By Jeff Bradley - Denver Post Staff Writer

Denver Post, June 3, 1997

The Dalai Lama's weekend visit to Colorado, which attracted 14,000 to public and private events, raised about $200,000 to benefit the Tibetan cause, organizer Dawn Engle of Colorado Friends of Tibet said Monday.

"We're thrilled. It exceeded our goals," said Engle.

Most of the money came from the Tibetan spiritual leader's appearance at McNichols Arena on Sunday night and a sell-out session at Boulder's Macky Auditorium on Saturday. He also spoke at Regis University and the Naropa Institute.

Engle said about $115,000 will be sent to the Dalai Lama, who has indicated he wants the funds allocated to the Tibet Fund, which helps Tibetan refugees in Nepal and India.

The remaining $80,000 or so will be retained locally to help Tibetan emigres, a number that will reach 150 by the end of the year when family members join those already here, Engle said.

One idea is to establish a Tibetan Cultural center in Boulder to keep the language and culture alive. The Friends board meets June 11 to decide priorities.