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Vail Resorts

Through the generosity of the Vail Resorts Echo charitable giving program, the Youth Foundation has developed the Engaging Kids in Community program, a program to teach children that everyone has gifts to share and should be part of creating a better future for our community through service learning. Service learning/ community give back is a required component of all Youth Foundation after-school programs and is a way to engage young people in their community. It is a philosophy that young people are a community’s greatest resource and asset – and that it is the responsibility of our community to help young people become democratic citizens that are knowledgeable contributors to our community.

Through the Engaging Kids in Community program students have participated in a variety of give back projects, each offering valuable impact, particularly when connected to activities that complement current learning.

A group of middle schoolers participating in soccer scrimmages with fifth graders set a valuable example of mentoring, sportsmanship, confidence building, and respect.

Students at Avon Elementary raised money and awareness regarding endangered species and climate change, learning about environmental awareness and keeping the environment clean. They are now part of a community-wide challenge to encourage people to recycle plastic bags and will be distributing reusable bags.

Children in the Edwards Elementary Homework Club collected pennies for peace, a cross-cultural program that teaches children that they can be active participants in the creation of global peace.

High school students created and sent care packages to our college Guardian Scholars, offering a bit of encouragement at just the right time.

“Having the support of the Vail Resorts 360 charitable giving program sends a strong message of their commitment to families in this community and their desire to see children thrive and grow in our resort towns”, notes Katie Santambrogio, Marketing & Event Director for the Youth Foundation. “We are so thankful to Vail Resorts for providing such outstanding support. With Vail Resorts contribution we can focus on enhancing our enrichment opportunities and ensuring that children have a safe and fun place to be during after school hours.”