(Denver—June 5, 2012) Colorado Preservation, Inc., the non-profit organization managing Share in the Care Colorado, the campaign to restore the dome of the Colorado State Capitol building, announced today that Denver Gold Group(DGG) has joined Share in the Care Colorado as a $25,000 corporate sponsor.

The Denver Gold Group was established in 1989 as a not-for-profit industry association to promote investment in – and education about – precious metal equities and their underlying commodities. DGG also supports responsible mining initiatives in recognition of the unrivalled wealth creating potential of mineral endowments.

In providing the sponsorship, Timothy Wood, Executive Director of DGG said, “Mining remains foundational to Colorado’s economy and we are proud to partner in the structural restoration of one of the state’s most important symbols.”

Share in the Care Colorado is our shared opportunity as Coloradans to celebrate the history of our state and be good stewards of the treasures of Colorado for future generations,” Robert Musgraves, Executive Director of Colorado Preservation, Inc. said. “The State Capitol is ‘the people’s house’and a symbol of Colorado and the industries, such as mining, that have made it great.  We are honored to work with the Denver Gold Group on this important mission. ”

The exterior structure of the dome and the architectural details that decorate its surface are made of cast iron.  Water infiltration and the intense freeze-thaw cycle of the Colorado climate has weakened the mild steel bolts and screws holding the hundreds of pieces of the architectural assembly together.  The observation deck has been closed to all visitors since a portion of the cast iron cladding fell on it when fasteners failed in 2006. A complete assessment of the damage has been completed since then, and beginning in the winter of 2012 the dome will begin.The extensive repair process, which involves complete removal of the paint covering the cast iron and the replacement of the 110 year-old bolts with new stainless steel fasteners, is expected to take more than two years. In addition to repairing the cast iron, the gilded copper roofing surface of the dome will be removed and recycled prior to its complete restoration.

In 2010, the legislature appropriated $4 million from the State Historical Fund (SHF) so that restoration efforts could begin.  Colorado Preservation, Inc., a non-profit organization founded in 1984 to promote historic preservation by providing information, education, training, expertise and advocacy, has taken on the critical role of heading up Share in the Care Colorado to raise the remaining $13 million needed by July 2014.  The goal of the campaign is to raise the funds to repair the dome privately so that the dome can be restored and the capacity of the SHF, which is so important for every community in the state, can be maintained.  By raising the funds needed to restore the dome privately, an equal amount of money can be retained in the State Historical Fund grant program, which creates $6 of economic activity for every dollar it awards. That means by raising the remaining $13 million needed for the restoration, the people ofColorado will help to secure $78 million of economic activity in communities acrossColorado at a time when they need it most.

In addition to the Denver Gold Group, many individuals, local businesses and non profit organizations have already stepped up to help including AngloGold Ashanti, the Colorado Mining Association, KUSA/9News, the Colorado Education Association, Comcast,  KEZW and KOSI radio, Radius Media, AT&T Colorado, Colorado Humanities, Circuit Media, and Havey Productions.

Support from AT&T Colorado has also made it easy for the public to participate in the campaign.  Simply text the word DOME from any wireless phone or device to 50555 to make a $10 donation. Togive more, donate online at www.ShareInTheCareColorado.org or send your gift by check made payable to Capitol Restoration Trust Fund c/o Colorado Preservation, Inc., 2100 Downing St., Denver, CO 80205. ALL individual donations go directly to the restoration of the capitol dome.

*Following a text to DOME at 50555, a one-time $10 donation will appear on your next mobile bill as a separate line item, recognized as a tax deductible donation. The mobile bill can be used as a tax receipt or you can view and print one at mGive.org/receipt.  There are no extra or hidden fees, but message and data rates may apply. Full terms at mGive.org/T)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Danielle Dascalos
[email protected]
720-837-3845
www.shareinthecarecolorado.org