After four decades of service, the Steamboat Ski Resort retired the Silver Bullet, aka the first eight-passenger gondola ever built in the world. It was named in honor of Steamboat’s western heritage and the 766 kegs of Coors Light Beer that were used in the initial ballast testing. Over the years, it is estimated the haul rope has traveled four times the distance from earth to the moon. The original cars were auctioned off to benefit local non-profits. In light of the current crisis, the Colorado Group Realty Charitable Foundation is looking to stretch the giving even further.
“When we acquired the gondola through our donation to Rocky Mountain Youth Corps., we thought it would be fun to have a piece of Steamboat history at our downtown office for the community to enjoy,” said Steve Goldman, CEO of CGR. “But the pull to help those in need during this time is so strong, that it was an easy decision to use the gondola to raise funds to go directly to those most impacted by this pandemic.”
The foundation will donate all of the funds to four local non-profit organizations. Advocates of Routt County, which supports survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence; Routt County United Way, the proponents for the health, education and financial stability of every person in the community; Routt County Council on Aging, who meet the needs of senior citizens; and Integrated Community, who support the integration of immigrant and local community members.
“It is absolutely the time for health and human services to work together,” said Kate Nowak, Executive Director for Routt County United Way. “Every single organization can use the financial support right now, so we are grateful for this offer to help.”
Ongoing isolation is taking its toll on a huge number of people, especially for the elderly and those living in poverty. Hunger and mental illness rates are escalating along with domestic violence calls that have increased between 20-30% since stay at home orders went into effect. “Domestic violence doesn’t take a break or go away just because a pandemic is going on,” said Lisel Petis, Executive Director for Advocates. “In fact, because victims are now being isolated at home with their abusers, many victims are enduring more abuse and are unable to easily access help.”
Integrated Community supports the local limited-English speaking population. “We’ve seen a big increase in requests for translation services from organizations such as: LiftUp, schools, public health, human service agencies, mental health organizations and medical providers,” said Nelly Navarro, Executive Director.
Routt County United Way coordinates food box delivery for those over 60 years of age, and distributes handmade facemasks. Routt County Council on Aging is delivering over 300 hot and frozen meals per week to Routt County seniors through their Meals on Wheels program and also provide transportation to essential appointments.
The money raised from the sale of the gondola will provide crucial resources for each organization to support their already stretched needs. The Silver Bullet may be retired, but the last run for this car will by far be its most beneficial. The auction goes live on Wednesday, April 15th at 8 pm. Bidding starts at $8,000. For more details, visit www.32auctions.com/CGRGondola