Businesses step up to support Downtown fire relief efforts

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, Colo. – Businesses and organizations throughout Durango are stepping forward with creative ideas to raise emergency funds to assist those affected by the fire in the 700 block of Main Avenue, in the town’s historic downtown.

On the heels of the Durango Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association donating $10,000 to the 700 Main Avenue Disaster Relief Fund, Sergio and Hydi Verdusco announced “Dining Out to Help Out,” a special fund raising dinner set for March 9 at East by Southwest.

“We did fundraisers for Katrina (relief) and the tsunami (in Indonesia) and those raised $11,000 and $12,000 (respectively),” said Hydi Verdusco. “And so we’re hoping, because this is local, to go way beyond that.”

Three seatings – 5:00, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. – are available, and reservations are required by March 5 by calling Hydi or Mike at 970.247.5533 or 970.946.9682.

The menu will feature: Tuna Poke & Inari, Baby Shiso & Salted Plum Coulis; Shrimp & Cucumber Sunomono, Kelp Field Greens & Shimeji Mushroom; Beef Tenderloin Miso Yaki, Dauphine Potato & Vegetable Mosaic; and Ginger Ice Cream, Plum Wine Macerated Berries. The minimum donation is $50 per person, checks or cash only.

Vendors helping to sponsor the event include Shamrock Foods, Sysco Foods, Southern Wine and Spirits, Mountain Valley Fish, Chef’s Garden, Republic National Distributing and Ska Brewing Co.

Following Tim Wheeler’s announcement that he will donate 5 percent of Durango Coffee Company’s revenues for the next two weeks to the fund, Terry Hutchison of Y.E.S.S. the Book Hutch has announced that she will contribute all net proceeds from sales Saturday, March 8, and 10 percent of all sales for the entire month of March.

Richard Carpenter, owner of ULTRASTEAM Professional Cleaning, has matched Wheeler’s pledge offering 5 percent of his generated revenues over the next two weeks to the fund as well.

“That first evening, the people who work at those establishments were foremost in my mind,” said Carpenter. “Until the rebuilding is complete, many of the staff may have very limited options.”

Additionally, Carpenter has offered his flood cleanup services at no charge to anyone not covered by insurance who sustained damage in this disaster.

Durango’s galleries are exploring ways to assist, with Karyn Gabaldon stepping up with an opportunity drawing for one of her paintings, “Magic of Durango.” Customers earn an opportunity to win for every $5 they donate to the relief cause in Gabaldon’s gallery, located at 680 Main Ave.

“People are extremely generous,” said Gabaldon. “This is a very ‘unofficial’ yet fun way for people to donate. Everyone wants to help. We all feel for those poor business owners and employees.”

Businesses are also pledging straight cash donations, with Nature’s Oasis leading the way. Peak Card Services has also stepped up with a generous gift.

Though the date has not yet been set, Kathy Myrick, executive director of the San Juan Symphony has rallied the musicians who have agreed to perform a benefit concert. Details will be forthcoming.

Grants from the relief fund will be distributed in coming weeks to those employees of the businesses affected by the fires – Half-Price Tees, Seasons Rotisserie & Grill and Le Rendezvous Swiss Bakery & Café – who apply for assistance. The one-page application is posted on the BID web site, www.downtowndurango.org, and available at the BID office, 1199 Main Ave., Suite 210, Durango.

Grants will be awarded by an independent committee, including representation from the BID board. The Community Foundation will administer the funds, assuring that all donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Donations to the fund can be made in person at First National Bank of Durango, or mailed to the Business Improvement District, PO Box 1405, Durango, CO, 81302. Checks should be made payable to “700 Main Avenue Disaster Relief Fund.” The BID is reviewing options for credit card donations as well.

Those organizing fund raising events are asked to inform Pam Glasco at the BID Office, who will maintain a centralized calendar of information. Email Glasco at [email protected] or call 375.5067. Events can also be posted directly to the BID web site, www.downtowndurango.org.

Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available.

 

 

The Durango Business Improvement District was formed in 1997 with a goal and mission to support businesses within the District by assisting with special event marketing, providing research on topics of concern to the District (facilities, special events, best practices), planning and development of new facilities, and providing capital budget for equipment that enhances business in the District. Funding is generated by a 1.5 mill levy on property owners within the district, with additional marketing dollars contributed by the City of Durango and Durango Area Tourism Office. BID Board members are John Wells, presiding officer; Bob Allen, Karen Barger, Rod Barker and Tim Wheeler.

 

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