FALL 2025
INVESTING IN TOMORROW Empowering Possibility Capital Campaign will transform arts, athletics, education, and community supports for the next generation >> page 2 BREAKING NEW GROUND Construction underway on early childhood education and development center in Avon >> page 4
READY FOR A REFRESH Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater prepares for comprehensive renovations >> page 5
DOUBLE THE DOWNHILL EXCITEMENT Stifel Birds of Prey expands to four races for extended weekend of world-class alpine competition Dec. 4-7 >> page 8
A BOLD VISION TO TRANSFORM OUR VALLEY Donor generosity drives lasting community impact through facility upgrades and program enhancements We are currently undertaking our most ambitious initiative ever: the Empowering Possibility Capital Campaign. The campaign addresses immediate needs while securing long-term priorities across arts, athletics, education, and community support services. Today, thanks to extraordinary donor generosity, we’ve raised $42 million toward our $72 million goal, and the transformation is already visible across our valley. “This campaign represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in our community’s future,” said VVF Board Chair Chris Jarnot. “Every penny gets reinvested into our mission, providing transformational facility investments that will enhance our community impact for the next 30 years and beyond.” IN THE ARTS: The Vilar Performing Arts Center completed comprehensive renovations to solidify its position as Colorado’s premier performing arts destination, while the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater begins its $19 million, phased renovation this fall. Critical endowments for the Vail Dance Festival will ensure classical ballet remains integral to programming while guaranteeing continued excellence in artistic leadership.
For more information about the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater renovations, see page 5.
2
VAIL VALLEY FOUNDATION | VVF.ORG
IN ATHLETICS: We are expanding our ski racing legacy by working with the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) to establish a long-term calendar position for both women’s and men’s Audi FIS Ski World Cup festivals in early December in Beaver Creek, with women’s races returning every other year as the FIS calendar allows. A transformative $10 million gift from John and Karen Arnold accelerated fundraising and supported our ability to successfully host both men’s and women’s races for the first time in 2024. IN EDUCATION: YouthPower365 is there for youth and families every step of the way, and we want to make even bigger dreams come true. To do that, we will build a YouthPower365 Headquarters in the Eagle/Gypsum area, complete with a Soccer and Family Engagement Center, once appropriate land can be secured. Additionally, the YouthPower365 Scholarship Fund aims to reach $5 million, providing transformative opportunities for high school graduates to attend a four-year university or two-year trade school program.
Photos by John-Ryan Lockman, Chris Kendig and Jon Resnick.
“We’re deeply moved by the extraordinary generosity we’ve witnessed. Our donors are making investments that will transform our community for generations to come.” —Mike Imhof, VVF President
IN COMMUNITY SUPPORTS: Construction is underway on a new early childhood education and development center in Avon to address the childcare crisis in our community. The $13.5 million facility will serve 165 children ages 0-5 when it opens in fall 2026. A $3 million fund will provide tuition assistance for families and housing assistance for staff.
For more information about the Avon early childhood education and development center, see page 4. Every gift represents an investment in our valley’s future. Whether supporting facilities, endowments, or scholarships, your contributions solve community challenges while creating opportunities that will serve residents and visitors for decades. Learn more at empower.vvf.org. Questions about the Empowering Possibility Capital Campaign? Contact VVF President Mike Imhof at mimhof@vvf.org.
Keeley Cashman photo courtesy of U.S. Ski & Snowboard.
FALL 2025 | VVF.ORG
3
BUILDING BRIGHT BEGINNINGS
Construction underway on new early childhood education center in Avon Construction equipment now fills the site on East Beaver Creek Boulevard in Avon where our new early childhood education and development center is taking shape. After breaking ground in June, the project remains on schedule to welcome families in fall of 2026. The $13.5 million facility addresses a critical need in our valley, which is categorized as a childcare desert with only 50% of needs currently met. This all-electric, 13,590-square-foot center will provide high-quality education for 165 children ages 0–5. The project exemplifies community collaboration. The Town of Avon leased their land to us for 50 years for $1.00 and contributed $800,000 in cash and incentives, while Eagle County has generously contributed $1 million for the project. Local partnerships are driving the project, with Zehren and Associates as the designer, RA Nelson as the general contractor, and Access Early Education Foundation as the childcare operator. Thanks to donations from Active Energies Solar and SolarStrap, the facility includes solar panels and battery storage. The facility is owned by our Eagle River Valley Childcare nonprofit and will maintain community focus while ensuring that Access Early Education Foundation operates at the highest educational standards. Enrollment information will be available in early 2026. If you are interested in contributing to the Avon early childhood education and development center, contact Vice President of Philanthropy Peter Barclay at pbarclay@vvf.org.
4
VAIL VALLEY FOUNDATION | VVF.ORG
Photo by Nisha Louise Photography.
HISTORIC UPGRADES UNDERWAY
Phased project will modernize the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater while preserving summer programming As autumn arrives in Vail, the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater is preparing for its most significant transformation since opening in 1987. Phase 1 of a comprehensive $19 million renovation begins this October, launching a multi-year project to enhance one of the world’s most stunning natural amphitheater environments. Since its opening, the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater has hosted some of the world’s greatest orchestras, dancers, musicians, and comedians. These strategic improvements will ensure it remains competitive while attracting iconic artists. Renovations will take place during fall/winter Seat seasons to preserve summer programming. North Concessions / East Concessions Replacement Studio Addition Addition Phase 1 includes replacing the pavilion seats, installing hand railings, and concrete work. Phases 2 and 3 will include: • A new multi-use studio and special event space • Box office upgrades • New expanded storage areas • Remodeled and expanded concessions • Increased office space • Expanded loading dock • Green room, dressing room, and artist dining and lounge improvements • Roof repair and replacement • Lighting upgrades • Acoustic improvements Our goal is to complete all work by May 2028. The renovations will expand food and beverage operations, extend season capabilities, diversify programming opportunities, increase the economic impact for Vail, and modernize facilities for our staff and our partners at Bravo! South Concessions Box Office Addition and Vail Music Festival, all while respecting the venue’s Addition Green Room Upgrades spectacular natural setting. When complete, our renovated venue will solidify Vail’s position as a premier entertainment destination, supporting world-class touring acts and beloved local programming that defines our valley’s cultural landscape. Questions about the improvements? Contact VVF President Mike Imhof at mimhof@vvf.org.
Photo by Jason Myers/Memorandum Media.
FALL 2025 | VVF.ORG
5
WINTER SEASON PREVIEW The Vilar is excited to host major performances this winter. Here is a sneak peek at the upcoming season. For the complete lineup, visit vilarpac.org/events.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
TAKE CENTER STAGE This fall, the Vilar Performing Arts Center launched “Love for the Locals,” a new year-round community-focused programming initiative priced at an outstanding value. Performances are handpicked for the hometown crowd, creating accessible opportunities for locals to gather and enjoy the live performing arts together. “This programming showcases exceptional artists, both emerging and established, who speak to the heart of our mountain community,” said Owen Hutchinson, Artistic Director at the Vilar. “They embody the creativity, authenticity, and unique spirit that define our valley.” In addition to specially priced tickets, the Vilar also offers “Pick 3” and “Pick 5” ticket bundles for even more savings for guests who want to attend multiple shows. Each Love for the Locals ticket includes one complimentary draft beer, wine, or non-alcoholic beverage. Select performances also feature live pre-show music by local musicians in the lobby, adding to the immersive community experience.
DECEMBER 23 | Leslie Odom Jr.: The Christmas Tour
FEBRUARY 25 & 26 | Foreigner: The Hits Unplugged
For more information about Love for the Locals, visit vilarpac.org/love-for-the-locals. Interested in supporting the Vilar? Contact Director of Philanthropy Miah Wheeler at mwheeler@vvf.org.
6
VAIL VALLEY FOUNDATION | VVF.ORG
MARCH 17 | Lang Lang in Recital
Photo by Chris Kendig.
VAIL DANCE FESTIVAL DELIVERS
Artistic excellence and innovative programming define another triumphant season
The 37th annual Vail Dance Festival presented two weeks of breathtaking artistry across the Vail Valley. From July 25–August 5, audiences witnessed exceptional performances that once again solidified the Festival’s reputation as one of the world’s premier dance destinations. This year exceeded expectations, surpassing our goal for overall ticket revenue with over $957,000 in ticket sales. The success reflects both the extraordinary quality of programming and the community’s deep appreciation for world-class dance in our spectacular mountain setting. A highlight this summer was NOW: Premieres, which brought the Vail Dance Festival to audiences far beyond our valley through a livestreamed performance. A record 7,548 viewers worldwide tuned in to the livestream to watch dancers showcase brand-new world premiere works. Artist-In-Residence Melissa Toogood created a stunning new duet for herself and New York City Ballet’s Sara Mearns, while longtime Festival regulars Justin Peck, Pam Tanowitz, and Michelle Dorrance contributed new choreography, among many others. Our impact extended beyond the summer as Festival artists brought their groundbreaking collaborations to New York’s prestigious Fall for Dance festival, showcasing signature works that were created for and premiered at this year’s Festival. Davóne Tines and Lil Buck performed RESURRECTION, which captivated audiences during its world premiere at NOW: Premieres. The second year of Rhapsody proved to be another community favorite, with KEIGWIN + COMPANY returning for an electrifying dance party that put Vail Valley residents center stage in the world premiere of Rhapsody: Ride Like the Wind. This community-developed program brought Photos by Christopher Duggan.
together dancers and non-dancers, young and old, creating an inclusive opportunity for locals to perform with professional dancers on the Amphitheater stage. The Festival garnered exceptional media attention through coverage on 9News, Great Day Colorado, and more, showcasing the artistry and magic that defines this summer dance celebration. As we look ahead to next summer, we’re thrilled to celebrate Artistic Director Damian Woetzel’s 20th anniversary leading the Vail Dance Festival. Under his visionary leadership, the Festival has reached new heights of artistic excellence and community engagement, and we look forward to honoring his remarkable two decades of dedication in 2026. Save the date for next year’s Opening Night: July 31, 2026! For more information or to support the Vail Dance Festival, contact Senior Director of Philanthropy Martha Brassel at mbrassel@vvf.org.
FALL 2025 | VVF.ORG
7
FOUR RACES, ENDLESS THRILLS Extra downhill race to create an extended competition weekend ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics
The legendary Stifel Birds of Prey returns to Beaver Creek December 4–7, 2025, with an exciting twist. This year, we are adding a second downhill to the competition schedule for a total of four men’s Audi FIS Ski World Cup races. This expansion marks one more race than previous seasons and creates an extended weekend of world-class ski racing on one of the circuit’s most iconic and challenging courses. The enhanced four-race format will showcase the sport’s best athletes competing in two downhills, a super-G, and a giant slalom as they battle for crucial Olympic qualifying points ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. Stifel Birds of Prey represents a cornerstone of the U.S. domestic World Cup calendar. With Olympic qualification on the line, the December showdown in Beaver Creek promises to deliver exceptional racing and determine which athletes earn their place on the world’s biggest stage. We hope to welcome back both the men and women to race at Birds of Prey again in December 2026.
“After the incredible energy and enthusiasm we witnessed hosting both men’s and women’s races in 2024, we’re eager to build on that momentum and deliver another world-class event that showcases the best of alpine racing on one of the sport’s most challenging and respected courses.” —Sarah Franke, VVF Senior Vice President of Operations VIP tickets are on sale now! Visit bcworldcup.com/vip for more information and to purchase tickets.
8
VAIL VALLEY FOUNDATION | VVF.ORG
Photos by Chris Kendig.
ADVENTURE DELIVERED
Speed climbing and canine competitions highlight a successful GoPro Mountain Games The 2025 GoPro Mountain Games was a resounding success, with 94,503 attendees throughout the four-day festival. Saturday saw the biggest singleday turnout in Mountain Games history with over 30,000 attendees. Speed climbing made its Mountain Games debut, with Olympic athletes flying up the 49-foot-tall wall in mere seconds, bringing a thrilling new dimension to the event. Meanwhile, the brand-new Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Experience featured some of the country’s top canines showcasing their agility, tricks, and flying disc skills, complementing the fanfavorite DockDogs competitions. We launched the first-ever Mountain Games mobile app, complete with GPS mapping, custom daily schedules, real-time push notifications and more, making for a smoother event experience for athletes and spectators alike. The inaugural Mountain Games Athlete Team featured nine accomplished competitors from across mountain sports disciplines. The roster brought star power and authentic expertise to the event, serving as ambassadors who embodied the Mountain Games’ spirit of adventure. Save the date for next year’s GoPro Mountain Games: June 4–7, 2026! To learn more about sponsoring or partnering with the GoPro Mountain Games, contact Event Director Dave Dressman at ddressman@vvf.org.
Photos by Jon Resnick, Logan Robertson, John-Ryan Lockman, and Dan Davis.
FALL 2025 | VVF.ORG
9
SCHOLARSHIP SUCCESS STORIES
YouthPower365 is undergoing a rebrand! Stay tuned for more details in early 2026.
Valley Scholars Scholarship recipients are thriving in their studies and are on their way to building successful careers. Since launching in 2013, our Valley Scholars program has awarded more than $4 million in scholarship funds to over 600 students attending universities or trade schools. One of the most notable awards is the YouthPower365 Scholarship, which aims to close the financial gap at a student’s school of choice. This scholarship, made possible through generous seed funding from Steve and Amy Coyer, is awarded to students who have consistently participated in YouthPower365 programming and who demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence. It is supported by generous donors committed to helping local students pursue further education without the burden of debt.
Hear from recent YouthPower365 Scholarship recipients on how this support has helped them achieve their dreams:
“This past year has been full of great opportunities and amazing experiences. Last fall, I was able to study abroad in Madrid, Spain where I completed my Spanish major. Once I got back in January, I began my masters program while also finishing up my undergrad credits through the 3+2 Master of Social Work program at DU. I got an internship at Brent’s Place, a nonprofit that offers safe housing for families going through medical crises, and I love being able to help both the pediatric and adult campus. This scholarship is something I am beyond grateful for because I would not be able to advance my higher education without the support from YouthPower365.” — Karol Loera, University of Denver
“A success that I am proud of is being accepted into a career prep fellowship program that connects Computer Science majors with companies like Adobe, TikTok, Dell, etc. and my group and I were able to present our ‘ideathon’ idea to a panel of industry judges and an audience of 400. This scholarship has not only lifted the weight of finances from my shoulders but also has given me the confidence to pursue ventures that I wouldn’t have in the past without your support.” — Yulisa Medrano, Colorado State University
“Looking back on my freshman year at Colorado Mesa University, I feel really proud of how much I’ve grown. I interned with the Adam Palmer Sustainability Fund in Eagle, which had a big impact on me and inspired me to find a career where I can blend business and energy. At CMU, I joined the Bowling Club and became the Recruitment Chair for the Energy and Land Management Club. I’m thankful for the support I’ve had so far from YouthPower365 and scholarship donors for providing me with this amazing education and experience.” — Kevin Cruz Ramos, Colorado Mesa University
Interested in supporting YouthPower365? Contact Director of Philanthropy for Education & Community Engagement Whitney Smith at wsmith@vvf.org.
Save the date for next year’s Star Dancing Gala: July 14, 2026! 10 VAIL VALLEY FOUNDATION | VVF.ORG
Photos by Chris Kendig and John-Ryan Lockman.
IN MEMORIAM:
John Dakin was the voice and vision behind the VVF’s communications for nearly three decades, serving as Vice President of Communications from 1987 to 2015. Initially hired as Chief of Media for the 1989 Alpine World Ski Championships, John’s exceptional talent led the VVF to retain him permanently—a decision that would prove transformative for our organization. During his tenure, John touched virtually every major initiative, from our three Alpine World Ski Championships to the development of Birds of Prey at Beaver Creek, from mountain bike racing to ballet performances throughout the valley. He coined our enduring tagline “bringing Vail to the world, and the world to Vail” and helped establish the Vail Valley as an internationally recognized destination for world-class events. Beyond his writing expertise, John’s encyclopedic knowledge of skiing made him a beloved race announcer, calling competitions with unmatched wit and expertise. John passed away in April. His legacy of excellence, creativity, and unwavering commitment to our mission continues to inspire the VVF family, and he will be missed by all.
Photo courtesy of the Dakin family.
JOHN DAKIN
SAVE THE DATE:
BLACK DIAMOND BALL
Photos by Chris Kendig.
You are invited to an evening of celebration and philanthropy on Friday, February 13, 2026. Join us for an unforgettable night as we come together to support our mission of enhancing the quality of life in the Vail Valley through arts, athletics, education, and community supports. The Black Diamond Ball is our signature fundraising event, bringing together community members, supporters, and friends to celebrate the impact we make together. Your participation directly supports programs and initiatives that benefit residents and visitors throughout our valley. From YouthPower365’s educational programs to world-class performances at our venues, from championship ski racing to community childcare solutions— every dollar raised helps us continue providing leadership in the areas that matter most to our community. Space is limited, and the event is expected to sell out quickly. For more information and to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact Vice President of Philanthropy Peter Barclay at pbarclay@vvf.org.
FALL 2025 | VVF.ORG 11
Enclosed is your copy of IMPACT—the newsletter for supporters of the Vail Valley Foundation.
CONTACT US Please reach out to a member of the VVF philanthropy team if you have questions or would like to learn more about the various ways you can support the VVF.
Peter Barclay
Martha Brassel
Vice President of Philanthropy pbarclay@vvf.org
Senior Director of Philanthropy mbrassel@vvf.org
Kendra Powell
Whitney Smith
Director of Donor Engagement kpowell@vvf.org
Director of Philanthropy, Education, and Community Engagement wsmith@vvf.org
Vail Valley Foundation
Stephen Licciardi
Bailey Nelson
Director of Philanthropy slicciardi@vvf.org
Philanthropy Manager bnelson@vvf.org
Miah Wheeler Director of Philanthropy mwheeler@vvf.org
Phone 970.777.2015
P.O. Box 6550, Avon, CO 81620
Email info@vvf.org
90 Benchmark Road, Suite 300, Avon, CO 81620
vvf.org Join us on: