Summit Foundation Spring Newsletter 2025

2025

Dear Friends,
As I quickly approach my 100th day as Executive Director of the Summit
Foundation, I find myself energized by all I’ve learned and the incredible
people I’ve had the privilege of meeting. From engaging conversations
with our scholarship recipients, donors, and nonprofit partners to the
exciting ways we’ll be connecting as a community this summer, it’s clear
that generosity is at the “Soul of Summit” County.
This spring is not just about looking back at the impact we’ve made
together—it’s about embracing what’s ahead. That’s why I’m thrilled to
introduce our upcoming I am a philanthropist campaign, a celebration of
the everyday moments of giving that make our community truly special.
Whether it’s a small act of kindness or a transformative gift, philanthropy
takes many forms, and each one helps shape the future we all share.
As you read this newsletter, I invite you to take a moment to reflect on the
difference your generosity makes. Thank you for being part of the Summit
Foundation family—I look forward to all that we will accomplish together.
With gratitude,
Ellen Reid
Executive Director, Summit Foundation
What’s Inside:
Proyecto Thrive: Strength in Collaboration
Bright Futures Ahead
Medallion Holders, Skiers, and Philanthropists
Bringing History to Life for Local Students ṒṒ
Be a philanthropist

Proyecto Thrive:
Strengthening Community Through Collaboration
In 2022, Vail Resorts’ EpicPromise pledged its support to the Summit Foundation to
help tackle one of Summit County’s biggest challenges—ensuring access to summer
and afterschool care for working families. In partnership with the Summit School
District, we launched Proyecto Thrive—a community-driven initiative now making a
measurable impact.
Under thoughtful leadership and input from parents and community members,
Proyecto Thrive has doubled participation in afterschool programs—particularly
among LatinX families. This growth reflects the power of collaboration and shows that
when we include diverse voices in program design, we build more inclusive, effective
solutions for all.
Proyecto Thrive takes advantage of existing school facilities and collaborates with
trusted activity providers to expand capacity and broaden enrichment opportunities.
This model removes barriers to access while bringing arts, academics, and active play
directly to where students already are—school.
“It’s not just about expanding access to
care—it’s about listening to our families,
designing with them, and building
something that reflects the community we
serve.”
– Madison Hennessey
former Proyecto Thrive Coordinator
Thanks to the commitment of our donors,
schools, partners, and families, Proyecto
Thrive is helping more kids thrive—and
that’s a win for the whole community.
P A G E 2
W W W . S U M M I T F O U N D A T I O N . O R G

Bright Futures:
How Scholarships Are Changing Lives
The Summit Foundation has long been
committed to opening doors for local
students. This year, thanks to our generous
donors and the success of the Bright
Futures campaign, we reached an exciting
milestone.
The Foundation awarded approximately
$485,500 in scholarships—a 38% increase
from last year—to 161 Summit High School
seniors. This growth is largely due to the
Bright Futures Fund, created in celebration
of our 40th Anniversary.
These resources allow for the expansion and
duration of awards across 33 managed
scholarship funds, including the launch of new
four-year Bright Futures Scholarships.
“Seeing these students work so hard makes you
want to help every single one of them, and with
the additional Bright Futures Funds, we’re
making an even bigger impact.”
- Don Dankner,
Scholarship Committee
These awards reflect more than financial
support—they represent our ongoing
commitment to student success, whether
through college, trade school, or careers that
sustain Summit County.
Bright Futures:
Preparing Summit County’s Next Workforce
Thanks to over 350 donors, the Bright Futures
Fund is reshaping education in Summit
County. In collaboration with the Summit
School District, we’re fueling the Future Ready
Pathways Program—offering students
hands-on learning in fields like construction,
technology, healthcare, and natural resources.
Meet our 2025 Scholars
This program opens doors for students
who might not thrive in traditional
classrooms. Through internships,
certifications, and real-world
learning, students gain
confidence, direction, and the
ability to contribute to the
local workforce.
“Support from Bright Futures has taken us
from a single shared welding class to building a
tiny home. Students are discovering skills and
passions that will last a lifetime.”
-Oakley Van Oss,
Careers in Construction teacher
Bright Futures ensures
students whether headed
to work or college
—have what they need to
succeed.
P A G E 5

Medallion Holders, Skiers, and Philanthropists:
Get to Know Barry Skolnick and the Brokers.
The Medallion Program is more than just a
ski pass—it's a community of philanthropists
who love the mountains and believe in
giving back.
Since 1984, the Summit Foundation has
partnered with our local ski areas to provide
an opportunity for donors to support vital
nonprofits while enjoying the slopes. What
started with ticket donations has grown into
a key funding program, with over 300
medallions in circulation today, providing
unlimited access to Arapahoe Basin,
Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, and
Keystone.
Medallion holders like Barry Skolnick
embody the program’s mission. Barry, an
avid skier and long-time supporter of the
Summit Foundation, uses his medallion not
only to enjoy the mountains but also to
share the importance of giving back.
Barry says "Skiing is a way of life for me, and
the Medallion Program lets me give back to
the community while doing what I enjoy. I
encourage friends who borrow my
medallion to learn about the Summit
Foundation and find their own way to give
back. The skiing is just a bonus."
Barry’s enthusiasm is contagious. His
collection of ski shots, including the one
featured in the Medallion Benefit Booklet,
reflects his love for the sport. But beyond
the images, he takes every opportunity to
tell others why he thinks that contributing
to the Summit Foundation is the absolute
best way to support those in need in
Summit County.
I already have passes to all the
resorts, so I don’t buy a medallion
for the skiing—I buy it because
it’s the best way I know to give
back to this community. The
medallion lets me share my love
of the mountains with friends
and family while helping those in
Summit County who need it
most.”
— Barry Skolnick,
Medallion Holder & Community Advocate
W W W . S U M M I T F O U N D A T I O N . O R G P A G E 4

Another pair of dedicated Medallion holders,
John and Jennifer Broker, are a local couple
who have found a way to blend their love of
skiing with their passion for meeting new
people and supporting the community.
"The Medallion Program has given us more
than just access to the mountains—it has
introduced us to like-minded people who
share our love for skiing and giving back,"
they say. "Every time we take a few runs
with friends; we’re reminded that skiing for
good is what makes this community so
special."
The Medallion Program generated
$2 million last year, allowing the Summit
Foundation to award grants to 113 nonprofits
and provide scholarships to 161 students. While
it is just one of our funding streams, it is the
one that directly connects philanthropy to our
mountain community that inspires us every
day.
Philanthropy is often thought of as something
only Warren Buffett or the Gates’ can do, but
philanthropy comes in many forms. At the
Summit Foundation, it comes from powder
turns, sunshine groomers, and the people who
care for our community—one turn at a time.
So, the next time you’re on the slopes, look
around—you might catch Barry in his bright
yellow jacket and Summit Foundation goggles
or the Brokers sharing their love for skiing and
giving back. And who knows? Maybe you’ll be
inspired to join the movement and ski for
good.
L E A R N M O R E A B O U T T H E M E D A L L I O N P R O G R A M P A G E 5

Bringing History to Life for Local Students.
In 2024, the Summit Foundation awarded nearly $2 million in grants to 113 local
nonprofits, including the Summit Historical Society, which is expanding educational
programs that immerse youth in the rich history of our area.
Through interactive workshops held both in schools and at historic sites, students in
grades 3–6 explore Ute traditions, mining life, and early homesteading—connecting
them to what life was like in Summit County over a century ago. These hands-on
experiences spark curiosity and make local history relevant and memorable for young
learners.
"We are profoundly grateful to the Summit Foundation and its donors for their
generous support. This funding allows us to expand our educational programs,
ensuring that every child in Summit County has the chance to connect with and
learn from our rich history. By understanding the past, these young minds are
better equipped to shape a compassionate and informed future." – Karn
Stiegelmeier
Programs like this not only preserve local heritage—they inspire future generations to
carry it forward with pride and purpose. Through thoughtful funding, history becomes a
living, lasting part of our community’s story.
W W W . S U M M I T F O U N D A T I O N . O R G
P A G E 6

Be a philanthropist.
Philanthropy takes many forms—attending
events, volunteering, making a donation, or
simply showing up when it matters. There are
countless ways to care for our community. All
you have to do is start.
Upcoming
Events
This summer, the Summit Foundation invites
you to get involved in ways that are
meaningful to you. From the excitement of
the Great Rubber Duck Race to the friendly
spirit of the Golf Tournament, our events bring
people together to celebrate and create
impact.
June 13 - 14, 2025
Register Now!
We’re also introducing Home Receptions
smaller gatherings where you can connect
with others who care and learn how collective
giving fuels real change in Summit County.
Every act of philanthropy helps fund
scholarships, nonprofit grants, and programs
that make our community stronger.
Let the Summit Foundation
be your guide.
August 30 2025
WINE
AT THE
MINE
September 4, 2025
www.summitfoundation.org