Dear Editor,

The Peak to Peak Music Education Association, with help from the Gilpin Democrats, held the "Benefit for the Village” Friday, November 21, at the Caribou Room to raise money for the businesses affected by the Caribou Village fire. It was a big success and we wanted to thank everyone for coming, donating, or both!  With your help we raised roughly $17,000. 

Because our mission is music, we are planning two special grants off the top: to Brightwood Music to replace some student rental instruments and a lesson room piano, and the VNBC to replace PA equipment lost in the fire.

These two businesses have been cornerstones of the local music community. The remainder will be distributed to the businesses that are reopening, rebuilding, or have already reopened in new space in town. 

Thanks to the wonderful musicians who all played for free: Bill, Jillian, and Lauren Nershi, Keith Moseley, Dave Watts, Dango Rose, Ryan Benthall, Stephanie McMillan, Danny Musengo, Lee Gabrial, Bridget Law, Tierro Lee, and the Flash Mountain Flood crew. You put on a terrific show that was really enjoyed by all.

Thank you, Crosscut Pizza and Kathmandu for donating food to feed them ;)

Thanks to the many many donors big and small to the silent auction including: Meier Skis, The String Cheese Incident, Indian Hot Springs, Quartz Point Ranch, Planet Bluegrass, James DeWalt Photography, La Sportiva, Christian Teele, Tanya Bokat, C.Alan Crandall photography, Lake Thorn Lodge, Kaptain Airbus, The Mountain Ear, Whole Being Bodyworks, Inkhaus Tattoo, Z2 Entertainment, Sun Root Somatics, Tortuga Design, Snowy Peaks Winery, Sandy Hollingsworth, Body in Balance, and Lance Pfieffer. (and if we missed anyone we’re very sorry!)

And lastly, thanks to our awesome volunteers, Shaila Worley, Suzanne Teele, Greg Petty, Jim and Kathleen Kennedy, Phil and Lynn Gibbs, Susan Yeck, Melissa Burke, Bill Frary, Rob Lupe, Alan Stecher, Tina Todd, and Kip Nash; and to the hard-working Caribou Room staff. 

Here’s to community!

Kristen McFarland

Nederland