Community

In the heart of Silver City, two extraordinary individuals left an indelible mark on our community. Alexandra Olsen and Martyn Pearson, dear friends to many, brought joy, passion, and unwavering dedication to everything they did. Their recent departure has left a void that will be felt forever. However, in the face of this profound loss, we have come together to create a lasting tribute to their remarkable lives. Introducing the Alex Olsen and Martyn Pearson Memorial Fund, a testament to their enduring legacy and an opportunity for us to carry on their extraordinary work.

This memorial fund stands as a testament to the cherished memories we hold of Alex and Martyn, and it allows us to continue their valuable contributions to our community. The vision of this fund, conceived by our united community, is to support Recreational Infrastructure and Programming. It aims to serve as a resounding affirmation—a “Yes, we can” fund—whenever doubts arise regarding what is possible in Silver City. With this fund, we want to respond with unwavering confidence, saying, “Yes, it is possible, and here’s how we can make it happen.”

Alex and Martyn were instrumental figures in countless aspects of Silver City life, both individually and together. Martyn, with his musical talents, literary prowess, love for the great outdoors, and unwavering advocacy for local trails, left an indelible mark on our town. Meanwhile, Alex, with her passion for swimming, culinary skills, teaching expertise, coaching abilities, and remarkable organizational capabilities, enriched the lives of many. Together, they embarked on cycling adventures, hiking journeys, embraced the responsibilities of parenthood, owned businesses, organized events, and championed diverse recreational developments in Silver City. Their tireless efforts benefited us all, and even if you did not have the fortune of knowing them personally, their enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to our community touched each and every one of us.

The Alex Olsen and Martyn Pearson Memorial Fund will be housed at the Community Foundation, ensuring its perpetuity and sustainability. Three trusted advisors will oversee the fund, ensuring that all expenditures align with its purpose and reflect the spirit of Alex and Martyn. In the event that one advisor departs, the remaining two will diligently appoint a new advisor to ensure continuity. Initially, our aim is to accumulate funds, with the hopeful goal of collaborating with the Town to build the Alex Olsen memorial aquatic facility. We envision subsidizing swim lessons, supporting additional staff, and even funding the inclusion of extra features. The possibilities are limitless, as this fund has the power to support any recreational opportunities within Grant County. It prompts us to ask ourselves, “What would Martyn and Alex do?”

We invite you to consider making a memorial gift to this fund, whether as a one-time contribution or a recurring donation. While it is true that the Community Foundation allocates a small percentage of funds for administrative purposes, this ensures the smooth operation of the fund with minimal cost and administrative burdens. Moreover, your contributions are tax-deductible, allowing you to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the associated benefits. The Community Foundation provides the essential framework for this fund to become a permanent source of funding, echoing the values that Alex and Martyn held dear.

As we reflect on the immeasurable loss we have experienced, the Alex Olsen and Martyn Pearson Memorial Fund offers us an opportunity to celebrate their lives while actively shaping the future of our beloved Silver City. By channeling their spirit, enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment to our community, this fund serves as an eternal reminder of the profound impact two individuals can have. Let us join hands and contribute to this noble cause, honoring the memory of Alex and Martyn as we build a brighter future for Silver City—a future that carries forth their vision and indomitable spirit. Together, we can ensure that their legacies live on through the transformation of our recreational landscape.

With the Alex Olsen and Martyn Pearson Memorial Fund, we have the power to make a difference in our community. The fund’s focus on Recreational Infrastructure and Programming aligns perfectly with the passions and interests that Alex and Martyn held dear. By supporting this fund, we are saying “yes” to new possibilities and opportunities for everyone in Silver City.

Imagine the impact we can make with this fund. Through collective efforts, we can contribute to the realization of the Alex Olsen memorial aquatic facility—a place where future generations can learn to swim, compete, and build a lifelong love for water activities. By subsidizing swim lessons, we can ensure that every child has the chance to acquire essential swimming skills and promote water safety within our community. Additional staff can be hired to provide the best possible experience for facility users, while extra features can be added to enhance the overall appeal and functionality of the aquatic facility.

Beyond the aquatic facility, the Alex Olsen and Martyn Pearson Memorial Fund holds endless possibilities. Grant County is rich in natural beauty and offers a plethora of recreational opportunities waiting to be explored. With this fund, we can support the development of new trails, the enhancement of existing parks, the creation of community sports programs, and much more. By asking ourselves, “What would Martyn and Alex do?” we can channel their spirit of adventure, creativity, and dedication to expand recreational opportunities for all residents of Grant County.

To bring this vision to life, we invite you to consider making a memorial gift to the Alex Olsen and Martyn Pearson Memorial Fund. Whether it is a one-time donation or a recurring contribution, your generosity will play a crucial role in creating a lasting impact. While the Community Foundation may utilize a small percentage of the funds for administrative purposes, rest assured that this approach allows for the seamless operation of the fund, ensuring its longevity and maximizing the impact of your donations. Moreover, your contributions are tax-deductible, providing an additional incentive to support this meaningful cause.

By entrusting the Community Foundation with our contributions, we establish a solid framework for the fund’s permanence and sustainability. Just as Alex and Martyn dedicated their lives to the betterment of our community, this fund will continue their work and passion in perpetuity. It is a testament to their unwavering commitment and a beacon of hope for a future where recreational opportunities flourish in Silver City and Grant County.

Let us join hands, united by our love for Alex and Martyn, and our shared desire to honor their memories in the most meaningful way. Together, we can build a legacy that will inspire generations to come. Through the Alex Olsen and Martyn Pearson Memorial Fund, we can turn their dreams into reality and create a brighter future for our community—one where the answer to every challenge is a resounding “Yes, we can!”

As we embark on this journey, let us remember the joy, passion, and love for life that Alex and Martyn embodied. They showed us what it means to embrace the community, to champion its growth, and to make a lasting impact. Now, it is our turn to carry their torch and ensure that their spirits continue to shine brightly in every recreational endeavor we undertake.

Together, let us embrace this opportunity to celebrate the lives of Alexandra Olsen and Martyn Pearson. Together, let us shape a future where their legacies live on through the power of recreation. Together, let us say “yes” to the endless possibilities that await us in Silver City and Grant County.

It was a day of immense generosity, unwavering community spirit, and a resounding celebration of local philanthropy. Give Grandly 2023, the highly anticipated fundraising marathon organized by the Give Grandly Coalition in collaboration with the Grant County Community Foundation, enveloped Silver City, New Mexico, on Saturday, May 6, leaving a lasting impact on the southwestern region.

This year’s event attracted a remarkable lineup of nonprofits that tirelessly serve the community, offering a diverse range of services that enrich the lives of residents in southwest New Mexico. From food pantries and shelters to animal rescue organizations, literacy promotion initiatives to cultural preservation efforts, the breadth of their work is truly astounding. By participating in Give Grandly, these nonprofits aimed to secure vital funds to continue their essential operations, reach their goals, and positively impact the lives of countless individuals.

The spirit of giving was palpable as the community rallied behind their beloved nonprofits. With each passing year, Give Grandly has witnessed an exponential increase in participation and funds raised. The extraordinary efforts of the community in 2022 resulted in an impressive total of nearly $230,000 in donations and matching funds for the 55 participating nonprofits. As the event gains momentum, there is hope that this year’s giving will maintain the same remarkable momentum, potentially propelling the total funds raised over the nine years of Give Grandly to an awe-inspiring $1.4 million.

Under the leadership of Bernadette Smyth, the executive director of the Grant County Community Foundation, Give Grandly thrives as a powerful and dynamic event that brings donors closer to the heart of their community and the causes they deeply believe in. At the vibrant Main Street Plaza in Silver City, the atmosphere was electric as nonprofits connected directly with donors and showcased the incredible work they do. This in-person gathering provided an opportunity for nonprofits to engage with the community in a joyous celebration of charitable giving.

From the early morning hours until the late afternoon, the event was imbued with captivating performances that filled the air with melodies and rhythms. Renowned artists such as Joe Neri, Amos Torres, and the Gypsy Carpenters showcased their extraordinary talents, captivating the audience with their musical prowess. The event also showcased the rich cultural diversity of the region, with Chiricahua Apache Drumming, Guadalupe Montessori School, and Erin and Jentry’s powerful slam poetry adding a unique flavor to the day’s festivities. The Silver City Community Theater and Ronnie Foxwit’s electrifying house music DJ set further elevated the atmosphere, ensuring a memorable experience for all attendees.

Beyond the enchanting performances, Give Grandly embraced the spirit of family, offering a wide array of activities and delectable food options that catered to all ages and tastes. Families reveled in the joyous atmosphere, bonding over shared experiences and creating lasting memories.

Give Grandly 2023 has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the community of Silver City and the surrounding counties. The unwavering dedication of the Give Grandly Coalition and the Grant County Community Foundation, coupled with the generosity of donors and the remarkable work of participating nonprofits, has forged a legacy of compassion and community engagement.

As the event drew to a close, the echoes of gratitude resounded throughout Silver City, a testament to the collective impact that philanthropy can achieve. Give Grandly has proven, once again, that when a community comes together to support its nonprofits and the causes they champion, extraordinary things can happen. May this celebration of giving continue to thrive, fostering a brighter future for southwest New Mexico and inspiring philanthropy in the hearts of all.