In our previous blog, The Power of Peer-to-Peer Fundraising, we explored how individual supporters help extend preservation efforts by inviting others to give. This blog builds on that idea by focusing on Castle Cheer Champions—community members who support Hartman Castle by sharing its story, encouraging participation, and helping more people understand why preserving this historic place matters.

Preserving Hartman Castle has always been a community effort. While financial contributions are essential, one of the most powerful ways to support preservation is by helping others discover why this place matters.

That’s where Castle Cheer Champions come in.

A Castle Cheer Champion is someone who shares the story of Hartman Castle—online, in conversation, and in everyday moments—inviting others to care about its future. You don’t need fundraising experience, a large audience, or a formal role. What matters most is your voice and your willingness to use it.

Below are simple, meaningful ways to become a Castle Cheer Champion this giving season, whether you prefer to support digitally or in person.

Digital Ways to Support Hartman Castle

Let’s face it, our world often operates virtually these days, for better or for worse. In the case of fundraising, however, that can open up new opportunities for engagement and peer-to-peer fundraising!

Email: Personal Messages That Make a Difference

Email remains one of the most effective ways to reach people who care about you and trust your recommendations. A short, thoughtful note can introduce Hartman Castle to someone who may not yet know its story.

You might email friends, family members, colleagues, or neighbors—especially those who value history, architecture, community heritage, or preservation. Sharing why you care about Hartman Castle helps others understand why it’s worth supporting.

Even a single email sent to a small group can lead to new supporters and lasting awareness.

Social Media: Sharing the Story Where People Already Are

Social media allows you to reach beyond your immediate circle and help Hartman Castle’s story travel further. A post explaining why the Castle matters to you, a favorite photo, or a simple invitation to learn more can have a real impact.

You don’t need to post often or say something perfect. Authentic, personal messages resonate most. Sharing a donation link, encouraging others to follow Hartman Castle, or reposting official updates all help expand visibility.

Every share helps bring new people into the preservation conversation.

Ready-to-Share Messages

If you’d like to help spread the word about Hartman Castle but aren’t sure what to say, feel free to copy and paste one of the messages below—or adapt it to sound like you.

Email (Copy & Paste): 

 

Warm & Personal

Subject: A Cause I Care About

Hi,

I wanted to share a project that matters to me. Hartman Castle Preservation Corp. is working to protect and preserve the historic Hartman Castle in Gunnison—a landmark that has been part of the community for more than a century.

If you’d like to learn more or support preservation efforts, you can do so here:
https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/HartmanCastlePreservationCorp

Thanks for taking a moment to read this.

Best,
[Your Name]

Short & Simple

Subject: Help Preserve Hartman Castle

Hi,

Hartman Castle Preservation Corp. is working to preserve the historic Hartman Castle in Gunnison. If you’re interested in supporting local history, here’s where you can learn more or donate:

https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/HartmanCastlePreservationCorp

Thanks,
[Your Name]

Social Media (Copy & Paste):

Option 1: Personal & Reflective

I’m supporting Hartman Castle Preservation Corp. because historic places deserve care, not neglect. Hartman Castle has been part of the Gunnison Valley for more than 132 years, and I want to help ensure it’s protected for the future.

Learn more or support preservation efforts here:
https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/HartmanCastlePreservationCorp

#SaveHartmanCastle #HistoricPreservation #GunnisonColorado

Option 2: Short & Shareable

History matters. I’m supporting the preservation of Hartman Castle in Gunnison and inviting others to learn more.

https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/HartmanCastlePreservationCorp

#HistoricPreservationMatters #SaveHartmanCastle

Option 3: Community-Focused

Hartman Castle is an important part of Gunnison’s history and community. I’m proud to support efforts to preserve it and encourage others to do the same.

Learn more here:
https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/HartmanCastlePreservationCorp

#ColoradoHistory #HistoricPreservationMatters

In-Person Ways to Be a Castle Cheer Champion

Not all support happens online. In-person connections often leave the deepest impression and create meaningful conversations about why preservation matters.

• Involve your business or employer – Businesses that donate are listed on our website. Their names and logos will soon be on Gunnison’s main street. The window display will be featured on social media. In the spring, we will host a special ‘Business After Hours.’ Some corporations encourage employees to nominate nonprofits to receive donations. One visitor to the Castle completed the paperwork with her employer. We now receive an annual donation!

• Create a team or class legacy – Were you a member of a local team or class from either Western or Gunnison High School? Pool your team or classmates together and raise $500 or more, and have a permanent listing on our donor wall!

• Do you not need a Christmas gift this year? – Let your loved ones know that what you would really like this year is a lasting gift to the preservation of Hartman Castle. Donations can be made online at our website, through Colorado Gives, Venmo, or by sending a check.

• Host a movie night – Invite your friends over to watch Rocky Mountain PBS’s documentary “Saving Hartman Castle.” A great double feature is to also to show the documentary on Chicago’s 1893 World’s Fair. Offer snacks and beverages of your choice. Don’t forget to put out a donation jar! Then share your experiences with all of us!

• Invite three friends to follow us – A personal invitation is one of the quickest ways to grow awareness.

• Tell us your “why” – Record a short video or write a few sentences about why preserving the Castle matters to you. We love featuring supporter stories.

• Celebrate your birthday with us – Consider dedicating your birthday or a special occasion to Hartman Castle. It’s a heartfelt and impactful way to support preservation.

• Start a “Castle Challenge” – Challenge your friends to post their best Castle photo or memory and tag us.

• Match a friend – Small matches go a long way! Try: “I’ll match the next $10 donated to Hartman Castle.”

Why Castle Cheer Champions Matter

Historic places cannot advocate for themselves. They rely on people who care enough to speak up, invite others in, and help carry their stories forward.

Castle Cheer Champions play a vital role in preservation by building awareness, strengthening community connections, and helping ensure that Hartman Castle remains standing for future generations.

If Hartman Castle matters to you, becoming a Castle Cheer Champion is one of the most meaningful ways you can help protect it.

To support HCPC directly, donations can be made through Colorado Gives, or our donation page.