After just a few days of public crowdfunding, the group seeking to purchase Mt. Bachelor ski area from corporate ownership raised more than half its funding goal to cover administrative costs.

Meanwhile, Powdr Corp., a Utah-based company that has owned the ski area since 2001 and put it up for sale in August, has received multiple inquiries, said Stacey Hutchinson, Powdr Corp. vice president communications and government affairs.

Inquiries have been forwarded to the company’s agent.

Calling itself Mt. Bachelor Community Inc. the local group launched a website and a GoFundMe page this week.

Donations ranged from $10 to

$1,000, all going toward a $35,000 goal to pay for legal fees, insurance and supplies.

The donations are not tax deductible or refundable. The group plans to look elsewhere for funding to invest in purchasing the ski area, according to its website.

Community kick off

Community kick off

Mt. Bachelor Community Inc. is planning to host a kick off event at 3 p.m. Oct. 12 at Drake Park in Bend. For more information go to mtbachelorcommunity.com.

“The response has solidified what we already believed to be true,” said Chris Porter, a La Pine High School teacher who with Dan Cochrane, a Bend real estate appraiser, are leading the charge.

“The Mt. Bachelor community of enthusiasts have once again gone above our expectations and shown their support not only through their voice, but now through their financial donations to see this endeavor has the resources it needs to succeed.”

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