Editor:

The Michael D. Palm Theatre is so pleased to announce that our fundraiser, the screening of the film Valkyrie, was a tremendous success. The outpouring from our wonderful and generous community helped make the event such a triumph.

First and foremost, I would like to thank Mr. Tom Cruise for generously donating the screenings of Valkyrie. The fact that Mr. Cruise chooses to be so supportive and philanthropic in our community, where he is a part-time resident, is a true gift. A very big thank you to Mr. Cruise’s staff who coordinated and facilitated this donation. Thank you very much for your philanthropy, Mr. Cruise!

Thank you very much to the beautiful Bianca Balough and the stunning Sasha for the red carpet interviews and to TCTV for filming and broadcasting the footage into the theatre so all attendees could enjoy the fun.

Kudos to Davis Fansler, the charming and persuasive auctioneer. Our sincere appreciation to the following organizations that donated significant gifts for our live auction: Telluride HeliTrax, Great Lakes Airlines, Capella Telluride, Telluride Blues and Brews Festival, Heritage Place Franz Klammer Lodge, The Peaks Resort and Golden Door Spa, Telluride Ski Resort, and the Telluride Film Festival.

Thank you to the following organizations that generously donated fabulous raffle prizes: Ajax Cleaning, Atmosphere Spa, The Boot Doctors, Glider Bob (Telluride Glider Rides), Telluride Sports, Telluride Alpine Lodging, The Toggery, Telluride Mountainside Inn, and Honga’s Lotus Petal.

Our VIP gift bags were chock full of goodies: Ah Haa Cookbooks, TCAH calendars, Roxie Horner cookies, Aromatherapy lotions/bath gels, Capella neck warmers, and candy from Kimmie Candy Company. Thank you to these businesses, organizations and individuals for helping to pamper our VIPs. Thank you to Evian for sponsoring the bottled water and to Cindy Bread for turning out our tall order of cookies for the complimentary concessions.

The Palm Theatre runs on an extremely lean staff. Thank you very much to Michael Wingfield, our technical director, and Kathy Jepson, the theatre coordinator, both of who put in extra time and effort to make this event happen.

The success of our fundraiser was vital because the Palm Theatre is at an extremely critical point in its development. Funding from the Gluckstern family given to name the theatre after their dear friend and business partner, Michael Palm, ends June 30, 2009.

The Palm must make up the shortfall from the Gluckstern contribution in order to continue to operate as a performing arts center for the community. Thank you very much to all of the individuals and organizations that made this fundraiser a success!

And by the way, the film was incredible – expect to see it nominated for numerous Oscars. If you missed it with us, make sure you go see it at the Nugget.

Happy New Year!

– Heather Rommel, Director of the Michael D. Palm Theatre

TECC Hosts Happy Breakfast With Santa Bash

Editor:

On Dec. 13, the Telluride Early Childhood Center held its first annual Breakfast with Santa fundraiser. We were thrilled with the success and community involvement. Both children and adults had tons of fun eating pancakes and sitting with Santa! The fundraiser was such a success thanks to the support and generosity of many local area businesses and community members.

On behalf of the TECC children and parents, we would like to publicly and personally thank Dirk De Pagter, Kayleen Barr, Sysco, Robbie O’Dell and Fat Alley BBQ, Telluride Real Estate Brokers, The Market in Mountain Village, Alpine Title, the Telluride School District, and the Town of Mountain Village. We look forward to working with all of our wonderful volunteers again next year and for many years to come. Please continue to support high quality, safe and affordable early learning and daycare programs in our community.

Thank you again,

– Jill Burchmore for the Telluride Early Childhood Center Board Members

Remembering Dennis Daigle

Editor:
Dennis died on Dec. 3. Perhaps you can take some time, in your own time, to feel peace and joy for David’s spirit; send beautiful energy/thoughts/prayers to him.

Warmly,

– Chandler Tamulonis