Hurricane Ridge is closer to staying open for the winter season in 2010-2011 thanks to a $5,000 donation from the Sequim City Council on Aug. 9.

Councilors unanimously gave the money from their lodging tax fund to support the cause initiated by the Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce.

"This is an excellent opportunity to partner," Mayor Ken Hays said.

The chamber needs to raise $75,000 to match a $250,000 contribution from the National Park Service. The $75,000 must be raised by Monday, Aug. 16.

Proponents of keeping the 17-mile road open say it will increase tourism revenue by allowing people to access the ski and snow play area seven days a week. The road closes Monday-Thursday from November-March except for holidays and winter break.

Cherie Kidd, spokesman and Port Angeles city councilor, said Sequim’s donation puts them within $5,000 of their goal.

Kidd said their previous fundraiser on July 30 earned $9,000, and they have two fundraisers remaining.

One is 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 11, at Bar N9ne Pizzeria & Lounge, 229 W. First St., Port Angeles, and a "pub crawl" at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 13, as part of the Port Angeles Friday Art Walk.

Contributions also can be made at any Chase Bank and online at www.wnpf.org.

Click "donate," then Olympic National Park and note support for "Hurricane Ridge."

All the proceeds, which are tax deductible, go toward the Ridge Road effort.