WOODLAND PARK WROCKS THE WORLD OVER $9000!

     Organizers of the Katrina Fundraiser held in Woodland Park September 10, 2005, are pleased to announce that over $9000 was collected from area businesses who participated in Woodland Park WRocks the World event for the American Red Cross.

     The event kicked off Friday evening with the Woodland Music Series Big Band Bash.  Over $800 was raised during the evening thanks to the support of the City of Woodland Park.  “All ticket sales were donated to the fundraiser,” stated event organizer Tracie Bennitt, Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center.  “The City covered the costs of the concert, along with major sponsor Prudential Realtors, so the ticket proceeds could go to the Katrina effort.”

     “The outpouring of support from the Woodland Park community was tremendous,” claimed Bennitt.  “We challenged the community to step up to our 100% contribution of admissions from RMDRC and the business community responded.”  Over 20 local businesses, including Zak’s Tavern and Grill, Peek Optical, Julies Exotic Pets, Java Junction, Whole in the Wall Herb Shoppe, City Market, US Cable, Here and There Gifts, Martini Hut, Ute Inn, Buck’s Restaurant, Sonic Drive In, Java the Hut, Woodland Park Pizza Factory, Edge The Salon and Spa, Foxworth Galbraith Lumber Company, Fiesta Mexicana, Carter Realty, The Nature Station, Donut Mill, Prudential Realtors, Dairy Queen, Dominos Pizza, Coldwell Banker –Dave Brown team, Gary Litchenberg Insurance Agency, Rick’s Auto, Valcom LPS, Inc. Good Wood Guitar and Sub Shop, Pepsi-Lane Distributing, Dan Buckley-Blue Line Studios,  The City of Woodland Park, Woodland Park Music Series, Mad Science of Southern Colorado, Mountainaire Reptile Rescue & Sanctuary, Carol Horen of Glitterific, David Biondo and Great Divide Printing Company were some of the businesses and organizations who participated.  “There were a number of people who had already responded with financial help before this event was even organized,” Bennitt added.

     Local media stepped up as well with great coverage of the event by local radio and TV stations.  “Businesses throughout town were willing to help us get the word out by putting the information on their marquees,” Bennitt said.  “We really pulled this event together in a short period of time.  People responded and we feel great for helping out our friends, neighbors and family in the South.  We remember what it was like for us here three years ago.”  Woodland Park was an area affected three years ago by the Hayman Fire. 

     Woodland Park Student Council helped the evening of the benefit concert.  Bands that performed included Original Sin, Keeping Sanity, Doxology, The Baumers and Bad Dogs.  Steele-Daniels band member Jack Strelec was instrumental in organizing the music for Saturday evening. 

     Woodland Park WRocks the World was the brain child of Jack Strelec, representing the Feast of Friendship in Woodland Park.  Woodland Park Community Cupboard’s Kathy Blough, Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center Marketing and Event Coordinator Tracie Bennitt, and Red Cross representative Patty Metrolis organized the event with Strelec in less than a week.  “We’d like to especially thank the numerous volunteers who helped make this an awesome event,” stated Metrolis.  “It’s because of all the volunteers and supporters of Woodland Park WRocks the World that we can make a difference.”

     All proceeds from Woodland Park WRocks the World will be donated to the American Red Cross.  If you have any questions, please call 719-686-1820 X112.