The Vail Valley Partnership- the Chamber & Tourism Bureau today announced the winner of the Non-Profit of the Year. Walking Mountains Science Center, formerly known as Gore Range Natural Science School, was selected as this year’s recipient of the esteemed award. The Success Awards Committee, a group comprised of representatives of Eagle County business associations, chambers of commerce and other community leaders gathered to choose the winner in the non-profit category.
Since its founding in 1998, Walking Mountains Science Center has strove to provide place-based educational programs that offer school-aged children the ability to connect with nature and gain a scientific understanding of the environment that surrounds them. The non-profit’s mission is to awaken a sense of wonder and inspire environmental stewardship through natural science education. Walking Mountains Science Center serves both regionally and locally, however the organization is extremely dedicated to serving those in the Eagle County community.
Executive Director, Markian Feduschak firmly believes in the importance of serving the local area. “Our community is very socio-economically diverse and we are able to subsidize programs for local schools. We help raise the money because we think science and environmental programs are important.”
Looking toward the future, Walking Mountains Science Center is confident in the direction they are heading. The non-profit feels extremely honored to receive acknowledgment for the work they have done in the area of science and environmental education.
“Walking Mountains Science Center is thrilled to be the recipient of this year’s Success Awards Non Profit of the Year. We are most grateful for this recognition of our important mission and exciting future plans- the opening of our new science and environmental learning center in the fall of 2011 that will benefit the entire community,” says Feduschak.
The Vail Valley Partnership- the Chamber & Tourism Bureau has long been a supporter of local non-profit organizations and is pleased to continue its support with the 8th Annual Success Awards. A portion of the proceeds of the silent auction will help benefit Walking Mountains Science Center.
“Congratulations to all our Success Awards finalists and special congratulations to Walking Mountains Science Center as our non-profit of the year. All the finalists were worthy and we’re proud to recognize Walking Mountains Science Center. Along with support of the Vail Valley business community through their donations to our silent auction, we look forward to making our annual donation to help Walking Mountains Science Center in 2011 and beyond,” said Chris Romer, executive director of the Partnership.
For more information about Walking Mountains Science Center, please visit http://www.gorerange.org/.