Pathway to the Future, a campaign underway through the Heritage Culture and Arts (HCA) Alliance, is offering an opportunity to "preserve the past and present for the future" by purchasing a commemorative brick at Lakewood's Heritage Center.

Commemorative bricks are available at various levels and can celebrate a special occasion such as a birth, wedding, anniversary or honoring a loved one.

A brick can preserve one's family name, commemorate a business opening or leave a message for future generations. It is an ideal way to support the heritage, cultural arts and educational programs of the City of Lakewood HCA Division by leaving your own personal mark for future generations to admire and treasure.

Under the Individual or Family level are two options: a single 4 x 8 inch brick including 3 lines and up to 20 characters per line for $100.00; a square 8 x 8 inch brick including 4 lines and up to 20 characters per line for $250.00. Under the Business level are two options as well: a single 4 x 8 inch brick including logo and business name for $350.00; a square 8 x 8 inch brick including logo, business name and owner name for $500.00.

The HCA Alliance, incorporated in 2005 as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has strived to raise funds to contribute to projects that will complete existing historical restoration projects, expand current educational programming and extend the tradition of Lakewood's rich cultural history.

The HCA Alliance has a list of goals in its fundraising efforts. One goal is to complete restoration of the Valentine Diner, the only surviving diner of its type in the Denver metropolitan area. The diner has several decorative elements valuable to the study of the Art Moderne style.

The exterior of the diner was recently restored, and now needs a refurbishment of its interior, which will be accomplished in a collaboration with Applewood Questers and Lakewood Historical Society as well as the acquisition of various cooking, serving and decorative items relative to the 1950's (estimated cost for this restoration is $58,000).

Other goals include: assistance with the acquisition of Diner products and materials including; plates, cups, silverware, napkin holders, ice cream scoops, menus, and other ephemera (estimated cost for these products is $4,000); educational programming including developing a 20th century history curriculum and materials about 1930's Depression Era farming, 1950's and Post World War II tourism, travel and family lifestyle area, and expansion of topic areas covered in the Spirit of Lakewood exhibit (estimated cost for educational programming is $20,000), exterior enhancements to historic buildings within the Colfax Hub area including seating areas and planters (estimated cost $28,000).

For further information, please visit www.AllianceHCA.org or phone us at 303.987.7779. Checks payable to Lakewood HCA Alliance can be mailed to: Lakewood HCA Alliance, P.O. Box 280395, Lakewood CO 80228-0395.

The heritage, culture and the arts enlighten, educate and improve the overall quality of life in Lakewood, in addition to contributing to the economic health of our community, benefiting both businesses and individuals - and you can become an important part of this benefit through the Pathway to the Future. Please support this brick campaign and leave your personal and permanent show of support for our future generations.