When: Wednesday, Dec. 4th, 2013 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Where: Discovery Museum – Durango 1333 Camino Del Rio, Durango, CO

Who: Pine Needle Mountaineering hosts 5th annual fundraiser in support of Friends of the CAIC, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization created to support the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) and the San Juan zone. The CAIC provides avalanche bulletins and promotes awareness, safety and education throughout the State of Colorado.

Why: As an independent, outdoor specialty retailer that sells backcountry equipment, Pine Needle Mountaineering takes backcountry safety and education very seriously. Pine Needle advocates strongly for serious-minded safety programs for its customers, such as the CAIC, in support of raising public awareness of avalanche risks.

The CAIC not only provides forecasting and safety information for backcountry users, but also for the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) road and weather bulletins statewide.

How: The event is free. All proceeds from the silent auction and raffle, as well as food and beverage sales directly support Friends of the CAIC. Event includes avalanche safety information, gear raffles, silent auction, free swag, live bluegrass music, beer /wine, food, and more.

Silent auction and raffle include gear and apparel from CAIC supporters such as Black Diamond, Kuhl, Dynastar, Weston Snowboards, Voile, Silverton Avalanche School, Point6, Freeride Systems, MontBell, Silverton Mountain, Backcountry Access, Osprey, Rab and more.