Vail Valley Charitable Fund: This valley has heart
Vail Valley Charitable Fund
Courtesy photo
My love affair with the Vail Valley started in 1981 and, like many locals, I have worn several professional hats to make a living. I worked in various restaurants in Vail and Beaver Creek, taught kiddos ages 3-6 in ski school at Golden Peak, worked at Duddy Viele Construction, distributed liquor, and sold health insurance. You name it, I did it. I have met so many wonderful people along the way 鈥� a very good thing when all you do is work. And then, just like that, it all came crashing down.
In January, I fell off a 10-foot ladder at home, resulting in an eye socket fracture, a humerus injury requiring 12 screws and plates, two broken ribs, a fractured tibia plateau requiring five screws, four foot fractures, and a concussion. All of these injuries required two to three months of inpatient rehab and being out of work for three months. How was I to make ends meet now?
The Vail Valley Charitable Fund stepped in during one of my darkest hours. Their one-time $7,500 grant assisted with medical and living expenses so that I could focus on getting better. Because I was in a much deeper financial hole than I realized, the Vail Valley Charitable Fund also assisted in putting on an extended grant fundraiser, which would later be referred to as a “pioneer days reunion.” The place was packed, and I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support. Friends, family, neighbors and coworkers all came out to make a generous suggested donation at the door, play music, bid on silent auction items, and share stories and laughter.
I want to thank my friends who have supported me unconditionally over the years, Route 6 Cafe for putting on an amazing party, and the Vail Valley Charitable Fund for the incredibly important work they do in the valley to provide financial assistance to locals suffering from a medical crisis. I encourage you to make a donation, volunteer at one of their upcoming events, and get involved. This nonprofit is making a huge difference in the lives of those who need it most.
It takes a village, and I am both humbled and honored to live in this one.
