Vail Resorts has pledged $500,000 to support the 2008 Democratic National Convention and encourage environmentally friendly practices at the gathering.

Vail will provide lanyards and credential holders made of recycled materials to more than 15,000 journalists and guests expected for the gathering next August.

The resort pledged to encouraging the use of recycled materials and renewable energy at the convention. Democrats hope to make the convention "green" through the use of wind-power credits, by reducing the amount of paper consumed and by encouraging delegates to use vehicles powered by alternative fuels.

"We have a special obligation to protect the natural environment in which we operate and are proud to support the greening efforts of the 2008 Democratic National Convention," said Rob Katz, CEO of Vail Resorts. "Our sponsorship of the 2008 convention is an important way for our company to help the state of Colorado showcase all of the natural beauty it has to offer."

The host committee must raise more than $40 million in cash and $15 million in in-kind contributions

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