Golfers help academy grow

WOLCOTT – An early summer day complete with blue skies and emerald green fairways greeted players for the third annual Vail Academy Kids’ Classic at Red Sky Ranch. Throughout the tournament, a colorful hot air balloon from Camelot Balloons drifted in the air enticing golfers to participate in the $5,000 ball drop. Participate they did, as winners Kelly Lyle and Dan Godec won the cash and then promptly donated it back to charities in the valley.

Organizer Becky Vancuren said she was thrilled the tournament doubled its proceeds from last year. “We have such amazing support from this valley for our tournament,” Vancuren said. “From Red Sky Ranch and their staff to every player and sponsor, this community really comes through for our kids.”Spurred on by Vail Academy’s tireless golf committee, the goal of $50,000 became a reality as businesses and individuals became diamond sponsors and local developer Community Concepts captured the role of title sponsor. Volunteers that helped create the successful event included Lisa Fendrich, Brenda Gruber, Amy Hermes, Mike Spear, Jeff Cerovich, Mitch Perry, Kevin Wilson, Jay Gould and Bill Vancuren.The awards dinner following proved to be another success for both Red Sky and the Vail Academy, as the party continued way into the night, past many bedtimes. This event is not one to be missed, as rumor has it that next year’s tournament is already filling up.

Vail, Colorado