ELEVATING EDUCATION:reaching for the peak performance in every child

Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.“ ” William Butler Yeats

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Message from the President Since its inception in 1981, the Vail Valley Foundation (VVF) has brought an impressive array of cultural, athletic, and educational events and programs to our community that enrich the lives of those who live and visit here.

Athletic and cultural events make a splash and are often what people associate with the VVF. However, our work with education and the programs we support for the community’s young people have an even greater impact because they can change the lives of our most important resource — children.

The education programs that the VVF supports have a direct impact on the children of our community, clearly demonstrate success on every level, and help round out the educational experiences of our youth. We have put this booklet together to give you a glimpse of our many educational initiatives and share with you the joy and meaning these programs bring to the children who participate.

Today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders. The support, encouragement and opportunity we give them now is instrumental in building the future. Please help us continue to offer the children of our community the dynamic programs you’ll read about in the following pages. Together we can create a brighter future.

Ceil Folz President Vail Valley Foundation

Harry Frampton chairPersonVail Valley Foundation

Sandra Smyser, Ph.D.eagle county school district suPerintendent, youth Foundation Board MeMBer, MeMBer oF aMerican association oF school adMinis-trators, co goVernors council

R.A. Chupa Nelsonr.a. nelson & associates Founder/ceo, youth Foundation Founding MeMBer, Vail Valley Foundation Board MeMBer

Brian NolangrouP 970 ceo, eagle county school district Board MeMBer, Board MeMBer oF: BeaVer creek resort co., Vail Valley PartnershiPs, Vail econoMic deVeloPMent council

Eric Resnick ksl caPital Partners Managing director, denVer MuseuM oF nature and science Board MeMBer, ussa Foundation trustee, Vail Valley Foundation Board MeMBer

Ann Smead Managing director oF redeMco and Mill creek systeMs, real estate consultant, Vail Valley Foundation Board MeMBer

Education Committee

Oscar Tang, Chairperson PhilliPs acadeMy Board President, MetroPolitan MuseuM oF art & china institute in aMerica trustee, coMMittee oF 100-goVernor, Vail Valley Foundation Board MeMBer

Bjorn Erik BorgenBorgen inVestMent grouP, owner oF kVitFjell ski resort, ussa Foundation trustee, 2015 ski world chaMPionshiP Bid coMMittee, Vail Valley Foundation Board MeMBer

Ron DavisFounder Perrier grouP, Vail Valley Medical center Board chairMan, Founder guardian scholars, youth Foundation Board MeMBer

Gerald Gallegosgallegos corP. Founder/ceo, youth Foundation Founding MeMBer, Board MeMBer oF: el PoMar Foundation, rounduP riVer ranch and Vail Valley Foundation

Sandra Smyser, Ph.D.eagle county school district suPerintendent, youth Foundation Board MeMBer, MeMBer oF aMerican association oF school adMinis-trators, co goVernors council

Margie Gart rose coMMunity Foundation trustee, woMen’s Foundation oF colorado trustee, Vail Valley Foundation Board MeMBer

Mike Herman cerner corPoration Board MeMBer, kauFFMan Foundation ForMer President, kansas city royals ForMer President, Vail Valley Foundation Board MeMBer

Chris JarnotVail Mountain sVP and chieF oPerating oFFicer, sos outreach Board MeMBer, Vail Valley Foundation Board MeMBer

Mike Johnstoncolorado state senator, education adVisor to President oBaMa, MaPleton exPeditionary school oF the arts co-Founder, new leaders For new schools co-Founder

A high-quality education is one of the most important things that we can provide to children in our community. It gives them the skills to achieve in their own lives and the curiosity to become lifelong learners.

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” Margie GartVail Valley Foundation Board MeMBer

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Ignite passion. Enrich lives.The Vail Valley Foundation’s education efforts are focused on one goal – give every child in Eagle County access to education-based programs that ignite passions and expand their horizons. To achieve this goal we identify educational gaps then develop, evaluate and fund programs that provide youth with the skills, confidence and support to become outstanding leaders and stewards in our community and the world.

Parents, educators and community organizations all come together to ensure the success of our programs. In doing so, they enrich their lives and society. That’s the power of education, and the important role the VVF plays in our community.

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Educate today. Change tomorrow.It takes leadership and dedication to enhance and expand educational opportunities, particularly for at-risk students. Since its inception, the Vail Valley Foundation has taken an active leadership role in the educational system. We continually identify needs and fund programs that address the changing demographics of our community.

When we invest in education we invest in the future. The children of Eagle County need your support to achieve their goals.

ThE FaCTs:

• According to the National Education Association, Colorado ranks 42nd in the nation in public school revenue per student. Colorado spends $9,926, compared to the national average of $10,506.

• Our state ranks 46th in dollars spent on K-12 education at $34 per $1,000 in income.

• Eagle County spends $7,591 per student compared to communities with similar income profiles that spend between $15,000 to $17,000 per student.

• The achievement gap between Hispanics and Caucasian students is a significant 34 – 47 point differential on the Colorado Student Assessment Program tests that are administered annually. As demographics change, this gap will increase.

• For every pre-kindergarten dollar that is spent on our children, we save up to $17 over time in areas such as special education, health care and social services.

• The graduation rate in Eagle County is 82.7% for Caucasians and under 70% for Hispanic students.

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

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”Nelson Mandela

Magic Bus Learning starts long before the first day of kindergarten but not every child has the same educational opportunities prior to starting school. The Magic Bus program provides children ages 3-5 who are not enrolled in licensed pre-school programs access to a year-round kindergarten preparedness program. Since its inception, the Magic Bus has helped hundreds of children in Eagle County be ready to learn — increasing kindergarten readiness and increasing students’ chances at long-term academic success.

When my baby started on the Magic Bus, I suddenly realized how quickly his mind was growing! He was repeating words and songs that he heard on the bus. We LOVE the Magic Bus!

“” Maria

Parent

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success at sixSix years ago, only 21% of Eagle County kindergartners attended a full-day kindergarten program. Enrollment in a full-day kindergarten program can decrease learning and social problems in later grades and is essential to closing the achievement gap among minority and lower income students. While the State of Colorado does not provide for full-day kindergarten, a partnership between the Vail Valley Foundation and the Eagle County School District provides every child with funds to participate in a quality program. Thanks to this partnership, teachers report dramatic improvement in at-risk students.

I have noticed a significant difference in the children who attend my full day kindergarten program. They show greater progress in literacy, math, general learning skills and social skills.

“”Sarah Warner

kindergarten teacher eagle Valley eleMentary

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sowing seedsPlanting a garden connects children to the environment, fosters understanding of the origin of food, and teaches responsibility through stimulating hands-on activities. Sowing Seeds works with pubic schools to integrate gardening into the curriculum. The result — teachers can use this resource-rich school garden as a catalyst to discuss the food cycle, the natural environment and making smart food choices. Students incorporate their gardening produce into the school cafeteria program and learn food economics by selling plants and vegetables to the local community.

The most incredible results have been in seeing students look beyond themselves and their immediate surroundings. They begin to understand their role in the environment and their individual responsibility for their health and the health of the planet.

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” Anne HeckmanBrush creek eleMentary PrinciPal

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First NotesResearch indicates that early access to music instruction enhances memory, math ability, reading skills, vocabulary, and spatial temporal skills, and greatly improves academic performance. First Notes is an after school music-based program that introduces elementary school students to the world of instrumental music and live performance. As students learn to play their instruments they are also exposed to the importance of achieving success through hard work, dedication, determination and passion.

Modeled after the renowned Venezuelan music education program, El Sistema, First Notes is a social and academic program that creates a safe and inspiring learning environment by engaging children through the art of music.

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” Tony KieraldoFirst notes director

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Celebrate the BeatDancing enhances children’s education. Through dance, children not only learn the benefits of exercising, but they also learn coordination, stamina, memory and discipline. Introduced through the Vail International Dance Festival by Damian Woetzel with Tracy Straus as Artistic Director, Celebrate the Beat gives 1,000 elementary school students in Eagle County the chance to dance. This school-based program motivates children to believe in themselves, value artistic expression, develop creativity and teamwork, and instill a personal standard of excellence.

I love Celebrate the Beat! It gave me the confidence to do something I’ve never done. CTB is the most fascinating, fabulous, entertaining, enjoyable thing ever.

“” Gavin

5th graderMeadow Mountain eleMentary school

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College scholarshipsAn advanced degree is more important than ever but college tuition can be out of reach for many. The Vail Valley Foundation believes in rewarding students for their hard work and providing the opportunity for more Eagle County residents to pursue their dreams. Established by the Foundation in 1992, the scholarship program has grown into the largest collegiate scholarship effort in the Valley with a total of $1,400,000 raised. The VVF awards a variety of scholarships, including the VVF four-year, June Kang Love of the Arts, and annually up to 10 Karri Casner scholarships for students attending Colorado Mountain College.

This scholarship has allowed me to pursue opportunities that would be unreachable otherwise. I would not be where I am today without the Vail Valley Foundation.

“” Alfredo Velasco

soPhoMore, dartMouth

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More opportunities. More inspiration.sTaRs — suPPoRT ThE aRTs REaChINg sTudENTs Every child in the Vail Valley gets to enjoy the STARS program. In-school workshops and daytime performances at the Vilar Performing Arts Center (VPAC) provide children with cultural enrichment. Each year, the VPAC provides free transportation and tickets to more than 5,000 Eagle County students to expose them to the thrill of live performing arts.

NuRTuRINg FuTuRE aRTIsTsThe Vilar Performing Arts Center is fortunate to host some of the world’s finest artists. Nurturing Future Artists provides the funds which enable local music, dance and drama students to attend performances at no charge. Through this rare experience of watching renowned artists, young artists’ dreams of performing on stage are fueled.

VIlaR CENTER CoMMuNITy PERFoRMaNCE FuNdEach year, the Performance Fund underwrites the technical, production, labor and theater-usage costs for ten local dance, music and theatrical performances with in-kind contributions exceeding $60,000. This gives local artists the opportunity to experience the excitement of performing on an incredible stage with professional production qualities and support.

Passion-driven education liberates students and gives them the self-confidence to discover who they are as individuals and how they fit in the world.

“”Yo-Yo Ma

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Exposure to performing arts at a young age creates the stepping stones to becoming a well-rounded and productive adult. These experiences foster an abiding interest in the arts and a desire for learning at all stages of life.

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” Annah ScullyParent and educator

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Education Elevation While the Vail Valley Foundation has numerous in-house education programs, it is equally important for us to identify and financially support those programs in our community that have the highest educational expectations for children. Education Elevation’s goal is to create a pipeline of seamless services addressing the needs of the changing demographics of our community. By identifying needs, creating and funding programs to fill gaps through community grants, and joining in collaborative efforts with other organizations to avoid redundancy, the Vail Valley Foundation is providing leadership in ensuring that valuable programs for our youth are supported within the community. Examples of funded programs are: Walking Mountains, Vail Jazz Foundation, Vail Performing Arts Academy, Bright Future Foundation, Family Learning Center, Eagle County Early Childhood Programs, Betty Ford Alpine Center, SOS, and The Youth Foundation After-School Program.

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• The VVF total student contact hours = 181,680

• Total number of children served by the VVF programs = 23,200

• Total number of children served through the VVF-supported education programs = 14,785

• The VVF average cost of contact hours per child = $3.51

• National average cost for quality after school programs per child = $4.17

• Demographic of children served = 52% of household incomes are less than the mean income for the U.S. ($52,000)

• Direct financial impact to the community from the VVF education programs and grants = $1,176,000

• In any given year, the VVF supports 25 students pursuing college degrees

• The VVF has helped fund over 130 college scholarships since the program’s inception in 1992

VVF has been a generous supporter of Walking Mountain’s hands-on field science programs since 1999, allowing us to instill excitement about science among our local children and connect them to their mountain environment.

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Markian FeduschakexecutiVe director, walking Mountains

(ForMerly gore range natural science school)

Who we reach. how we reach them.

Make a difference. give today.

aNNual CoNTRIBuTIoNEvery gift, large and small, will have a significant impact on a student in our community. By making an unrestricted gift to VVF Education, you can be assured that your charitable contribution will always serve a vital purpose. The Foundation will put your donation where it is needed most.

REsTRICTEd gIFTsRestricted gifts allow donors to focus their contributions on a specific program or area. Restricted gifts may be used for any of the programs listed in this brochure. For example:

• $2,500 gift covers one student in need of a full kindergarten scholarship through success at six.

• $5,000 gift covers one class of children on the Magic Bus for an entire year.

• $10,000 gift covers the one-week celebrate the Beat summer camp for 100 children.

• $15,000 gift covers the cost of expanding the sowing seeds program into another school.

• $25,000 gift covers the cost of rental instruments for an entire year in the First notes program.

doNoR adVIsEd gIFTsThe Foundation welcomes and manages Donor Advised Funds. This charitable vehicle allows an individual, family, or corporation to make an irrevocable, tax-deductible contribution of personal assets to the Vail Valley Foundation, and at any time thereafter recommend grant distributions from that account to both VVF programs and community Education Elevation programs.

ENdoWMENTGifts may be made to the VVF’s Endowment to help assure in perpetuity the Foundation’s mission.

ColoRado ChIldCaRE CoNTRIBuTIoN Tax CREdITColorado tax payers who support qualified childcare programs in the state may receive a 50% Colorado income tax credit. All of our early childhood programs meet the State’s guidelines for this credit. Please consult your tax advisor to determine your eligibility.

PlaNNEd gIVINgThere are many ways to include VVF Education in your estate plans. Please call the VVF Education or Development Office for further information.

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We take pride in the education initiatives of the Vail Valley Foundation... At every level from preschool to adulthood, we offer the opportunity for intellectual growth, and we strive to make a difference in places where public funding does not reach.

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” Harry FramptonVail Valley Foundation,chairMan oF the Board

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your gift. Their futures.Education is a gift that lasts a lifetime. The Vail Valley Foundation’s programs enrich our children’s education and help provide a solid foundation for bright futures. Your generosity can truly make a difference in the lives of young people throughout Eagle County.

Without your support, the Vail Valley Foundation will be hard pressed to continue and enhance the valuable education programs we offer. The Vail Valley Foundation is supported entirely by gifts from individuals like you — individuals who recognize the importance of ensuring all children have an equal opportunity to succeed and prosper.

The success of our children means success for our community. Please, take a moment to review your giving options outlined on page 16. However you choose to give, youth throughout Eagle County will give you a standing ovation.

Contact the Director of Education at 970.949.1999.

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I support VVF’s educational initiatives because they help our children from pre-school through college by creating and funding worthwhile educational programs, providing scholarships, and awarding grants to local non-profits, all of which empower thousands of children and families in our Valley.

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”Gerald GallegosVVF Board MeMBer and education coMMittee MeMBer

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PO Box 309, Vail, CO 8165890 Benchmark Rd. Suite 300, Avon, CO 81620970.949.1999 | vvf.org

Roger Behler

Judith Berkowitz

Marlene Boll

Bjorn Erik Borgen

Jack Crosby

Andrew Daly

Bill Esrey

Johannes Faessler

Timothy Finchem

Ceil Folz, President

Harry Frampton, Chairperson

Peter Frechette

Steve Friedman

Gerald Gallegos

John Galvin

John Garnsey

Margie Gart

Bob Gary

George Gillett

Donna Giordano

Sheika Gramshammer

Marty Head

Mike Herman

Bobby Hernreich

Bill Hybl

Chris Jarnot

Rob Katz

Kent Logan

Peter May

R.A. “Chupa” Nelson

Eric Resnick

Doug Rippeto

Ken Schanzer

Mike Shannon

Stanley Shuman

Rod Slifer

Ann Smead

Oscar Tang

Stew Turley

Betsy Wiegers

DIRECTORS EMERITUS

Adam Aron

Berry Craddock

Pepi Gramshammer

Steve Haber

Elaine Kelton

IN MEMORIAM

President Gerald R. Ford

Jack Kemp

Board oF directors