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Vail Valley Charitable Fund: A bright light at the end of a dark tunnel

Mary Sugrue
Vail Valley Charitable Fund
Mary Sugrue

This June marks 10 years of living in and around the Vail Valley. Crazy how time flies by.

When I first arrived in Vail in 2014, I quickly took a dangerous path. It was as if I was still in college, but instead of classes we worked during the day and partied in the afternoon and evenings. During my seven years of professional drinking, I had many jobs around the valley. 

I mostly worked in hotels supervising housekeeping and spent a short time in loss prevention. Every job I had provided health insurance. Unfortunately, I was too distracted to take care of myself. I allowed lots of time to pass before ever getting myself to a dentist. Even as a child, we didn’t go to the dentist as my mom had her own fears and challenges. 



A few months ago, I had no choice but to face the dentist. My left cheek had swollen up like a hungry hamster, and the pain was becoming unbearable. I called Elevated Dental and they were immediately able to take care of me. 

The only challenge was that my job did not provide dental insurance. With my years of neglect, Elevated Dental and I both had a lot of work to do. How was I going to be able to pay for this? I already work two jobs, and have a hard time keeping up. 

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Then, a light shined so bright at the end of a very dark tunnel. The Vail Valley Charitable Fund came to my rescue. By navigating the application process to apply for funding through their Eagle County Grins adult dental program and having a bit of vulnerability, I was granted the money I needed to get my mouth into better shape. 

Without the assistance from the Vail Valley Charitable Fund, I honestly have no idea what shape my mouth would be in right now. Receiving this financial help has been life-changing for me. 

I am proud to share that I am now three-and-a-half years alcohol-free and working with our valley’s youth. At Children’s Garden of Learning, I have the privilege of working with such amazing local families and children.

I will continue to give back to our community the way I do best, which is caring for our future generations. Thank you to the Vail Valley Charitable Fund for providing the support I needed to improve my health and turn my life around.  

Mary Sugrue is a Vail Valley Charitable Fund grant recipient. Find out more about the VVCF’s mission at VVCF.org.


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