Cookies for A Cause + Opt in for Trails

*Thank you to everyone who came out and supported cookies for a cause! 378 cookies were sold on December 12 and The Butcher & Baker has donated $850.50 to Opt in for Trails. Thank you!*

The Telluride Mountain Club (TMtC) has partnered with The Butcher & Baker for a fun twist on fundraising: Cookies for A Cause. On Thursday, December 12, 2019, from 7 am to 8 pm, all chocolate chip and gluten free chocolate chip cookie sales will be donated to TMtC’s new trail fundraising campaign, Opt in for Trails.

Opt in for Trails has been established to help sustain funding for ongoing trail maintenance and new trail projects in the Telluride region. Our regional trails are continually experiencing increased use as population and tourism numbers grow. At the same time, USFS budgets are being cut and no other entities are taking on the responsibility of financial planning to maintain and create new recreation opportunities on our public lands.

We invite you to join us on December 12 at The Butcher & Baker to eat as many chocolate chip cookies as possible and Opt in for Trails!

Full Press Release:

Cookies for A Cause

Join Telluride Mountain Club at The Butcher & Baker on December 12 to Opt in for Trails

Telluride, CO: The Telluride Mountain Club (TMtC) has partnered with The Butcher & Baker for a fun twist on fundraising: Cookies for A Cause. On Thursday, December 12, 2019, from 7 am to 8 pm (all day), all chocolate chip and gluten free chocolate chip cookie sales will be donated to TMtC’s new trail fundraising campaign, Opt in for Trails.

Opt in for Trails has been established to help sustain funding for ongoing trail maintenance and new trail projects in the Telluride region (Telluride does not have perpetual funding in place for trail projects on public lands). Our regional trails are continually experiencing increased use as population and tourism numbers grow. At the same time, the United States Forest Service (USFS) budgets are being cut and no other entities are taking on the responsibility of financial planning to maintain and create new recreation opportunities on our public lands.

Cookies for a Cause is the first planned fundraising event in partnership with local Telluride businesses. Butcher & Baker is the ideal partner to kick off the new fundraising campaign as it’s a natural gathering place for outdoor enthusiasts and trail users. TMtC is looking for more businesses to participate and help Opt in for Trails.

“We can’t thank The Butcher & Baker enough for their partnership with and donation to TMtC’s Opt in for Trails,” said Josh Borof, TMtC Board President. “What so many people don’t understand is how expensive trails are; it costs around $1,000 annually to maintain a mile of trails and over $35,000 to construct just one mile of new trail. We need the entire community’s help, and this is a great first step.”

TMtC has many trail projects on the horizon for 2020 that will require funding support. A few projects include:

• Engineering and construction for a bridge on the NEW east end Bridal Veil Trail
• A new trail connecting Eider to Mill Creek (Waterline)
• A new Mill Creek Bypass Trail to reduce bikers on the Jud Wiebe
• A Jud Wiebe bridge replacement for the upper Cornet Creek crossing

This is only the beginning. TMtC has spent several years evaluating the region’s current trail system, surveying trail users and conceptualizing new trails to increase connectivity and create a more robust, environmentally conscious and well-planned trail system. TMtC invites you to join them on December 12 at The Butcher & Baker to Opt in for Trails.

About Telluride Mountain Club

The Telluride Mountain Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to advocate for safe, accessible, enjoyable and respectful opportunities for human-powered recreational activities in the Telluride region, through education, awareness and collaboration.

Opt in for Trails

If you are interested in joining the cause to help Opt in for Trails, please contact the Telluride Mountain Club via email at telluridemountainclub@gmail.com for more information and opportunities. Learn more about Opt in for Trails at telluridemountainclub.org/opt-in-for-trails/.

About The Butcher & Baker

The Butcher & The Baker is owned and operated by Telluride local Megan Ossola. The bakery and café specializes in handcrafted, fresh and local cuisine. The feature handmade breads and artisan pastries, fresh salads composed of local greens, fruit and vegetables, locally sourced and house-roasted meats, cheeses, handmade sausages, and sustainably harvested fish. 

Media Contact

Heidi Lauterbach
Telluride Mountain Club
telluridemountainclub@gmail.com