BGV Gives Sponsors a One-of-a-Kind Doghouse in Dillon

This year, the Playhouse Project, a public art exhibit, took its creativity up a notch by crafting unique and specialized dog houses. These K9 Cabins were auctioned off with proceeds benefiting Summit Lost Pet Rescue, a local nonprofit dedicated to reuniting lost pets with their owners. BGV Gives has been a long-time supporter of this nonprofit through our grant program.

BGV Gives sponsored and MW Golden Constructors built the Malmo doghouse, pictured below with one of BGV’s office dogs, Theo, a 2.5 shar-pei cattle dog mix. “BGV’s administration offices are pet-friendly environments filled with a variety of dogs ranging in size, age, breed, and personality, catering to the numerous employees who are also proud pet owners,” said Carrie Scheick, Community Impact Coordinator.

“Summit Lost Pet Rescue is incredibly successful. They have unmatched find rates when it comes to reunited pets and their owners. They are dedicated to providing education to Summit County’s pet owners to ensure a safe and positive experience for all the four-legged family members in our community.”

The doghouses are on display through Sunday, August 27th. Bid on your favorite and learn more about each playhouse at www.playhouseproject.org.

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From Pizza Hut to Pantry Hub: Revamped Space Now Central to Food Pantry Operations

The transformation of a former Pizza Hut into a food rescue packaging and storage facility will make a significant impact on the food insecurity in Summit County. CAFE Food Rescue, a grantee of BGV Gives, is breathing new life into the space and repurposing it to serve a vital purpose. This building is being provided by the Town of Silverthorne to support food access programs in Summit County.

CAFE Food Rescue is a Summit nonprofit that increases access to fresh nutritious food for food insecure residents while decreasing greenhouse gas emissions caused by food production and food waste. Diane Calvin, CAFE Food Rescue’s Executive Director, shares that the organization “partners with food donors such as event centers, caterers, restaurants, and grocery stores to collect unused, nutritious food and distribute that food to members of our community facing difficult decisions on how to pay for rent, health care, food, and other necessities. Food is collected and packaged with the help of volunteers and is distributed through community dinners, food pantries, and social service organizations.”

CAFE Food Rescue provides food to 4 community dinners, 5 food pantries and 2 home delivery organizations that collectively serve more than 2000 people every week, making a tangible impact on alleviating food insecurity in the area. Partners include Rotary Dinner at the Elks Club, Father Dyer Church Community Dinner and Food Pantry, St. John’s Church Community Dinner, Lord of the Mountain Day Services, FIRC Food Markets in Dillon and Breckenridge, CAFÉ Food Rescue Pantry at the Summit Community Care Clinic, Dillon Community Church Food Pantry, Smart Bellies and Meals on Wheels.

The necessity of food assistance programs has become increasingly evident due to the challenges posed by the high cost of living in the mountains. With rent soaring, many families find it difficult to make ends meet.

According to the Colorado Center for Law and Policy, a staggering 19% of families in the community are struggling to meet their basic needs. This striking statistic underscores the urgent need for initiatives like CAFE Food Rescue in Summit County. The provision of food assistance not only fills plates but also makes it possible for individuals and families to focus on other critical needs without the constant worry of where their next meal will come from.

This transformation exemplifies the power of collective action in creating lasting positive change for those in need. BGV Gives is immensely proud to stand behind and support such an important and impactful cause within our community.

 

 

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BGV Gives Prepares for the 8th Annual Rob Millisor Heart Health Walk

Back for the 8th year, the Rob Millisor Heart Health Walk is quickly approaching on June 10th! Help us kick off the summer with this fun and family friendly event at Carter Park.

The 8th Annual Rob Millisor Heart Health Walk promises a lineup of activities that will put a smile on your face! Lace up your shoes and choose your path: a 5k trail run, a 5k trail walk, or a leisurely 1-mile town walk. Every participant and volunteer will be treated to morning snacks, a heart-healthy lunch, an event t-shirt, and a commemorative gift. But wait, there’s more! There will be live entertainment and prize giveaways, including a chance to win a 7-night vacation with Interval International.

Since 2016, the Heart Health Walk has been an incredible force for good in the Summit County Community, raising an astounding $1,185,000 to date! From after-school programs to CPR/AED training, and backcountry rescue, this event supports initiatives that truly change lives. Because Breckenridge Grand Vacations covers all costs associated with the event, 100% of your ticket or donation will go straight to local Summit County nonprofits.

Three Ways You Can Help:

  1. Register or donate today.
  2. Sign up to volunteer.
  3. Spread the word! Share the Heart Health Walk Facebook event with your audiences.

Enter Code BGVGIVES for $5 off your ticket registration

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BGV’s Earth Week Events Inspires Sustainability and Environmental Awareness

At BGV, we believe that sustainability goes beyond being a mere buzzword; it’s a lifestyle. This is why we were thrilled to host Earth Week for our entire staff this year! From April 21st-28th, employees had the opportunity to attend a series of events focused on sustainability and environmental awareness.

We kicked off the week by teaming up with the High Country Conservation Center for a “Bust the Recycling Myths” event, which helped to dispel common misconceptions about recycling and provided guidance on how to recycle more effectively. This was a fun and interactive event that bounced from property to property and helped increase employees’ awareness about the importance of proper waste diversion. This event put an emphasis on spelling out what happens to recyclables in Summit County once we put them in the blue bin.

One of the highlights of Earth Week was a facilities tour and presentation by Breck Create. This year, we partnered with Precious Plastic, a world-renowned organization that specializes in turning hard to recycle plastic waste into new products. Their demonstration showcased the innovative ways that plastic waste can be upcycled and inspired us all to think more creatively about reducing our plastic usage. BGV employees were lucky enough to see the whole process, from hard to recycle plastic like sleds and patio chairs transformed into carabiners, coasters, earrings, and even a skateboard.

Finally, we hosted a presentation on home energy audits, which provided practical tips for reducing energy use and saving money on utility bills. This was geared towards both homeowners and renters, and it provided a number of resources including rebate opportunities for energy savings upgrades. This presentation was a great reminder of the many ways that we can all make a positive impact on the environment in our daily lives, even through simple and easy changes.

We were thrilled to see such enthusiastic participation from our employees during Earth Week, and we hope that these events will inspire all of us to continue to prioritize sustainability in our personal and professional lives. Together, we can make a difference for our planet and ensure Breckenridge remains unchanged for future generations.

Learn More

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FIRC Launches Night Out Event With Brad Montgomery on June 9th

Join the Family & Intercultural Resource Center (FIRC) for their largest fundraiser of the year! Debuting this year, the FIRC Night Out will take place on June 9th at the Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge.

This year’s event will feature Brad Montgomery, who specializes in using humor, interactivity, sound, music and visuals to ignite audiences so that they can use happiness as a tool to improve their lives and their jobs.

Family and Interculture Resource Center Development Director Sarah Grant shares, “FIRC Night Out is a chance to connect with community, to laugh, and to give back in a meaningful way. FIRC served nearly 10,000 local workers and families in 2022 through FIRC’s four main program areas: Community Food Markets, Financial Empowerment, Community Health, and Behavioral Health and Wellness. Every donation and dollar raised helps FIRC to continue to meet the increased demand for services in Summit County.”

As a Gold Level sponsor for the event, BGV Gives will host the FIRC Night Out Cocktail Hour from 5:30 – 6:30m. Purchase a ticket today! Your support will help FIRC raise critical funding to support local workers and families in accessing resources needed to thrive in our community.

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Park County Creative Alliance leader Ann Lukacs honored with CCI Leadership Award

Governor Polis and the  Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) recently announced this year’s recipients of the Govenor’s Creative Leadership Awards, an annual award program which recognizes Coloradans who have demonstrated a significant commitment to the state’s creative landscape through civic leadership and volunteerism.  President of the Park County Creative Alliance (PCCA) and longtime Park County local Ann Lukacs is one of the 2023 recipients!

Ann was recently certified a Colorado Change Leader by Governor Jared Polis for exceptional community development efforts. As part of her certification, Lukacs created the PCCA, a nonprofit arts alliance dedicated to uniting Park County through the arts. Since December 2018, PCCA has united local artists, delivered educational workshops, created the Art Adventuring in Park County map, launched a successful annual Pass Notes event, and more.

Ann is being awarded the Arts and Community Action Award, which is presented to individuals that have demonstrated selfless service and inspired others to take action or catalyze change in their community using the arts. Artist, photographer, cinematographer, small business owner, and nonprofit board member, she continues to be dedicated to preserving and advancing arts and culture in Colorado and in her community.

“The Governor’s Creative Leadership Award recipients embody the remarkable ways in which arts and culture impact Coloradans’ lives and our communities. Each has made a unique contribution to Colorado, and we are thrilled to recognize their achievements,” said Eve Lieberman, OEDIT Executive Director.

The awards will be presented on June 1, 2023 at the Colorado Creative Industries Summit to be held in Crested Butte.

Learn more about Ann’s career and the good work of the PCAA at parkcountycreativealliance.org.

Read the full, original press release that includes the list of all 2023 award recipients here.

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BGV Employees and Owners Stock the Keystone Science School’s Gear Closet

When the Keystone Science School put out a call for winter gear donations, the employees of Breckenridge Grand Vacations jumped into action.

“Many of our program participants aren’t adequately prepared for Summit County’s winter weather, explains Kristin Williams, Keystone Science School’s Development Director. “By having extra gear on hand, like jackets, rain coats, water bottles, we can better serve all of our campers that want to experience Summit County’s great outdoors.”

Breckenridge Grand Vacations’ new Community Impact department organized the gear drive, which generated over $2,500 in donations and included over 100 unique items.

Emily Kimmel, BGV’s Sustainability Manager, explained, “We did outreach to our owners and all BGV employees about the drive. The gear drive had a dual benefit in that it saved over 100 items from the landfill, and also equipped kids with the gear they need to enjoy the outdoors, even in tough conditions.”

Each year, the Keystone Science School serves over 1,500 students in day camps, overnight camps, and outdoor education field trips. Visit the Keystone Science School’s website to learn more about their programs.

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BOEC’s Banff Mountain Film Festival was One for the Books

On February 24th and 25th, the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) celebrated hosting the 14th annual Banff Mountain Film Festival.

From sinkholes in Mexico to Afghan women runners to adaptive mountain biking, this year’s films celebrated diversity and perseverance through incredible hardship. Over two nights, the Banff Mountain Film Festival showcased 16 films and welcomed over 1,400 viewers in the audience.

BOEC Development Director, Hallie Jaeger, shares, “Being able to rely on BGV and BGV Gives as integral supporters of this event allows us to bring the community together offering an evening of outdoor adventure films showcasing diversity, equity, and inclusion- which is exactly our mission on screen. We are so thankful to BGV and BGV Gives for everything they do in this community, especially for BOEC!”

As the Mount Elbert Premiere Sponsor, BGV Gives and Breckenridge Grand Vacations provided financial support to help make the event a success. Raising over $70,000 net from sponsors and attendees, the Banff Mountain Film Festival is one of BOEC’s largest fundraisers of the year.

“BGV and BGV Gives are grateful to be supporting cornerstone community events such as the Banff Mountain Film Festival,” explains Ellen Reid, BGV’s Director of Community Impact. “This event generates funding for the BOEC; it builds community and leaves all of us in the audience with a sense of awe and inspiration for what we can achieve if we put our minds to it.”

Established in 1976, the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) aims to expand the potential of people with disabilities and special needs through meaningful, educational, and inspiring outdoor experiences. Serving over 2,500 individuals each year, the BOEC’s primary programs include the Adaptive Ski and Snowboard program, the Wilderness program, and the Internship program.

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Breckenridge Grand Vacations Wraps up 2022 with Nearly $1.4 Million in Community Support

Breckenridge Grand Vacations and BGV Gives recently announced $1,393,770 in support for the community in 2022. The grants represent both cash and in-kind support, such as sponsorships, grants, volunteer time, lodging donations and more.

With a strong focus on philanthropy, Breckenridge Grand Vacations celebrates an impactful 2022, including a successful RAM Heart Health Walk, 4,500 hours volunteered by employees, and a personal gift of $1,000,000 from Mike and Anna Dudick towards Family & Intercultural Resource Center’s Sol Center.

Reflecting on his family’s donation to the Sol Center, Breckenridge Grand Vacations Chief Executive Officer Mike Dudick shares, “The Sol Center will be a wonderful and necessary resource in our community.  We feel fortunate to play a small part in making this dream a reality.”

Tara Dew, BGV Gives Program Manager, adds “Philanthropy is a top priority for Breckenridge Grand Vacations. From the company’s executive leadership to our newest hires, every day BGV employees reflect what it means to build community and give back to those around them.”

Rounding out Breckenridge Grand Vacations’ 2022 philanthropic funding was the announcement of its fall and spring grant awards, totaling $537,000 for 61 organizations serving the Summit and Park County communities.

BGV Gives awarded grants addressing six focus areas: health, human services, education, art and culture, environment, and sports and recreation. With a commitment to supporting organizations across the community, the selected grantees provide valuable contributions to the quality of life in Summit County, from sustainability initiatives, to support for preschools, food banks and more.

Jen Schenk, High Country Conservation Center’s Executive Director, remarks, “Grant funding is critical for High Country Conservation Center to further our mission to reduce waste and conserve resources in Summit County. Support from BGV Gives allows HC3 to focus on our core programs and helps us leverage support from other funding partners around the community.”

In addition to program and general operating support, Breckenridge Grand Vacations was pleased to provide a significant capital grant towards construction of the new Silverthorne childcare center.

According to County Commissioner Elisabeth Lawrence, “A capacity shortage in local preschools is one of Summit County’s top issues, for families and for our workforce. This new childcare center is a huge step in the right direction, but it will require collaboration across sectors in the community. We are grateful to have Breckenridge Grand Vacations as a partner.”

Grants from Breckenridge Grand Vacations are awarded through BGV Gives, a philanthropic program created to support local nonprofit organizations through fundraising, sponsorships, grants, volunteering, and in-kind donations. Focusing on health, human services and education sectors, BGV Gives funds capital projects, special event sponsorships, programs, equipment, scholarships, educational materials, and general operating support, among other needs.

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BGV Employees Bring the Holiday Spirit to Local Families in Need

On December 16th, Breckenridge Grand Vacations and BGV Gives “wrapped up” its 9th Annual Adopt a Family Program. During a busy time of year that’s tight on any budget, 24 departments and individuals across Breckenridge Grand Vacations stepped up to bring extra holiday cheer to 28 local families in need.

In total, BGV employees purchased over 300 gifts for 109 local individuals, including 64 children and 45 adults. Several employees and departments teamed up to review wish lists, go shopping, and wrap the gifts.

BGV Gives partnered with Summit County Youth and Family Services, who referred local families that would benefit from the support. “Our department was amazed by the gifts that that BGV delivered. The recipient families were beyond grateful that they’d be able to celebrate the holidays with gifts and important winter gear, like new snow boots.”

Since 2014, Breckenridge Grand Vacations employees have provided holiday gifts for 238 families across the Summit County community. To learn more about BGV Gives and its initiatives, visit https://bgvgives.org/.

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