CENTRAL CITY - On the evening of February 21, 2025, the Gilpin County Republican Committee (GCRC) hosted its fourth annual Lincoln Day Dinner at the Elks Lodge. Attendees gathered for an evening of fellowship, political discussion, and fundraising, with speeches from local leaders and a keynote address by U.S. Congresswoman Lauren Boebert.

The event began with a welcome from Marie Mornis, a longtime Gilpin County resident and past GCRC chair. With 43 years in the community, Mornis has served in various leadership roles, as a school board member, an Excel Energy project engineer, and a county commissioner. She spoke briefly about the importance of civic engagement before turning the floor over to the evening’s emcee, Corey Marshall.

Marshall, a 2024 Gilpin County commissioner candidate, comes from a long line of Colorado farmers and ranchers. As the owner of Rudolph Ranch, Inc., he has been active in the community, serving on boards such as the Tivoli Brewing Company and the Anschutz Center for Women's Health.

Guest speaker Peter Droege, recently named the 2025 Weekly Register-Call Citizen of the Year, reflected on his deep roots in the region. Raised in Central City and Colorado Sierra, Droege built a career in journalism with The Denver Post and the Rocky Mountain News before transitioning to philanthropy as a grants program officer for the Daniels Fund.

Droege spoke about his efforts with the Belvidere Foundation board to restore the historic 1880s Belvidere Theatre. He detailed the further steps needed for its restoration, including obtaining a certificate of occupancy, which he hopes will be issued soon.

The ground floor of the theater will serve as Central City’s new Visitor’s Center, while the second floor will house a coffee shop and deli.

“I love Central City. It’s a special place and worth preserving,” Droege said.

The evening’s keynote speaker, Congresswoman Lauren Boebert, addressed the crowd with remarks intertwining policy perspectives and personal beliefs.

Representing Colorado’s Fourth Congressional District, Boebert has been a vocal advocate for conservative policies and grassroots activism. She stressed the importance of faith in governance, citing scripture as a source of resilience and purpose in political service.

Boebert encouraged conversations between religion and politics, pointing to the founding fathers’ Christian faith. “I believe that, in this room, that same spirit of faith, that American patriotism, is alive, and I want to ignite that tonight,” she stated.

She urged Republicans to voice their opinions on what the Constitution does for the people, rather than the government.

Boebert also spoke of healing divisions within the Republican Party. “There is nothing better for a Democrat than us at each other’s throats,” she said.

Criticizing Democratic policies, she stated that excessive regulation had driven Colorado into poverty, citing sanctuary policies, the erosion of Second Amendment rights, and what she described as radical land grabs.

Emphasizing the power of each vote, she reminded the audience that their Chairman, Corey Marshall, had lost by only 100 votes. She encouraged attendees to engage potential voters in their churches and community organizations.

Boebert shared a personal story about her mother, a Democrat who she said was kept in a cycle of poverty by caseworkers and a system that discouraged her from succeeding.

Reflecting on her first job, at McDonald’s, she said she realized she could provide for her family better than the government ever had. She left school early to earn her GED.

“Being a young mom and working at McDonald’s, I learned that life is about service,” she said.

Beyond the speeches, the event featured a silent auction with donations from local businesses and individuals, including Atherton Wellness, Underground Liquors, Black Hawk Pizza,  and many others.

Throughout the night, door prizes were randomly drawn, creating excitement among those present. In a surprising twist, two of the prizes were awarded to The Mountain-Ear staff.

A special thanks was extended to event volunteers, including Kathleen Balfour, Brenda Diehl, Debbie Marshall, Karen Midcap, and others who contributed to the evening’s success.

The event flyer shared a quote from Abraham Lincoln: “Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.” A sentiment echoed throughout the evening as attendees gathered to support their shared vision for the community.