VAIL VALLEY CHARITABLE FUND RECEIVES GRANT FROM HEALTH FOUNDATION FOR EAGLE COUNTY SMILES
Avon, CO – June 29, 2019 – Vail Valley Charitable Fund is pleased to announce it has received a $16,500 grant from the Rocky Mountain Health Foundation. These funds will support the Eagle County Smiles oral health program.
Eagle County Smiles provides oral health care access for uninsured children in Eagle County. The program’s inception began in 2010 and has served over 600 children in our community since that time. Through grant funding, such as those provided from Rocky Mountain Health Foundation and numerous community partners, the Eagle County Smiles program addresses an on-going critical health need, provides comprehensive oral health services and establishes a dental home for children who would otherwise be without oral health care.
“We are honored to receive these funds from the Rocky Mountain Health Foundation, which will ultimately continue to provide dental services to children who need it most right here in the Vail Valley,” states Brooke Skjonsby, Vail Valley Charitable Fund Executive Director.
With the mission of improving the overall health of a community, Rocky Mountain Health Foundation serves 22 Western Slope counties. The Foundation addresses some of the Western Slope’s most pressing health needs, including access to healthcare, hunger, transportation to/from medical treatments, and integrated behavioral health. More information can be found at http://rmhealth.org/.
“We are thrilled to award grant funds to such an important organization like the Vail Valley Charitable Fund,” states Michaelle Smith, Rocky Mountain Health Foundation Executive Director. “Rocky Mountain Health Foundation prioritizes our funding around efforts that address critical needs and increase access to health for the underserved. What a gift it is to work with Eagle County Smiles to make our community better.”
The Vail Valley Charitable Fund (VVCF) was created in 1996 to provide assistance to individuals who live and work in the Vail Valley who are experiencing a financial hardship due to a medical crisis or long-term illness. The VVCF has grown significantly over the past 23 years, having raised and distributed $8 million to over 1,600 families in our community.
Stars Align for Vail Valley Charities to Help Cerebral Palsy Patient
"You'll fall, everyone does, and it'll hurt", said Alejandro Arreola. "Pick yourself up and keep moving forward." Arreola has battled cerebral palsy so long that he wore out his walker and wheelchair and was dragging himself around his home. Now, he can he get around and better see where he's going. They came up with a new electric wheelchair, a new walker and new glasses.
"I want to thank everyone for your kindness and efforts in getting me the most amazing gifts over the last four months," Arreola said. "In addition to standing and moving easier, I now can actually see where I'm going with my terrific new glasses." Read more...
The Vail Valley Charitable Fund, Winner of Small Non-profit of the Year in 2015, Introduces the 2016 Finalists for the Category
In order to successfully run a small non-profit, you have to wear many hats. And some fit better than others.
Congratulations to the Education Foundation of Eagle County (EFEC) for winning small non-profit of the year at the 14th Annual Success Awards presented by the Vail Valley Partnership.
No Shirts Go to Waste
We love seeing the local clubs and teams wearing our event shirts. No shirts go to waste from our events -- any extras are given back into the community! Pictured here is the Cycle Effect and the Eagle Valley High School JV Track Team.
In the News #WheelsforJoshua
By Randy Wyrick, Staff Writer for the Vail Daily
February 2017
The Vail Valley Charitable Fund coordinated a long list of local groups rallied to make sure Joshua Casillas has a safe ride to the doctor. Joshua suffers from severe cerebral palsy. The Casillas family needed a wheelchair conversion van, and this week they received one. Read more...
Extra thanks to Swift Eagle Charitable Foundation, Eagle County Paramedic Services and the Gallegos Corporation.
Locals Take It All Off for Charity
By Tricia Swenson
November 2016
I have a lot of respect for those who have been featured in the Vail Undressed Calendars, a project of the Vail Valley Charitable Fund. In fact, I have been in their shoes, or, I guess many weren't wearing shoes, but I do know the feeling.
I was asked by the Vail Valley Charitable Fund to participate in the 2005 Vail Undressed Calendar as the Ladies of Media for the month of February. I was told there would be five of us, so I figured safety in numbers (or at least more people to hide behind!) and agreed to drop everything for a good cause. Read more...
20 Years of Aiding Locals
By Rohn Robbins
June 2016
The Vail Valley Charitable Fund will be 20 years old this September. In those 20 years, we have given grants in excess of $8 million and have aided more than 1,800 families in our community. We have helped your friends and neighbors, your loved ones, people you likely know and care about. Read more...
Blessings in Times of Crisis
By Montana Nash
September 2011
Fifteen years ago, my family faced a large financial strain when my mom was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. My name is Montana Nash and I am the daughter of Curt and Cindy Nash. Because I was only 2 years old, I don't remember much about that time. Now that I am older, I have learned about our experience from family members and friends. I know that my mom gave the utmost strength to battle that horrible disease and fight for every last moment of her life. I also know that community fundraisers gave our family the money that we needed to pay medical bills and give my mom the most fulfilling last months of life. Her experience made an impact on the individuals around her, several of whom consequently created The Vail Valley Charitable Fund to help others like my mom. Read more...