“Mini College” is not the most usual name for a preschool, which is fitting for the unusualness of its upcoming Saint Patrick’s Day-themed fundraising event.

The children’s Mini College will be hosting its annual fundraising event in support of childhood education from 5-7 p.m. on March 15, at the CMC Glenwood Center.  

The Mini College is a nonprofit community preschool for children ages 3-5 that functions as an auxiliary program of Colorado Mountain College. In part, it serves as an opportunity for students in early childhood education to gain experience in a classroom setting, and also provides parents with specialized and flexible options for their children’s preschool education. 

“That’s something that we really want to foster more of,” Mini College Director and teacher Abby Hollenbaugh said. “Our school (can) be a learning space for young children, but also a learning space for adults and aspiring teachers. That’s something that we’re working on really growing.” 

The St. Patrick’s Day-themed happy hour, titled Gold & Green, will be the Mini College’s first in-person fundraiser since the pandemic, which is why they’ve gone all-out with the festivities. 

The fundraising event will feature a variety of activities including a silent auction, Irish music and the “Wall of Giving.” 

“We have envelopes numbered one to 100, and then a bottom row that’s 100 to 1,000 … If we clear the wall, we raise $10,000 for our school.” Hollenbaugh said. “What I love about this idea is that people can participate … at whatever level they can, it’s something where most people (can) find a way to support the school in a way that’s comfortable to them.” 

The digital scavenger hunts they hosted during the pandemic still helped with fundraising for the preschool, but lacked the community element. Before the pandemic, however, they would fundraise through their Chocolate Extravaganza event, which Hollenbaugh said was a worthwhile investment. 

“It drew a lot of community participation,” she said. “Of course, it was first a fundraiser, but then secondly it was just a time to celebrate early childhood and for all the alumni to come.” 

Admission to the event is completely free, and guests can enjoy a selection of wine, beer, appetizers and sweets. Guests are encouraged to donate what feels reasonable to them. 

“It’s fun,” Hollenbaugh said about the Mini College. “More than anything, it’s just a joyful place to be.”