By Ann Butler
Neighbors columnist
To say Seasons Rotisserie and Grill is in the middle of a big three months is an understatement.
In December, the downtown mainstay held its annual anniversary party, benefiting Housing Solutions of the Southwest in its 22nd year. The menu was an extravagant buffet – or perhaps I should call it a feast – of longtime Seasons’ favorites as well as new dishes being created for the restaurant. Guests also sampled a variety of wines and champagne during the festivities.
Music was provided by DJ Ken Brott.
Housing Solutions for the Southwest is a non-profit that has served families in Colorado for 35 years. The organization builds, repairs and manages affordable housing homes and apartments, as well as operating multiple housing assistance programs to help people in Southwest Colorado who are struggling to meet basic housing needs. Housing Solutions works in Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma and San Juan Counties.
In 2014, Housing Solutions took on the coordination of the Community Emergency Assistance Coalition, pairing it with its Housing Counseling program. CEAC began as a grass-roots community effort among a number of nonprofit and faith-based organizations as a single point of entry for emergency assistance within the community. CEAC’s, now 15, began with a small group who wanted to create a way to help those in need within our community without duplicating efforts.
The coalition consists of many partners including Housing Solutions, Salvation Army, La Plata Electric Association Round-Up Foundation, La Plata County Department of Human Services, United Way, Volunteers of America, Manna, United Methodist Thrift Shop and numerous business, faith-based and private donors. CEAC provided nearly $140,000 in grants to families in need during 2016.
Seasons owners Wayne and Karen Barger have raised tens of thousands of dollars for worthy community organizations over the years at this event, and this year was no exception.
In January, Seasons was honored as Business of the Year by the Durango Chamber of Commerce, a well-deserved honor.
And on Wednesday, the eatery will host its annual Burning Down the House benefiting the Hundred Club, which assists the families of first responders who are injured or killed as well as providing scholarships for their children. The event, marks an anniversary of a different sort, the day in 2008 when Seasons was of six businesses destroyed in a major fire, and it’s a thank-you to all who responded.
Reservations are required and may be made by calling 382-9790. Available spots for the two seatings fill fast. This is a fun, delicious and heartwarming event every year. Don’t forget to say thanks to the staff, who donate their time for the evening.
Congratulations and thanks go to the Bargers for their ongoing contributions to our community.
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