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Vail Resorts CEO Rob Katz gives $2 million to community nonprofits

BIZ Rob Katz DT 7-30-09

EAGLE COUNTY — Vail Resorts Inc. Chairman and CEO Rob Katz and his wife, Elana Amsterdam, made personal contributions totaling $2 million to 12 nonprofit organizations in the communities where the company operates.

Our Community Foundation in Eagle County is receiving $250,000, the largest donation ever to the nonprofit that helps provide meals to local children in need by working with other organizations.

“It’s exciting. We’re really excited,” said Susie Davis, of Our Community Foundation.



This year, the summer lunch program through Our Community Foundation provided 15,000 meals to local kids in need, and with this donation, 20,000 more meals will be given out in collaboration with organizations addressing hunger. There will also be mobile delivery to low-income community sites.

“With this generous gift, we will be able to develop sustainable programs that will reduce hunger among our most vulnerable families,” said Mike Rushmore, founder and board chair for Our Community Foundation in Eagle County. “We hope it also brings awareness to local needs and inspire others to be part of the solution in fostering a sustainable community.”

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Contributions of $250,000 also went to The Whistler Blackcomb Foundation in Canada; Emergency Family Assistance Association in Boulder; SOS Outreach in Denver, a nonprofit started in Eagle County; Park City Community Foundation for PC Tots in Utah; and Summit Community Care Clinic in Summit County.

“The success of our local communities brings a number of unique challenges that require our focus and attention — none more important than helping kids and families who are most vulnerable,” Katz said. “Elana and I feel fortunate to be able to provide this support to these outstanding nonprofits to allow them to continue their great work.”

Last year, Katz and Amsterdam contributed $1.5 million to the Epic Promise Foundation, which provides grants to employees of Vail Resorts who seek additional educational opportunities.

For more information about Our Community Foundation and ways to get involved, please visit http://www.ourcommunity foundation.org.

Reporter Ross Leonhart can be reached at 970-748-2915 and rleonhart@vaildaily.com. Follow him on Instagram at colorado_livin_on_the_hill.


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