DURANGO, Colo. - In the wake of the devastating fire that destroyed three thriving businesses in Historic Downtown Durango on Feb. 22, the Durango Business Improvement District (BID) has established the “700 Main Avenue Disaster Relief Fund.” Concerned citizens Fritz Geistler and Christina Erteszek initiated the giving, providing $10,000 in seed money.

“The purpose of the fund is to assist with the needs of the ‘people’ directly affected by the fire,” said John Wells, BID presiding officer. “The employees of these businesses are, in essence, now unemployed and may need assistance with living expenses and necessities over the next several weeks.”

Plans, though still preliminary, are expected to allow for qualifying beneficiaries from the three businesses affected – Half Price Tees, Seasons Rotisserie & Grill and Le Rendezvous Swiss Bakery & Café – to receive loans or gifts from the fund. The specific protocol will be developed in coming days. The BID board is scheduled to convene in emergency session on Monday morning, Feb. 25.

“We will have a simple application posted on the BID web site, www.downtowndurango.org, and hard copies available at the BID office, 1199 Main Ave., Suite 210,” said Jasper Welsh, BID coordinator. “A committee is being formed that will process the requests.”

Though it does take some time to mobilize efforts, the BID is confident a protocol will be in place early in the week, with relief provided to those affected shortly thereafter.

Donations to the fund – of any amount – are now being accepted. In addition to contributions made in person at First National Bank, donations may be 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 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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