Community events | KDUR Community Radio

The Community Foundation’s 2023 Making a Difference Speaker Series includes two events in Durango next month with ski-racing legend Bode Miller.

Miller and Brett Rapkin, Emmy Award-winning impact sports filmmaker, recently produced the film Paradise Paradox. This film explores the shocking mental health crisis that is impacting Rocky Mountain ski towns and the innovative solutions happening in response. Colorado and neighboring ski states consistently rank in the top states for the highest suicide rates, giving the Rocky Mountain region the eerie descriptor of “The Suicide Belt” according to National Geographic. 

The Community Foundation’s Making a Difference Speaker Series is designed to inspire conversation, prompt action, and bring a new perspective on an important community topic. The Bode Miller events scheduled for Wednesday, October 18 and Thursday, October 19 will focus on mental health challenges and hopeful solutions.

The Wednesday, October 18 event will be at the FLC Community Concert Hall beginning at 7 PM. Guests will watch the film Paradise Paradox and then hear from Bode himself about why he is passionate about mental health wellness in the Rocky Mountains. There will be time for Q & A at the end of the presentation.                 The $35-$55 tickets are available at durangoconcerts.com.

The second event on Thursday, October 19 will be a panel discussion with local mental health professionals.     At this interactive presentation, you will hear from Bode Miller and local experts on the unique challenges experienced in Durango, and vital resources available to assist in the community. The event will be facilitated by Miller at TBK Bank, October 19, 9:00 – 11:00 AM. The $25 tickets are on sale now at swcommunityfoundation.org/bode. Limited seating is available.

“Bode Miller has been a household name in the skiing world for years,” says Briggen Wrinkle, Executive Director of the Community Foundation. “We are honored to bring Bode to Durango to share how his personal and professional lives have been impacted by mental health throughout his career. We expect everyone who attends these events to come away empowered and hopeful, with a knowledge about how we can make a difference and foster mental health wellness. 

Local corporate sponsorships for these events are still available. More details can be found at swcommunityfoundation.org or by calling 970-375-5807.

The Durango Education Foundation will be hosting a Spirits with the Spectres walking tour of some of Durango's most haunted underground places on Saturday, October 21st from 5:30PM-9:00PM. Participants will begin the evening with hors d'oeuvres and signature cocktails at the Historic Strater Hotel and then rotate through three haunted historical locations with blood-chilling true stories, drinks, food, and prize drawings at every stop. Dress in your best Victorian gothic ghoul attire and join us to support 9-R public schools! Tickets are $150 each and may be purchased at the website for the Durango Education Foundation. The event is for those 21 and up only. Only 60 tickets will be available. For more information call Wendy Javier at 970-385-1491. Date/Time: Saturday, October 21, 5:30PM-9:00PM Cost: $150/person. Only 60 tickets available Hosted by the Durango Educaiton Foundation Website: durangoeducationfoundation.org Contact: Wendy Javier/9rfoundation@gmail.com/ 970-769-7600