Mary Bielz: Community of Caring Foundation Chairman of the Board, Founder of the Community of Caring Foundation

Chairman of the Board and Co-founder of Community of Caring Foundation (a 501 c 3 non-profit) in 1999. Originally born in Spokane Washington, Mary has lived in southern Teller County with her husband of 50 years “Shorty”, since 1973. Mary came to Teller County specifically to teach 1st grade. She fell in love with the beauty of Teller County and community and has been here ever since. Mary is the mother of four grown boys, three of whom still live in the Gold Camp District. Mary is current Chairman of the School Board for the Cripple Creek-Victor School District. She is the Board Chair for Friends of St Victor’s dedicated to the preservation of the historic landmark of the hundred- and twenty-five-year-old Catholic Church.

Mary is committed to improving the quality of life for all residents of this community. She works tirelessly to “build a healthy community” and fostering excellence and opportunity in others. She is an exceptional and recognized artist. She has a deep love for children and believes that positive change comes through hard work and education. She has been received The Teller County Cares Award, Paul Harris-Rotary Award, Salvation Army Outstanding Volunteer Award, Teacher of the Year, and Colorado Association of School Board Outstanding Service Award. Mary and her family live off the grid outside of Victor, CO. She makes the best cinnamon rolls in the entire Gold Camp District…in an 1890 coal/wood “Home Comfort” cook stove!!!