VAIL VALLEY, Colorado — John Gates and Diane Gates Wallach have pledged $1 million to Roundup River Ranch in Colorado's Vail Valley through the Gates Frontier Fund.

The gift takes Roundup River Ranch, a free camp for children with life-threatening illnesses, one step closer to reaching its fundraising goal.

“John and Diane are helping us carry out Paul Newman’s dream of opening camps for children with serious medical illnesses,” says Alison Knapp, chairwoman of the camp’s board of directors.

John Gates is a member of the camp’s board of directors and sits on its design and construction committee.

The Gates Frontier Fund was created by John and Diane’s late parents, philanthropists Charles C. and June S. Gates. The fund was established to promote health and fun, among other causes.

Charles Gates expanded Gates Rubber, the company his father founded, into one of Colorado’s largest companies. It was sold to London-based Tomkins PLC in 1996.

“My sister, Diane, and I were moved by the mission and solid business plan of Roundup River Ranch,” John Gates said. “As longtime supporters of The Children’s Hospital, it is a privilege to support an organization that will further treat children by offering them the experience of going to camp.

“Roundup River Ranch will have a lasting impact on the communities where we live.”

Roundup River Ranch, a provisional member of The Hole in the Wall Camps, will be located on 85 acres along the Colorado River in western Eagle County.

The camp will have medical facilities and will serve children from Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, New Mexico, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah and Texas.

For more information, visit www.RoundupRiverRanch.org or call 970-926-2448.