More than a vacation: one local’s heartfelt contribution to U.S. troops
Lodging owner finds a way to say thanks to soldiers and their families
By Becky Weller
Dawn Reinfeld, owner and operator of Estes Park Family Vacation Rentals, has discovered a unique way to help those in need. As a sympathetic supporter of families involved and affected by the ongoing war in Iraq, Dawn wanted to find a way to use her vacation homes as a refuge and sanctuary for traumatized military families. Since then she has developed a program, called The Debt Of Gratitude Project, which aims at sending recovering military soldiers and their families to vacation here in Estes Park, without the financial and logistical burdens that often accompany family vacations.
After purchasing their first vacation home in Estes Park in the spring of 2005, Dawn and her husband, Bill Townsend, began to acknowledge and appreciate the way nature can affect and heal the human spirit. It was then that the couple began brainstorming possible ways they could share this experience with families of injured and traumatized soldiers. The couple began exploring potential fundraising opportunities, only to discover that the support wasn’t there.
“People don’t realize their connection to the war,” said Dawn. “They just aren’t affected by it in their day to day lives.” Dawn felt this was why it was so difficult to initially find the help she needed.
A few months later Dawn was once again inspired to pursue her project after reading a Newsweek article commenting on the way nature is often able to heal. With this in mind she once again set out to accomplish her goals. Eventually, through the Boulder Valley Christian Church, the Soldier’s Angels Program, and various donations from local businesses, Dawn and her family were finally able to invite their first guests.
The Reimann Family of four arrived this past February, and spent much of the week relaxing and taking part in the many winter activities that Estes Park has to offer. Dawn commented on the family’s arrival saying, “They walked into our vacation home and discovered a table full of gift certificates from businesses all over town waiting for them. It was amazing to realize how many people had made contributions.”
Rob Pieper, owner of Poppy’s Pizza & Grill, was one of the local donators and actually spent time getting to know the Reimanns. Avid supporters of many charities throughout town, Rob and his wife Julie have always acknowledged and appreciated helping others.
“Whether or not you agree with the war, people are still out there making huge sacrifices for us,” said Rob. “It’s important to honor that.”
Another huge asset to this program has been the housekeeping service Dawn uses for her vacation rentals. Not only have Lerea and Mike Rigsby of L & M Services donated their time and services, but they have also become key supporters, contributors, and spokesmen for the program. According to Dawn, the Rigsbys have played an instrumental role in acquiring the many local donations needed to make this vacation possible.
“Lerea and Mike were the ones going out into the streets and talking with people, begging for support and contributions,” said Dawn. “I couldn’t have done it without their efforts.”
In addition to airfare, ground transportation, lodging at one of the Reinfeld’s vacation homes, restaurant certificates, spending money, and a refrigerator full of food (courtesy of many local families), the Reimanns were also provided with skis, snowshoes, and other necessities for winter time fun. This was to ensure that the guest family didn’t have anything to worry about on their vacation. Shortly after arriving in Estes Park the Reimanns realized that it wasn’t simply one woman and her family, but instead an entire town supporting them. This concept of generosity was incredibly important to Dawn who said, “Many people imagine that when soldiers come back from war they’re able to spend quality time reuniting with their families. However, often times this is not the case at all. People still have to deal with the daily stresses of life; bills, work, taking care of the kids etc. There really isn’t a lot of time to heal.” Shortly after leaving the area Amanda Reimann wrote a letter to Dawn and her family expressing their gratitude:
“February 2007
Dear Dawn, Bill, Cody and Wonderful Donors,
Just to try and say thank you, brings tears to my eyes. In a good way you all will never know how much this has meant to all of us. I feel like no words will give it justice. The house really felt like our home, so relaxing and cozy. We fell in love with every room, all for different reasons. When Tim came home we all never got the chance to bring our family back together, before the real world set in. Work, bills, doctors, school, farming seem to come first and has not stopped. This has been our first ever family vacation. This will always stand out as the best in our minds. I felt we have all gotten closer this week than we have been in a while. We have you all to thank for that very special gift.
Tim loved to wake up and gaze at the mountains. I would catch him early in the morning
(not unusual-
Any place we went people were so kind to us. Your town should be very proud of all the people we were lucky enough to run into. Without all of your kindness and donations, we could have never been able to afford a trip like this. I just wish all the families who have served could be as lucky as we are. We have felt your love and will be better for it.
Also, every gift you unselfishly donated just reminds us of the greatness this country’s people has, and that the job of every soldier does matters to someone. God bless all of them still fighting for us.
Thank you, with deep gratitude!
The Reimann Family”
Dawn hopes to continue this program by inviting at least two more families to vacation
this upcoming winter. In order accomplish this she will once again need support from
the town. Along with donations and services from local businesses, any personal contributions
would be incredibly appreciated. Those wishing to donate their services or money
contributions are invited to contact Dawn Reinfeld at 303-