JUNE 2024 | MAKING MORE POSSIBLE |
|
|
Education: Scholarship Shout Out |
This spring, the Telluride Foundation awarded $480,000 in scholarships to 37 students, a record number through its three primary scholarship programs. Neil Armstrong Scholarships
The Foundation awarded two Neil Armstrong Scholarships of $20,000 each to Loudon Doemland, attending the University of Arizona, studying mechanical engineering, and to Angelica Saldin, attending California State Long Beach, studying nursing. The scholarship committee also wanted to recognize the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) achievements of two other Telluride students, awarding them each a $5,000 Neil Armstrong Merit Scholarship: Jaden Lopez attending Montana State University, studying criminology, and Samuel O’Dell attending Colorado School of Mines, studying mechanical engineering.
Telluride Foundation Scholarships
The Telluride Foundation also provides $2,000 scholarships to recipients selected by the administrations of each of the five regional school districts. Seniors receiving the Telluride Foundation Scholarship include Hannah Browning (Norwood), Steele Arnold (West End), Caleb Crandall (Ouray), Ely Patterson (Ridgway), and Lucy Messier and Aidan Kress (Telluride), who will split the $2,000 award. Chang Chavkin Scholars
The Chang Chavkin Scholars Program awards scholarships of up to $15,000/year for 4 years of college to first-generation students. This program is unique because recipients are selected during their junior year giving Program Director, Valene Baskfield, the opportunity to work with students through the notoriously exhausting college application process. This year 8 high school juniors were selected to join the 28 students already in the Program. Scholars continue to receive guidance and support throughout their college years.
One Scholar's Story
Ana Asavei, a Scholar from Delta High School, will attend Boston University this fall. According to Valene, Ana represents the commitment and grit associated with many Chang Chavkin Scholars, “Rarely have I encountered a student so driven to explore as many educational avenues as Ana. Her commitment to discovery knew no bounds, as she delved into the nuances of various institutions with relentless enthusiasm.” Juggling rigorous academics, extracurricular pursuits, and a demanding work schedule of over 20 hours per week, she demonstrated exceptional dedication. Ana's sights are firmly set on immersing herself in college life, seizing every opportunity that comes her way. Congratulations, Ana!
|
Economic Diversity - Energy Workforce Development Program in Full Swing
|
|
|
In partnership with EcoAction Partners, the Telluride Foundation’s new Energy Workforce Development Program provides training opportunities for individuals seeking a career in the renewable energy. The goal of this Program is to make technical training financially accessible to all, and to add additional skilled labor to this critical and growing sector. Examples of certifications that qualify for inclusion in the Program are geo-thermal, heat pumps, solar panel systems, and electric vehicle infrastructure. Participants are reimbursed for the cost of training and/or provided minimum wage for their time attending training. Additionally, the Foundation works with local businesses to help defray the cost associated with hiring apprentices. If you know someone who could benefit from this program or you would like to support this effort please contact Elaine Demas.
|
AI Tools for Nonprofits Workshop - The Art of the Prompt |
On May 16, the Foundation hosted an “AI Tools for Nonprofits” workshop, taught by Kiki Huckaby, Chief Impact Officer of MindSpark Learning based in Denver. Over 70 people registered to attend the workshop, held via Zoom. Huckaby provided actionable insights on how to effectively incorporate AI into the nonprofit workplace. Participants explored AI tools, such as Chat GPT, CoPilot, Gemini and Pi, learning how to write effective prompts. Following the workshop, several participants responded, “Now I’m not afraid to use AI!” and “I’m excited about the efficiency piece of using AI!” The workshop was recorded and is posted on the Foundation’s website, along with slides and informational links, under Nonprofit Support/Capacity Building.
|
Grant Recipient Luncheon: Celebrating Innovative Work |
The Telluride Foundation brought together dozens of regional nonprofits at the Elks Lodge on May 14th to celebrate their 2023 Community Grant awards. The event provided a festive setting for grantees to enjoy lunch while sharing how they plan to deploy their grant funds.
Representatives from organizations, including Hispanic Affairs Project, Rico Trails Alliance, Telluride Science, Lone Cone Library, Ouray Ice Park, and Paradox Cycles took turns at the mic. They highlighted the diverse initiatives, spanning early childhood education to public lands stewardship to arts programming to healthcare, that the grants will support.
"Hearing directly from our grantees about the tangible community impact these funds will have is incredibly inspiring," said Jason Corzine, Telluride Foundation President and CEO.
Grant requests for 2023 totaled almost $1.8M -- a record amount. The Foundation was able to award $1.1 million to 75 organizations across Nucla/Naturita, Norwood, Telluride, Rico, Ridgway, and Ouray this year. The amounts ranged from $500 to $157,500, with four large capital projects receiving funding as well. The Foundation continues to fundraise year-round to close the gap.
|
Telluride Historical Museum: "You Are Here" Exhibit Opens June 6th |
The Telluride Historical Museum was delighted to once again be the recipient of a Telluride Foundation grant supporting general operations. Over the years, this funding has been instrumental in allowing the Museum to do the work of collecting, preserving, and presenting the rich history and heritage of Telluride and the surrounding region.
Telluride Foundation funding has been instrumental in helping the Museum complete two crucial projects. The first was an important move of a portion of the Museum’s collection from less than ideal storage conditions in Montrose to a new facility in Ilium. The second was the installation of its 2023-2024 annual exhibit -- Festival Capital of the Rockies: 50 Years of Festivals in Telluride -- one of the best-received displays the Museum has ever created.
This year, the Museum will be using its grant for a variety of initiatives, including the continuing organization, documentation, and care of its artifact collection and the creation of its latest annual exhibit, You Are Here: Opportunity, Exploration, and Endurance in the San Juan Mountains. Featuring a host of rare and unique historical maps, the exhibit will tell the story of how the American Southwest came to be navigated, understood, and exploited, and how the challenges presented by these endeavors impacted the lives of those who left their mark on the landscape.
The exhibit will be unveiled with a free community reception on June 6th at 6PM. |
|
|
Rockies After School Program: Schools Out For Summer |
Rockies is a recreational after school program and outdoor educational summer camp. Rockies is an off shoot of Rainbow Preschool, which was established in 1972 and serves children from kindergarten through 2nd grade. Their mission is to provide a safe, fun, loving, creative, and nurturing environment where each child will grow as individuals.
Rockies after school program focuses on outdoor play, arts and crafts, group games, and developing friendship skills. Its summer program is geared towards exciting field trips in the surrounding mountains that foster a love of the natural world and promote positive environmental practices. Rockies is fortunate to collaborate with community partners to augment its curriculum including drama with the Young People's Theatre, gymnastics with Telluride Gymnastics, climbing with the Horizon Program, and science experiments with the Pinhead Institute.
Twenty percent of Rockies students receive scholarships and Telluride Foundation is proud to financially support this program. |
Welcome Rob and Emily Ruwitch |
Home away from Telluride: Miami or Cabo (depending on the season)
Favorite Festival: Blues & Brews
Favorite Ski Run or Trail: Mammoth & Captain Jack's
For Rob and Emily Ruwitch, two of our newest pledge donors, Telluride is a place where they can immerse themselves in the great outdoors while being part of an authentic, unpretentious community.
When he first visited 18 years ago (because Glen Fry wrote a song about it), Rob was instantly drawn to the cool mountain town vibe after riding the gondola and eating at a local pizza joint. Years later, he "drug Emily along," and the two were engaged at the top of Revy Bowl. Subsequent trips cemented their love for our region as they got to experience the world-class skiing, hiking, community warmth, and events like Blues & Brews, which their entire family attends annually.
"Nowhere else felt like home until we came to Telluride," Rob says. "There's just something really special about this community that we connected with right away."
Inspired by Rob's philanthropic parents, the couple decided to support the Telluride Foundation as a way to give back to the place they love. They appreciate the Foundation's local expertise in directing donations to areas of need like education, arts and culture, affordable housing, and mental health resources. They are specifically interested in affordable housing and mental health service accessibility in our area.
Looking ahead, Rob and Emily hope the Foundation can help maintain Telluride's authentic spirit, strong sense of community, and signature experiences. As Rob says, "Let's keep Telluride funky and unique and avoid letting it become just another glitzy resort town." |
|
|
The Prognosis for Rural Healthcare
Tuesday, June 18, 2024 |
Access to affordable, quality healthcare is a challenge in the US and even more so in a rural community like ours. Join us for a conversation about overcoming barriers and pioneering solutions in rural healthcare. Our panel features, Joshua Ewing, VP of Rural Health for the Colorado Hospital Association, Kaye Hotsenpiller, CEO of River Valley Family Health Centers, Jeff Roberts, ED of Telluride Medical Center, and Marc Cabrera, Co-Head of Healthcare Investment Banking at Oppenheimer. Angelina Salazar, CEO of Western Healthcare Alliance, will serve as moderator.
5:00pm Telluride Arts HQ Gallery West |
| Community Fiesta
Saturday, June 29, 2024 |
Collaboration for Immigrants (CAFI) is hosting a community fiesta in honor of National Immigrant Heritage Month, featuring food, games, music, gear grab, and of course a piñata. All are welcome to attend this family-friendly event. 1:30pm - 4:30pm Telluride Town Park |
|
|
14th Annual Rundola
Thursday, July 4, 2024 |
Registration is now open for our 14th annual Independence Day footrace. Run, walk, hike, or bushwhack from the base of the Gondola to San Sophia Station. Kick off your 4th of July with a bang and feel good running for a cause! All proceeds support the Good Neighbor Fund. The GNF provides emergency financial assistance for rent, mortgage, car repair, medical bills, food assistance and more - making it possible for individuals to continue to live and work in our community. 8:00am Telluride Town Park |
| Summer Donor Party Friday, July 5, 2024 |
Come visit with Telluride Foundation staff, board and fellow donors to usher in the summer season. The fields of flowers that blanket the West Meadows provide a beatuiful backdrop for our annual gathering. 4:00pm - 6:00pm |
|
|
Summer Donor Hike
July 28, 2024 |
Explore the high country with the Telluride Foundation staff. Our first of four planned hikes this summer will be to Lewis Mine. Late July is the perfect time to view the columbine, paintbrush and daisies that dot Bridal Veil Basin on our way to the preserved 5-story structure. We'll stop next to the Mine to enjoy a picnic before heading back to town. 7:30am Meet at Telluride Foundation office |
| |
|
| Help us grow the Telluride Foundation If you know a community member who may be interested in becoming a donor or a volunteer, please make an introduction!
Contact Jason Corzine. With your help, we can Make More Possible! |
|
|
About
The Telluride Foundation is committed to enriching the lives of our community members by investing in initiatives and supporting nonprofits in the region. telluridefoundation.org |
| | |
|
|
