Summer 2023 Newsletter

What's Inside
Summer
Upcoming Events
Get Involved
Great Rubber Duck Race - Sept. 2
Wine in the Mine - Sept. 7
Parade of Homes - 09/23 -24
09/30 -10/01
Leaving a Legacy
Tyler Updegraff memorial scholarship
The Quiet Struggle
The effect of cost of
the living increases
Bonnie Ward
A welcoming volunteer
Welcome New Residents
Creating Community Connections
Hello ,
As the vibrant days of summer unfold
before us, so too do countless
opportunities to engage, inspire, and make
a lasting mark. In this sizzling edition of our
newsletter, we're excited to guide you
through a journey of exploration,
participation, and creating a legacy that
resonates long after the season fades.
From local events that spark connection, to
initiatives that magnify the need for
positive change, we're here to help you
step out, get involved, and amplify your
impact. So let's dive into the warmth of the
season, embracing the chance to leave our
mark on the world and uplift the
communities we touch.
Warmest Regards,
Summit Foundation
Board & Staff
www.summitfoundation.org

Thursday, September 7th
5:30 - 9:00 pm
Tickets are limited! Buy yours today!
Fun Raisers!
We invite you to join hands with us in
creating a stronger, more vibrant community.
Our upcoming events offer a unique
opportunity to not only experience
meaningful moments but also make a lasting
difference. Whether you attend, volunteer,
or sponsor, you're directly contributing to
the growth and prosperity of our
community. Every dollar raised and every
minute volunteered adds up, empowering us
to create sustainable change and foster an
environment where everyone can thrive.
Together, we can turn awareness into action
and dreams into reality. Join us in this
journey of transformation, as we paint a
brighter future for all.
Upcoming Events
Parade of Homes

TYLER UPDEGRAFF
Leaving a legacy that cherishes his memory
The family of Tyler Updegraff has established a
scholarship fund at the Summit Foundation in his
memory to honor Tyler’s love of Summit County and
continue his impact.
Tyler passed away in January 2023 as a result of a
skiing accident in Aspen. He grew up in Pennsylvania
and had been in Summit County since 2019. Tyler
loved the community, and he especially enjoyed
giving back and helping young people find their path
in life. He found his mission working as a Youth
Program Coordinator for the Mountain Mentors
program and was a role model to many youth. He
was also an assistant football coach at Summit High
School and those students also looked up to him.
Tyler was fortunate to live his life authentically in
our beautiful community with wonderful friends and
coworkers.
Two annual scholarships will be awarded, starting
with the 2024 Summit High School graduating class.
The scholarship recipients selected will be student
athletes with financial need who demonstrate
academic excellence and outstanding leadership or
community service. Students may apply beginning in
December 2023.
The Summit Foundation honors Tyler and his life,
and we offer our sympathy to his many friends and
family. His legacy will continue to live on in Summit
County in so many ways, including through these
scholarships. Donations to the Tyler Updegraff
Memorial Scholarship Fund are welcome and can be
made on our website summitfoundation.org.
www.summitfoundation.org

The Quiet Struggle
How cost of living increases impact working
families and the need to support local
nonprofits.
Living expenses have been on the rise, affecting
everyone in society. However, certain professions,
like teachers, healthcare workers, and frontline
service workers in our community, have unique
challenges. Despite their indispensable roles, they
often face financial vulnerability. These dedicated
individuals play crucial roles in shaping society and
caring for its well-being, but they are not immune to
the pressures of escalating costs. The seemingly
minor increases in expenses, such as gas prices and
groceries, can cause significant financial strain,
making it increasingly difficult for people to manage
daily life expenses, including transportation,
groceries, childcare, and healthcare.
The Necessity of Community Resources
As the costs of daily living continue to rise, more
families find themselves relying on community
resources to fulfill their basic needs. The food
market, health clinic, childcare tuition support, and
rental assistance programs serve as essential lifelines
for these families, preventing them from slipping into
financial crisis or moving away.These programs and
organizations such as FIRC and the Community Care
Clinic help to bridge the gap between financial
struggle and stability, ensuring working families
can access food, healthcare, and rental support.
However, the growing demand for these
services reflects the severity of the issue. Many
families who once lived comfortably now find
themselves dependent on these resources, and
it is vital to address their needs so they can
continue to live here.
Challenges of Seeking Nonprofit Support
One of the most significant hurdles faced by
working families is the stigma associated with
seeking help. The belief that asking for
assistance indicates weakness or failure
prevents many families from accessing the
support they desperately need. Moreover,
navigating the process of seeking help can be
complex and intimidating for those unfamiliar
with resources. By reducing stigma and
promoting accessibility, we can empower
families to seek support without fear or shame.
The Summit Foundation's Role in Supporting
Local Nonprofits
To combat the challenges working families and
local nonprofits face, the Summit Foundation
plays a crucial role. The Foundation is
committed to providing secure funding to local
nonprofits, enabling them to continue their
essential work. Additionally, the Summit
Continued...
www.summitfoundation.org

... continued
Foundation empowers nonprofits with leadership
and professional resources, ensuring they have the
tools and knowledge to expand their capabilities
and support an increasing number of families in
need. By forging successful partnerships with local
nonprofits, the Summit Foundation positively
impacts the community, inspiring hope for a
brighter future.
The plight of working families facing cost of living
increases is a pressing concern. The reliance on
community resources and nonprofit support is a
reflection of the growing financial strain on these
families. Our local nonprofits, government entities,
and businesses are all working to help address this
issue and make sure people who work here are
able to live here. That is the fabric of our
community. The Summit Foundation is committed
to recognizing the importance of these essential
services and strengthening our support for our
working families. We can create a more equitable
and compassionate society for everyone through
collective efforts.
A welcoming volunteer
Bonnie Ward gives her time to help new
residents get involved.
Bonnie Ward is an outstanding community
volunteer who is involved in various education
endeavors. She is the Vice Chair of the
nonprofit Education Foundation of the Summit
that supports local teachers and schools, a
mentor and director for Mountain Scholars as
well as the Pre-Collegiate program, and was
formerly on the Summit School District Board
of Education, among others.
In addition to the tremendous impact she
makes in our community and the lives of so
many students, Bonnie partners with the
Summit Foundation by having coffee (her
treat!) with potential volunteers interested in
education and gets them connected with the
projects that align with their passion.
Thank you, Bonnie, for all you do! You are a
true role model for all in our community.
Volunteer

a tapestry of support and compassion that enriches
the lives of all who call Summit County home.
Creating Community Connections
Welcome New Residents
At the Summit Foundation, we believe that
engaging with our new residents is key to
fostering and continuing a thriving and
interconnected community. Our Welcome New
Resident Program aims to extend a warm hand
of friendship to those who have recently made
Summit County their home. Through a
partnership with local realtors and other
community partners, we have reached out to
new homeowners, ensuring they feel connected
to the community from the beginning.
As part of this program, we proudly offer a
complimentary bottle of our signature "Soul of
the Summit Wine," crafted in collaboration with
Carboy Winery. This small gesture serves as a
warm welcome, but it is just the beginning of
what we hope will be a deep and meaningful
connection.
Connections Made
The essence of our New Resident Program is to
initiate conversations that spark community
interests, introduce like-minded individuals, and
encourage their community involvement. When
we connect with our neighbors, we can weave
Another pivotal aspect of our outreach is our home
receptions, graciously hosted by our esteemed board
members or other donors. These gatherings provide
an opportunity to bring together new residents,
long-time community members, and supporters of
the Summit Foundation.
During these gatherings, we share information about
the Summit Foundation as well as stories of the
remarkable resources and nonprofits that form the
very fabric of our community. We believe that these
stories inspire and unite us all in our shared mission
to make Summit County a place where everyone
thrives.
As we engage with our community, progress through
our Welcome New Resident Program, and host
engaging home receptions, we are reminded that our
greatest strength lies in the connections we forge.
These connections empower each other to create
positive change and lasting impact in our community
Help us Connect
We acknowledge that our incredible donors play a
vital role in our success. Your support has allowed us
to uplift countless lives and make a tangible
difference. Now, we kindly ask for your help in
expanding our network of community champions.
If you have friends or acquaintances new to Summit
County and who share a passion for community
involvement, we would be thrilled to meet them and
help connect them. Please let us know, and we will
extend our warmest welcome and provide them with
information on how they can get involved.
New Resident Form

DONATE TODAY
Summit Foundation Staff
Jeanne Bistranin Executive Director
Megan Adamson Community Programs Manager
Fran Blumenfeld Scholarship Manager
Chad Covell Director of Finance
Kate Cowdrey Development Program Manager
Suzanne Lifgren Marketing Manager
Kristin Williams Development Manager
Ashley Zimmerman Events Manager