DURANGO, Colo. – Following an emergency meeting held this morning (2-25), the Durango Business Improvement District (BID) board of directors and staff are moving ahead with coordination of relief efforts for those businesses and individuals affected by the fire that destroyed three thriving businesses in Historic Downtown Durango on Feb. 22.

The BID has established “700 Block Disaster Relief Fund” at First National Bank of Durango under the auspices of the Community Foundation. Donations made to the fund will be tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

The fund was launched with $10,000 seed money from concerned citizens Fritz Geistler and Christina Erteszek, and this weekend the Durango Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association a contributed $10,000 matching grant.

Funds 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 will be posted on the BID web site, www.downtowndurango.org after 1 p.m. this afternoon, 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.

As of Noon today, Tim Wheeler of Durango Coffee Company has announced that for the next two weeks, 5 percent of revenues at the shop will be donated to the fund; Nature’s Oasis has stepped up and donated $1000 from its emergency care fund; and East by Southwest is planning a disaster relief dinner set for March 9.

Donations to the fund – of any amount –  can be  made in person at First National Bank, 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.

The BID is not soliciting directly from individuals or businesses for the “700 Block Disaster Relief Fund.”

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 pamg@downtowndurango.org or call 375.5067.

In addition to this fund, Club 100 exists specifically to assist fire fighters, policemen and first responders. Donations can be made to this fund through Steve Short, also at First National Bank of Durango, or by mail to Club 100, PO Box 3146, Durango, 81302.

Further, families can apply for assistance at La Plata County Human Services to receive emergency food stamps, energy assistance, financial assistance and more. Those interested should apply at the County Courthouse on East. 2^nd Ave.

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.

#  #  #