Benefit day raises $23,180 for local museum

News Release
November 25, 2004
Loryn Kasten
970-247-9000 x237
lkasten@durangomountain.com

PURGATORY BENEFIT DAY RAISES $23,180 FOR LOCAL MUSEUM

Durango, CO - Fresh snow and a good cause brought skiers and snowboarders from far and wide to Purgatory Mountain on Benefit Day, November 24, 2004. The annual event raised $23,180 for the Durango Discovery Museum, a new facility that will encompass the Children's Museum and focus on the science of light, power and energy.

A crowd of 2318 skiers and snowboards took advantage of the pre-season opening to make their first turns of the year and support the newest museum to the Durango area. Tickets cost $10 for all skiers and boarders and one hundred percent of the proceeds benefited the museum. Purgatory has been hosting Benefit Day since 1991 and has donated almost $200,000 to local non-profit organizations in the last 24 years. This sum from this year's Benefit Day was the fourth largest donation since the event began.

Durango Discovery Museum is thrilled with the outcome of Benefit Day and said the money raised will help the new development at the 1893 Durango Power Plant, the future home of the museum. "We are so happy Purgatory included us in this year's Benefit Day," said Jeff Verling, Children's Museum board member and volunteer coordinator of the project. "To see the community come out and support our new vision makes us very excited for the years to come."

Purgatory is open for the season and has 2 lifts operating, providing access to beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain on 25 trails on the frontside. The weekend storm dropped 15 inches on the resort and more terrain and lifts will open as weather conditions allow. Early season lift tickets are $35 for adults and $20 for children.

-www.durangomountainresort.com-