Benefit dinner set for Martie Henderson

WALSENBURG— A benefit dinner has been set for 6 pm November 7th at the La Plaza Inn in Walsenburg for long-time resident Martie Henderson who recently underwent cancer surgery.
Henderson was diagnosed with advanced cancer and will be undergoing intense chemotherapy and a fund raising dinner is planned on her behalf. Ticket prices for the benefit are $20 for a single and $35 for a couple and the entire ticket cost will be donated to help Martie cover her medical expenses during her treatment. Included in the ticket price are entertainment and an Italian buffet.
For additional information on the benefit dinner, to make reservations or to donate money contact Karen Wilson at La Plaza Inn at 719-738-5700. Donations will be gratefully accepted at La Plaza Inn anytime as well as through a website set up for Martie at www.martiehenderson.com.
Martie’s name is a familiar one to many in the Walsenburg and surrounding area. She moved to the town in 1996 with a dream of one day seeing it blossom into a vibrant and bustling little ‘touristy’ mountain town.
Convinced that Walsenburg’s cute Victorian architecture and over three million vehicles passing through each year made a winning combination for a business opportunity, she first purchased the old Kirkpatrick Hotel, remodeled it and opened the La Plaza Inn. Last year she sold the business to the Wilson’s.
A few years after the hotel purchase, she bought half a block of empty buildings on Main Street and established Cowboy Connections, Southwest Imports and the Main Street Antique Mall. Martie did most of the work on the buildings herself and many of the booth owners went on to open their own shops with Marianne Smithey, who later purchased the business and expanded it.
In addition, Martie bought lots around town and still offers free parking for downtown merchants to use.
She is always optimistic and continues to believe in Walsenburg and believes the community is just beginning to come into its new potential.