In its first outing at Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort, Teacher Appreciation Day brought in almost $6,600.
Held Monday, on the Presidents Day holiday, the event was sponsored by Office Depot and SOS Outreach in partnership with DMR. The money raised will be used to help teachers in all three school districts and all charter schools in La Plata County buy classroom supplies.
The sponsors also held a “Stuff the Bus” effort, collecting more school supplies and donations.
The day wasn’t just about supplies.
Kim Oyler, director of communications for the ski area, said 120 teachers and school staff showed up to ski, snowboard, tube, snowshoe and cross country ski on their day off. They received a $25 lift ticket, complimentary breakfast, lunch voucher and free access to the Durango Nordic Center. An après ski party, co-hosted by the resort and First National Bank, featured giveaways from numerous area businesses.
The public benefited, too, receiving discounted lift tickets. Up to $20 from each lift ticket sold went to the Teacher Appreciation Fund, which the sponsors hope will grow over time.
“We appreciate the support of the community in helping raise money that will directly impact our classrooms,” said Gary Derck, CEO of Purgatory.
abutler@durangoherald.com
