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The United Way of Eagle River Valley hosts a Spanish evening in Vail

Patsy Rowe, executive director Gretchen Babcock, Shawnna Frank and board member Tyra Rudrud celebrate a successful fundraiser for The United Way of Eagle River Valley at The Vail Mountain Club.
Special to the Daily |

VAIL — On Feb. 24 at the Vail Mountain Club, the United Way of Eagle River Valley hosted an elegant evening of wine tasting and hors d’oeurves featuring wines of Spain and tapas. On this occasion, the local chapter’s board of directors shared its vision for supporting the needs of our valley. The United Way is a valuable grant resource to more than thirty Eagle County nonprofits including Vail Valley Charitable Fund, the Salvation Army, Bright Future Foundation and SOS Outreach.

The United Way has done extraordinary work to improve people’s lives and build strong communities. Donations touch thousands of lives by helping families with basic needs, healthcare access and enriching education. All of the money raised in Eagle County stays here.

Patsy Rowe spoke to guests about her high level of comfort in donating to the United Way of Eagle River Valley.



“It is important to be generous but, you want your generosity to really be effective. You want the help to get to the people who need it the most. … For me, the United Way was the perfect solution. … They know the nonprofit community and who gets the job done,” Rowe said.

SOS Outreach student Kevin Garcia shared his experiences in working with the nonprofit.

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“In my first four years with SOS, I learned about core values and starting respecting my parents more..and it just hasn’t stopped from there. … I got recognition at school and am helping raise money for Syrian refugees. … I want to have a positive impact on my community. I am just trying to help out,” Garcias said.

Garcias also thanked Arn Menconi and SOS for the opportunity to be a peer mentor.

Vail Valley Salvation Army’s Tsu Wolin-Brown told guests about the organization’s 31-year history, of which she volunteered for 21 years and has been on staff for 10 years. She then introduced family leader Meighen Lovelace, who shared, “Tsu and the Salvation Army provided an opportunity for my family to create stability for itself.”

Executive director Gretchen Babcock was thrilled with the turnout and the new venue. Thanks went out to the Vail Mountain Club and its staff, as well as The Blue Plate for supplying the tapas. The wines were generously donated by Riverwalk Wine and Spirits, and 100 percent of the proceeds from wine sales went directly to the United Way of Eagle River Valley.

For more information on how to donate, volunteer or apply for a grant, visit http://www.unitedwayeagle.org.

Betty Ann Woodland covers social events, fundraisers and soirees of all kinds. She can be reached at highaltitudesociety@vaildaily.com.


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