Summit Foundation Spring Newsletter

Summit Foundation Newsletter
Spring 2024

A Bright
Future for All
In celebration of our 40th
Anniversary, we have established
the Bright Futures Fund with a
goal to raise $2 million or more to
continue our work in education
and help working families in our
community. The Fund is focused on
two important initiatives:
• Larger college scholarships for
low-income students
• Expansion of hands-on Career
Tech (vocational/trades) training
and programming at Summit
High School in conjunction with
Colorado Mountain College
The Bright Futures Fund is a rapid
response fund that will provide
support for short-term needs
with a long-term impact. Grants
will include capital, equipment,
programming, apprenticeships, and
scholarships.
Please consider going above and
beyond with your giving this year
by making a one-time donation to
the Bright Futures Fund in addition
to your annual gift. You will be glad
you did, and you will truly make a
difference.
For more information or to schedule
a tour of the programs
at the high school, please contact
our Development Director
Kristin Williams at Kristin@
SummitFoundation.org
or (970) 453-5970.
MAKE A DONATION to the
Bright Futures Fund by visiting
our website.
One thing we know about our
community is that we always go
above and beyond.
Perhaps it’s the nature of the people
who live here, with our extreme sports,
the highest mountains to climb, or
the steepest trails to ride. We know
for sure that we always have the
willingness to bend over backwards
to help each other and make sure our
neighbors have everything they need,
even if it means a sacrifice on our part.
As the Summit Foundation celebrates
40 years, we reflect back on the many
times that our community has come
together to help, which are numerous
and wide-ranging.
During the pandemic in 2020 when
so many people were suddenly out
of work, the Summit Foundation
launched the Summit County Cares
Fund and became the main repository
for donations and coordinating fastpaced
financial distributions back out
to the community for people in need.
Our community partners immediately
helped those in need with food, mental
health assistance, childcare, hot spots
for remote education, and so much
more. Our donors willingly stepped
up to help their fellow neighbors in
need—without even being asked.
Those donations ranged from $10 to
thousands of dollars, and in the end
it all added up to over $1.6 million
of relief and assistance for people in
our community during the pandemic.
Above and beyond indeed.
GOING
ABOVE
AND
BEYOND
Dr. Isa Cirrilo and Dr. John Warner
A few years ago the Summit
Foundation heard about an amazing
woman who was a dentist in her
home country of Mexico but had since
moved here and was required to go
to dental school again in the United
States in order to practice dentistry.
Generous donors came together to
help her put a dent in her student
loans and the expensive cost of her
university education in the US. People
did this without ever meeting her,
without asking any questions, and just
knowing that she needed assistance in
building a life here in Summit County
for her and her family. She graduated
last December and although her
entire university bill wasn’t paid off,
the generosity of our community did
make a dent in her expenses. We are
proud to report that Isa Cirillo is now a
dentist here in Summit and feels very
supported by the community, most of
whom she has never even met.
Our community always goes above
and beyond in helping others and
donating generously, sometimes above
their annual donation. It’s one of the
many beautiful things about Summit
County, and we thank you for that. We
are asking once again for you to go
above and beyond your normal annual
giving and make an additional onetime
donation to our Bright Futures
Fund in honor of our 40th Anniversary.
You will make a difference in the lives
of our local students and you can feel
good about going above and beyond
to help others.

MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE FOR 40 YEARS
INVESTING IN
TOMORROW’S LEADERS
The Summit Foundation’s Long-term
Commitment to Education
As the largest provider of scholarships in Summit County, the Summit
Foundation takes great pride in its role as a catalyst for change and a
champion of educational access and opportunity.
In a world where the demands of education constantly evolve, we are committed
to investing in tomorrow’s generation and shaping the future workforce.
Just days before the release of this newsletter, the Summit Foundation awarded
$360,000 scholarships to 160 Summit County seniors, empowering them to
pursue their dreams and aspirations. These scholarships represent diverse
dreams, from first-generation students blazing a trail for themselves and their
families, to students passionate about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering,
and Math) education and its transformative potential in our world. We also
support students drawn to hands-on vocational careers.
The Summit Foundation
is proud and thankful to
manage 33 Scholarship
Funds on behalf of
generous donors in our
community in addition
to our own. This year
marks an exciting chapter
as we announce three
We understand that education is
not a one-size-fits-all journey. That’s
why we work tirelessly to ensure
that our scholarships meet the
diverse needs and aspirations of
Summit County students.
new Scholarship Funds, each designed to nurture and support the aspirations
and ambitions of deserving students in Summit County. These scholarships
represent more than just financial assistance; they embody the enduring
legacies of our donors, who recognize the importance of investing in the future
and leaving a lasting impact on future generations.
We understand that education is not a one-size-fits-all journey. That’s why we
work tirelessly to ensure that our scholarships meet the diverse needs and
aspirations of Summit County students. From traditional academic pursuits to
vocational training, we believe every path has value and potential.
To view the full list of the 2024 scholarship recipients, we invite you to visit our
website. Together, with the support of our generous donors and the dedication
of our scholarship recipients, we are building a future where every individual has
the opportunity to thrive and make a meaningful impact on the world.
NAMED SCHOLARSHIPS
Albert-Krainz Scholarship
Community Collegiate Scholarship
Copper Mountain Play Forever
Scholarship
Drue Foundation Career Technical
Education Scholarship
Drue Foundation Engineering
Scholarship
FirstBank Scholarship
Gavenda Family Scholarship
Gould Family Scholarship
Gray Family Scholarship
Grotemeyer Family Scholarship
Kathy Hagan Memorial Scholarship
David & Jill Hughes Scholarship
Lenzmeier–Williams Scholarship
Live Your Dreams Alumni Scholarship
Lundin Family Scholarship
Dick Masica Engineering Scholarship
McIntosh Arts Scholarship
McIntosh Business Scholarship
Merriman Family Foundation
Scholarship
Brad Odekirk Memorial Scholarship
Peak One Surgery Center Scholarship
Paul & Beth Schroeter Scholarship
Summit County Government
Scholarship
Summit County Rotary Scholarship
Snyder Family Scholarship
Joe & Gene Swedish Scholarship
Fred & Eileen Terens Scholarship
Theobald Women in Engineering
Scholarship
Marty & Lori Trisler Memorial
Scholarship
Tyler Updegraff Memorial Scholarship
Vail Health Scholarship
Westerland Family Scholarship
Wright Family Scholarship
Lee Zimmerman Scholarship
SPRING 2024 | 03

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF
TRAIL BLAZING
FIRST SUMMIT
FOUNDATION GREAT
RUBBER DUCK RACE
Over 1,000 ducks sold.
SKI THE SUMMIT
EXPANDS THE
MEDALLION PROGRAM
TO ALL 4 MOUNTAINS
THE
GOOD
NEIGHBOR
GRANT
PROGRAM
1984
1989
1991
1995
1999
2000
2008
THE SUMMIT
FOUNDATION IS
ESTABLISHED
(Breckenridge
Development
Foundation)
FIRST
STUDENT
SCHOLARSHIPS
FIRST DONOR
ADVISED FUND
OPENED
PEAKS SOCIETY
ESTABLISHED
Honoring those who
name the Foundation
in their will.
As the Summit Foundation commemorates its 40th
anniversary, it is a time to reminisce and celebrate
our profound journey together.
Established in 1984 by Art Bowles of the Breckenridge
Ski Area, the Summit Foundation embarked on a mission
to enrich the well-being of Summit County through
support in arts, health, education, environment, and
recreation. This humble beginning laid the groundwork
for what would become a transformative force in local
philanthropy. The Foundation’s impact has grown from
supporting six local nonprofits in 1985 to now reaching
nearly 100 organizations annually, with $2.1 million
granted to nonprofits in 2023. The Foundation’s impact
on local nonprofits transcends financial assistance.
With a core value of providing more than just monetary
support, the Foundation emphasizes leadership,
collaboration, and education, empowering nonprofits to
achieve their missions more effectively. This includes the
NRG program (Nonprofit Resources for Grantees), which
pairs local professionals with nonprofit organizations
to provide temporary expertise in strategic planning,
executive coaching, financial training, and more.
In 1991, the first Summit Foundation Scholarships were
given to Summit High School students, underscoring
our commitment to nurturing the next generation. These
scholarships encouraged students to pursue their
dreams despite challenges. Now, we are launching a new
initiative that recognizes that not all dreams come from a
4-year college degree and that the future of our workforce
requires an investment in vocational education.
Recognizing first-generation students’ challenges in
accessing higher education, the Foundation introduced
the Pre-Collegiate Program in 2010. This initiative
provides mentorship and resources, empowering
first-generation students to graduate from high school
and pursue their post-secondary educational goals.
04 | SPRING 2024

TOGETHER, WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE SummitFoundation.org
START OF THE
BUILDING
HOPE
INITIATIVE
Providing the
resources to
support our
mental health.
LAUNCH OF
THE NRG
PROGRAM
Nonprofit
Resources for
Grantees
PEAK HEALTH
LAUNCHED
Saving millions of
dollars on health
insurance premiums.
PROJECT THRIVE
INITIATIVE
Commits $750,000
to improving access
and enriching after
school activities.
2010
2016
2018
2019
2020
2022
2024
LAUNCH OF THE
PRE-COLLEGIATE
SPECIAL
INITIATIVE
To help first
generation
students graduate
and be ready for
college.
LAUNCH
OF MOUNTAIN
SCHOLARS
Empowers first generation,
low-income, students to
complete a four-year college
degree by providing financial
and academic support and
one-on-one mentoring.
COVID
SUPPORT
$1,561,000
BRIGHT FUTURES FUND
INITIATIVE LAUNCHED
To elevate
access
to postsecondary
education
no matter
the path.
In 1999, the Foundation elevated local charitable giving
by introducing Donor Advised Funds. This innovative
approach continues today, empowering local donors
to learn about local issues and fostering a culture of
generosity and community engagement.
Throughout its four-decade journey, the Summit
Foundation has remained proactive, agile, and responsive
to Summit County’s evolving needs. From addressing
the soaring costs of health insurance to providing
critical COVID relief and support, the Foundation has
consistently demonstrated its commitment to the
community’s well-being.
After the tragic suicide of local philanthropist Patti Casey,
the Casey family worked with the Foundation and other
critical community partners to lay the Foundation for
Building Hope, the community mental health initiative.
Building Hope continues to reduce stigma, raise
awareness, and expand access to mental health services,
ensuring everyone in Summit County has the support
they need to succeed.
The Foundation’s partnerships with ski resorts through
the Ski Medallion Program have been instrumental in its
success. This program provides a sustainable financial
resource that allows us to go above and beyond for
the community. Last year alone, this program raised
an impressive $1.7 million, furthering the Foundation’s
impact in the community.
The Foundation has grown to over 3,500 donors that
contribute through our 26 employee giving business
partners, purchase of the ski medallions, and generous
individual donations. It adds up, and over $53 million
has been invested in the community over the past four
decades. This incredible achievement speaks volumes
about the community’s generosity and care in supporting
one another. Here is to the next 40 years of making a
difference together.
SPRING 2024 | 05

THE POWER OF
DONOR ADVISED FUNDS
with the Summit Foundation
Are you searching for a meaningful way to support
the community and your favorite charities while
optimizing your tax benefits?
Donor Advised Funds (DAFs), such as those managed by
the Summit Foundation, offer donors a tool for strategic
and impactful philanthropy.
DAFs allow you to make
tax-deductible contributions
now and recommend grants
to your chosen charities at
a later date whenever
you see fit. The Summit
Foundation manages
over 35 DAFs at no cost to
the donor, allowing you to
align your giving with your
financial circumstances
and charitable goals
while enjoying substantial
tax advantages.
Contributions to a DAF are immediately tax-deductible,
potentially reducing your taxable income through a
charitable deduction. This tax efficiency magnifies
the impact of your donations and allows you to
support causes dear to your heart while lessening
your tax burden.
Furthermore, DAFs streamline the giving process by
providing administrative support and expertise from
the Summit Foundation. You can trust our experienced
team to manage the due diligence on the charitable
organizations and provide the investment management
of your funds, freeing you to concentrate on supporting
organizations and initiatives aligned with your interests.
With a DAF at the Summit Foundation, you can make a
significant difference in our community while benefiting
from strategic and tax-efficient philanthropy. Whether
Having a Donor Advised Fund with the Summit
Foundation has been such a pleasure. The Foundation
makes my charitable giving so easy, and their staff is
knowledgeable, efficient, and friendly. I’m so glad that my
husband and I made the decision to open a Donor Advised
Fund, and now we also have a Scholarship Fund at the
Foundation to assist local students. It’s a great partnership
that has worked very well for us. - Joan Hutchinson
your passions lie in the arts, education, health, and
human services, or the environment, a local DAF
provides the flexibility and support needed to achieve
your charitable goals and support local organizations.
Consider establishing a DAF with the Summit Foundation
today and continue to make a difference for the local
causes closest to your heart.
Interested in starting a Donor Advised Fund, contact Jeanne@SummitFoundation.org to learn more.
06 | SPRING 2024

40 YEARS
OF COMMUNITY, IMPACT,
AND FUN
Since our founding, our events
have been more than just dates
on the calendar.
They’re opportunities to get
involved in the community, give
back, and, above all, have a good
time. Our philosophy on events
embodies the belief that bringing
people together in celebration can
spark profound impacts and lasting
change.
At the core of each event lies
the simple yet powerful idea
of community. Whether it’s the
laughter shared on the golf course,
the excitement of a rubber duck
race, or dancing the night away
at a soirée, our gatherings serve
as catalysts for connection. They
create spaces where neighbors
become friends, newcomers
find belonging, and bonds are
strengthened.
Over four decades, our event
lineup has evolved, adapting to
shifting trends and community
needs. Some events, like the
beloved Great Rubber Duck Race
and the spirited Golf Tournament,
have stood the test of time,
becoming cherished traditions
woven into the fabric of our
community. Yet, just as seasons
change, so too have our events.
Some have made way for new
experiences, while others have
been transformed to meet the
ever-changing preferences of our
supporters.
While our events are undeniably
enjoyable, their purpose extends
beyond mere celebration. They
provide fundraising mechanisms,
enabling us to continue our mission
of serving our community. Through
sponsorships, ticket sales, and
generous donations, each event
fuels our charitable endeavors,
empowering us to make a tangible
difference in the lives of others.
MARK YOUR
CALENDARS
JUN
7-8
JUL
26
AUG
31
SEPT
5
SEPT
21-22
AND
28-29
THE 36TH
ANNUAL SUMMIT
FOUNDATION
GOLF
TOURNAMENT
Breckenridge
Golf Course
40TH
ANNIVERSARY
SOIREE
Copper Mountain
GREAT RUBBER
DUCK RACE
Downtown
Breckenridge
WINE AT THE
MINE
Country Boy Mine
PARADE OF
HOMES
Summit County
Historical Facts
The Steve Watson Golf Tournament hosted sports
celebs from the NFL and NBA including John
Elway, Doug Moe and Leonard “Truck” Robinson as
well as astronauts like Alan Shepard.
In 1990, the Great Rubber Duck race had over
1,900 ducks swim down the Blue River. Which
isn’t bad, considering Breckenridge only had
1,300 residents.
SPRING 2024 | 07

Post Office Box 4000
Breckenridge, CO 80424
Non Profit Org
U.S. Postage
PAID
Denver, CO
Permit #4924
Address Service Requested
Summit Foundation Newsletter
Spring 2024
What’s Inside
02 Going Above and Beyond
02 Bright Futures Fund
03 Investing in Tomorrow’s Leaders
04 Celebrating 40 Years of Trailblazing
06 The Power of Donor Advised Funds
07 40 Years of Community, Impact,
and Fun
Calendar of Events
June 7 & 8, 2024
36TH ANNUAL GOLF
TOURNAMENT
Breckenridge
July 26, 2024
40TH ANNIVERSARY SOIREE
Copper Mountain
August 31, 2024
GREAT RUBBER DUCK RACE
Breckenridge
September 5, 2024
WINE AT THE MINE
Country Boy Mine
September 21 – 22
and 28 – 29, 2024
PARADE OF HOMES
Summit County
SummitFoundation.org
Summit Foundation
PO Box 4000
103 S Harris St, Ste 204
Breckenridge, CO 80424
970.453.5970
Jeanne Bistranin Executive Director
Megan Adamson Community Programs Manager
Fran Blumenfeld Scholarships Manager
Kelly Cochran Administrative Associate
Chad Covell Finance Director
Kate Cowdery Development Programs Manager
Suzanne Lifgren Marketing Manager
Kristin Williams Development Director
Ashley Zimmerman Events Manager