Proceeds will support the foundation’s $160,000 classroom, school, and district grants program, which is currently accepting applications from teachers and administrators. Funds will also help sustain the foundation’s $100,000-plus scholarship program for graduating seniors, along with community service events such as the resource fairs and the Durango School District Staff Appreciation Celebration.
This year’s sold-out event reached its goal of 120 attendees and expanded the silent auction from 40 to 66 items. By opening the auction to district families, bids increased from 125 to 360, with many items selling for twice their value.
Sponsorships doubled before the event began, with special thanks to gold sponsors Alpine Bank, Meteor Education, and 2nd Avenue Sports. The event also relied on 30 volunteers and seven businesses that opened their spaces, with the Strater Hotel serving as anchor host for the third year. Other location sponsors included The Black Heron Lounge, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum, Henry Strater Theatre, Hermosa Cafe, Lizard Head Trading Company, May Palace, and El Rancho Tavern.
Cocktail sponsors included The Black Heron Lounge, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum, Hermosa Cafe, Honey House Distillery, El Moro Tavern, and El Rancho Tavern. The People’s Choice Award winners were Barb Harrell and AmyBeth Shaffer of Honey House Distillery for their Espresso Martini with Horchata and Pumpkin Spice Foam, and Christen Jensen of The Black Heron Lounge for her Whiskey Hex.
Individuals or businesses interested in becoming sponsors for the 2026 event may call Wendy Allsbrook Javier, DEF Executive Director, at 970-769-7600. Public ticket sales open Sept. 4, 2026, for next year’s Spirits with the Spectres, which is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. A full list of sponsors is available on the Durango Education Foundation website.