VAIL, Colorado — Water, the environment and quality of life are all synonymous with the Vail Valley. This month, all three will come together for the common good as the Vail Valley Foundation has been selected as the funding recipient for the “Benefit of the Month” program, hosted by Larkspur and Avondale restaurants.

The Benefit of the Month organization will receive $1 for every bottle of water sold in both restaurants for the designated month. This will include breakfast, lunch and dinner sales at Avondale, along with lunch and dinner sales at Larkspur.

“We are very grateful to Thomas (chef/owner Thomas Salamunovich) and his staff for not only putting this program together, but for also selecting the Foundation as its August recipient,” said Ceil Folz, president of the Vail Valley Foundation. “Just as Larkspur and Avondale offer great dining experiences for Vail Valley locals and guests, we feel that the Vail Valley Foundation dramatically impacts the quality of life in our community as well. We are honored to be a partner in this tremendous effort.”

In 2007, Larkspur recognized the impact its bottled water sales were having on the environment. Imported waters were being transported thousands of miles taxing energy and fuel commodities. Hundreds of disposable bottles were going to recycling centers and local landfills.

After a year-long search for a better way, the restaurants' patrons are now offered house-filtered water, served in distinctive, logo-engraved, glass bottles that are refilled and reused daily. The result of this effort has been not only a program that works to reduce the carbon footprint on both a local and global level, but also one that invites sales, which are then shared with community.

For additional information on the Vail Valley Foundation and its athletic, cultural and educational programs, visit www.vvf.org. For more information on Larkspur Restaurant, check out www.larkspurvail.com or for Avondale Restaurant, visit www.avondalerestaurant.com.