looking around her store, looking at all the clothes hung from wall to wall and knew that this was the way she could help. “These women have nothing but the clothes on their backs. Their wardrobes are gone. And as someone in the clothing business I understand how a wardrobe can be a part of your identity! Your creativity! How you express yourself and it was stripped so violently from all these women!” From the moment Dennae took action, the word spread all over instagram, and within a few days she was able to help raise $40,000. As the days went on, more and more money kept coming in from the community. 

These events had tremendously positive outcomes, and was a life changing and heartwarming experience for everyone involved. It’s amazing how a small business can rope in the community to help rebuild the wardrobes  of the ones lost. The community owes a big thanks to Dennae Hill for her kind heart and love that she has spread to everyone. This is a great example for why small business are great for our communities and others should always be willing to give back. Even if the fundraiser is still not going on, there are many ways that you can help give back and support our community.