As part of its mission to support the community, the Vail Board of Realtors Foundation recently awarded grant and sponsorship funds to 16 nonprofits whose programs serve Eagle County.
A total of $28,000 was awarded to Bright Future Foundation, Eagle County Historical Society, Eagle River Watershed Council, Eagle Valley Land Trust, Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley, The Learning Tree, The Literacy Project, Mountain Valley Developmental Services, Mountain Youth, Salvation Army Vail, Starting Hearts, SpeakUP ReachOut, Vail Mountain Rescue Group, Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance, Vail Valley Works, and Youth Power 365.
“We were excited to receive 47 applications from local nonprofit organizations this year,” said Dawn Mullin, Vail Board of Realtors Foundation Chair. “It was a difficult decision and after much thoughtful and diligent consideration, the VBR Foundation was thrilled to offer our support and appreciation for the hard work these organizations perform in our community. It’s truly an honor to touch so many lives through their dedication and commitment.”
Vail Mountain Rescue Group will direct its grant funds to purchasing equipment that is critical to its mission to provide backcountry search and rescue. Comprised entirely of volunteers, VMRG works under the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office to assist in emergencies that cannot be easily accessed by road. New equipment includes a litter handling system that attaches to a metal frame used to carry injured individuals out of the backcountry in the summer months.
“Our team fields over 100 missions per year and requires active participation in team-led training to stay on top of skills,” says Jay Kraunelis, treasurer for Vail Mountain Rescue Group. “We’ve seen a steady increase in the number of missions fielded each year. As the number of backcountry users increases, especially with a COVID bump, the more missions we will continue to see.”
To qualify, a nonprofit organization must serve the Eagle County community with housing-related programs, educational programs, or offer disaster relief assistance. In addition, the VBR Foundation provides financial assistance to members of the community who are in need due to a catastrophic illness, accident, or life event. Applications and more information can be found at VBR.net.
The Vail Board of Realtors® Foundation was established in 1996 to help promote community efforts for the Vail Board of Realtors®, a membership organization dedicated to the successful practice of the real estate profession. The VBR Foundation’s mission is: To assist the community and association members with need based financial assistance, not-for-profit support, education and disaster relief. Learn more at vbr.net.