SAM Magazine-Broomfield, Colo., June 28, 2007-Vail Resorts (VR) will donate $5 from the sale of each 2007-08 Heavenly season pass sold between now and December 2007 to residents impacted by the Angora fire currently ravaging the South Lake Tahoe area. The program is expected to raise about $75,000.

By early Thursday morning, the South Lake Tahoe fire had burned 3,000 acres, destroyed 200 homes and caused an estimated $150 million in property damage.

"The partnerships we share with our communities don't stop at the end of each business day; we are committed to aid local residents and Heavenly employees who have been touched by this terrible disaster," said Rob Katz, CEO of Vail Resorts.

"Vail Resorts is a collection of people, many of whom call South Lake Tahoe home, and when times get tough, we reach out to help our friends and neighbors," added Blaise Carrig, CEO of Heavenly Mountain Resort.

Money raised will go to residents who urgently need essentials such as clothing, food and shelter. VR and Heavenly are partnering with the South Lake Tahoe community and local businesses to manage the distribution of collective funds.

Heavenly itself has not been impacted by the fire, but with wildfire crews struggling to control the fickle blaze, it remains unclear how much of the Tahoe area will be effected. Heavenly's daily gondola operations have been suspended to accommodate emergency support operations.