What is over 1.5 miles long, winding, driven upon daily in all weather conditions and days of the year and starts at an elevation of 6,800 feet and ends at 7,200 feet? If you guessed the road to Mother Cabrini Shrine, a nonprofit religious organization located in the foothills of Golden, Colorado and visited by 100,000 people annually from all around the world, you would be correct. Last paved in 1986, the road to this historical Colorado landmark and quiet place of prayer, reflection and spiritual getaway, just minutes from downtown Denver, has been in dire need of repair.
The Missionary Sisters and staff at the Shrine were hesitant to take on this project during these difficult economic times when the daily news is saturated with businesses closing, more people losing their jobs, bankruptcies and corruption. Delaying this project, even for another year, was not an option. After going through the bidding process several times over the past couple of years, with several paving companies, a rare and amazing thing happened. Rather than the normal competitive way of doing business, two local companies are collaborating in a unique way to solve the road problem at the Shrine. The two paving companies are working together, each contributing their own specialties to pave the road. The two local family owned companies, APC (Asphalt Paving Company) and Rocky Mountain Pavement came forward and are working together and within the budget restraints of the Shrine to make the road project a reality.
APC and the Keller family have a long history with the Shrine. John M. Keller, third generation co owner and Project Manager of APC said that he is "....following the good example set by my grandfather and founder of APC, John H. Keller and continued by my father, Bill Keller. Our relationship with the Cabrini organization started in the 1960's, when Asphalt Paving Company donated the paving of a dirt parking lot a little at a time."
Sister Bernadette Casciano, Shrine administrator said, "Over the years, APC has helped us with various paving projects and once again, they have stepped up in an even bigger way to help again.
Rocky Mountain Pavement is also strongly committed to giving back to the community. Ben Vagher, co owner of Rocky Mountain Pavement said, "This allows us to participate in a win-win situation for all parties." Rocky Mountain purchases some of its supplies from APC and, when APC and Rocky Mountain realized that they were both bidding the same job, they decided to "pave the way ahead" by putting their efforts together to work within the Shrine's budget restraint. "We are very grateful to both companies for their generosity, especially during these difficult economic times. We are blessed to be able to share such a positive story," Sister Bernadette said.
Funds for this paving project are still needed and the Shrine is responding with a unique approach. The Shrine is selling 1000 raffle tickets for $100 each or, 2 for $150 for a brand new, highly desired, Limited Edition Smart Car Brabus. Tickets can be purchased at the Shrine. The lucky winning ticket will be drawn the evening of the upcoming Cabrini gala on Friday, July 24 th. Additional details about the Smart Car and the gala can be found at www.mothercabrinishrine.org.