CAIC BENEFIT BASH: November 8th 2008

The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) is in a very tight position this season because of a $25,000 budget shortage. This kind of shortage will cripple backcountry avalanche forecasts in the future causing CAIC to cease spring forecasts and/or possibly close one of their field operation centers. To help ease the shortage, We are designing and running a fundraising event entitled, “The CAIC Benefit Bash”. The CAIC Benefit Bash will be held in Breckenridge, CO on November 8th, 2008 starting at 5pm. Our purpose is to help ease financial impacts of the large loss of funding this year, and help the CAIC in continuing to provide a vital resource to backcountry enthusiasts.Avalanches kill an average of six people every year in Colorado which accounts for one-third of all avalanche deaths in the United States. The purpose of the CAIC is to minimize the economic and human impact of snow avalanches on the recreation, tourism, and commerce industries. They succeed in achieving their purpose through a dual mission of forecasting and public education. As more and more people venture into the backcountry, it is imperative that we continue to have this resource available.The vendor list has grown and the public response has been incredible. Joe and I are stoked that people have stepped up to help us create this event for such a great cause. This event started as nothing more than an idea. It started as the possibility for two skiers to give back to a resource they use daily. This dream has turned into reality and with your help we can bring in the money the CAIC is short this year.We are now asking you and everyone you know to be apart of this idea; to be a part of the success of this benefit. I hope that all of you will continue to pass this information on to all of your friends and friends of friends. We have collected the sponsors, the venue, the entertainment, the beer, and the food. Now we need the people. It is our hope, that this grass roots movement thought of by skiers and created by skiers, helps keep the Colorado Avalanche Information Center running strong.This benefit is a complete grassroots movement and the public needs to be made aware of the CAIC's budget shortfall.More and more people are dying every year in avalanches. We can't afford to lose one of our best resources. Last year alone was an above average year for avalanche deaths in Colorado.