Adapting to Meet the Changing Needs of our Community An Update from the Family & Intercultural Resource Center

When you walk the streets of this beautiful mountain community, it is easy to forget that locals are struggling to feed, care for, and house themselves and their families. In fact, one in three households seeking the support of the Family & Intercultural Resource Center (FIRC) this year could not access the health care services, medicine, phone, or even the clothing they needed. Thousands of Summit County residents go hungry each day, skipping meals and running out of food before they have money to buy more. There is no doubt that people are stressed, and one in four clients report poor mental health.

People can focus on being a parent, employee, or student when their basic needs are met. To promote stable families and a strong community, FIRC offers a continuum of support, from housing, food, and medical-to-mental health and parenting services. This year alone, one in four Summit County residents will access the FIRC programs!

While the pandemic becomes endemic, FIRC has shifted along the continuum of crisis response, to recovery and resiliency. Our community’s needs have grown exponentially over the last few years and with your help, FIRC is meeting that need. Since January 2022, FIRC distributed $2,000,000 in food, with 70% of that food being fresh produce, meat, and dairy! Pre-pandemic, Food Markets supported 320 monthly visits. Demand for community food resources has tripled and FIRC now supports 1,380 monthly visits to the Food Markets in Breckenridge and Dillon.

The Family and Intercultural Resource Center is proud to serve our diverse community and FIRC cannot do it without you! Please consider volunteering at one of the Community Food Markets or the Breckenridge Thrift Store or by making a financial contribution. A $25 contribution provides a family with $200 worth of food and a $1,500 donation will prevent a family or senior from experiencing homelessness or leaving our community all together. Our workforce is the fabric of this community, and FIRC is here to help them overcome the challenges that come with Summit County’s high cost of living. FIRC is even partnering with our friends at Building Hope to provide the community with a nonprofit hub designed to make it easier on residents to access services. The Sol Center at Alta Verde will be a warm, inclusive space designed to welcome struggling families and individuals and provide them with the services they need to reach stability.

 

Your support – whether time, treasure or talent – can make a difference in our community.

 

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Breckenridge Grand Vacations Continues its Commitment to Sustainability

Retro-fitted Motion Sensor Light Switches Installed

As Breckenridge Grand Vacations (BGV) heads toward its goal of reducing its Green House gas emissions by 50% by 2030, the company is constantly looking for new ways to improve our resorts and office buildings by means of energy efficiencies and energy conservation. The key difference between these two are that energy efficiency is using less energy to do the same amount of work, such as installing an LED light bulb (light emitting diodes); whereas energy conservation is using less energy by doing without the existing energy and turning off lights in areas that are not being used all the time. Many buildings today were built before new energy-saving technology and retrofitting these existing buildings has become the most cost-effective way to help reduce energy consumption and waste.

Recently, the Sustainability Team at BGV worked on an energy conservation project by switching out standard light switches and replacing them with motion sensor light switches located in low-trafficked areas at Lincoln West Mall on Main Street and the Connect Breck offices on Airport Road. These motion sensors use IR (Infrared Radiation), a low-frequency range of light, which scans the area for movement. Once the beam is broken and senses movement by the person entering the room, the switch is activated and makes the operation of the light extremely easy for our employees – hands-free! These motion sensors can be set to various time ranges for how long the light can be left on. Generally, they are set to one minute of no motion being sensed. Some sensors come with an option to read the amount of direct sunlight coming into the room and not turn on during the daytime. After the team’s first trial run with the motion sensor switches, they found them to be successful. BGV’s three resorts are now looking at adding these types of light switching in their “back-of-house” rooms.

A study by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) found that usage of motion sensor light switches can help save up to 60% of the light’s energy usage and reduce energy waste by as much as 68%, depending on the area installed. This leads to large cost savings on energy bills. When these switches are paired with an LED light bulb, even higher savings can be achieved. Breckenridge Grand Vacations looks forward to adapting its light systems with more sensors and keeps working toward its 50% gas emissions reduction goal.

 

Standard light switch compared to the new motion sensor light switch.

Our sustainability team member hard at work installing the motion sensor light switches…with expert canine supervision!

 

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$185,000 raised at the Annual Heart Health Walk in June

It was a Colorado bluebird day as more than 500 participants, volunteers, vendor festival representatives, employees, friends and family members walked, ran and enjoyed live entertainment and healthy food during The 7th Annual Rob Millisor Heart Health Walk (RAM Walk) on June 11th at Carter Park in Breckenridge. The event is organized by Breckenridge Grand Vacations’ (BGV) philanthropic program, BGV Gives, in honor of the late BGV owner/developer Rob Millisor. A committed philanthropist and community supporter, Rob passed away from a sudden cardiac arrest in 2015 while on a humanitarian trip to Nepal following a devastating earthquake there that year.

The success of the event can be seen and felt in the outpouring of support from community partners such as The Summit Foundation, Breckenridge Restaurant Association, the Town of Breckenridge, BreckCreate and the Red, White and Blue Fire Department who come together to make this event fun for the entire family. Children’s activities, live entertainment, a 5K trail run and hike and a 1-mile walk around town not only provide the opportunity for some morning exercise, but also the chance to support the Rob Millisor Heart Health Fund at The Summit Foundation. One hundred percent of every dollar raised at the event goes to the Heart Health Fund because Mike Millisor and Mike Dudick, owner/developers of Breckenridge Grand Vacations, cover all the expenses every year.

In 2021, just the sixth year of the event, a landmark $1 million in total funds raised was achieved. The 2022 event added another $185,000 to the fund, the second largest amount generated since 2016 and the event’s inaugural year following Rob’s tragic death just eight months earlier. This year, 33 sponsors contributed $165,750 to the Walk. An additional four sponsors provided $7,000 in trade and in-kind services. Registration fees and donations from participants and supporters added to the final tally.

Grants and sponsorships awarded from the Heart Health Fund are used to support heart health programs, projects, research and equipment as well as nonprofit organizations who provide critical programs and services at the heart of our community. Grant funding is as unique and varied as the organizations that are supported. From purchasing and locating AED units throughout the community through Starting Hearts to supporting the Keystone Science School CATCH Afterschool Program to CPR/DEFIB education to start-up funding for the High Altitude Research Center, funds awarded and programs supported make a difference and save lives. To date, more than $900,000 has been distributed to these and other important community programs.

Minimizing our environmental impact is also important at BGV. The company strives to eliminate as much waste as possible going to our landfill. At this year’s RAM Walk, of the 1,198 pounds of waste generated at the event, only 250 pounds was taken to the landfill representing a 79% diversion rate.

Mark your calendars now and save the date for the 2023 Rob Millisor Heart Health Walk on Saturday, June 10. Donations to this year’s RAM Walk can still be made online at The Rob Millisor Heart Health Walk | BGV Gives.

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Pivot Energy Signs Major New Solar Agreement with Breckenridge Grand Vacations

In April, Pivot Energy announced the signing of a 4.9-megawatt community solar subscription with Breckenridge Grand Vacations (BGV). The contract is one of the largest community solar subscriptions in the history of the hospitality sector and a vital component of BGV’s sustainability initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030.

For BGV, community solar offers a range of benefits. It boosts our bottom line by providing cost savings and hedging against rising electricity costs. Furthermore, participating in community solar represents meaningful action to address threats to normal operation posed by climate change. The impact of climate change at BGV particularly hits home as shorter snow seasons threaten to deter snow sports enthusiasts who flock to Breckenridge each winter for the legendary snow-capped mountains.

Emily Kimmel, Recycling and Sustainability Manager for Breckenridge Grand Vacations said, “Pivot Energy has been an ideal partner in our efforts to obtain a community solar subscription, both because of their extensive footprint in Colorado and for their commitment to shared values of community wellbeing and environmentalism. Sustainability is of the utmost importance to Breckenridge Grand Vacations, and we are very excited for the opportunity this community solar subscription presents to help us reach our sustainability goals. We look forward to working with Pivot in the months ahead to bring these endeavors to fruition.”

For Pivot, helping clients like BGV traverse their own sustainability journey, and thus bringing the benefits of solar to more communities, is an integral part of meeting their ambitious environment, social and governance (ESG) goals.

Matthew Brenn, Director of Business Development for Pivot Energy, said, “Pivot Energy is proud to be working with a partner like Breckenridge Grand Vacations that is so committed to renewable energy and sustainability. As a Colorado-based company, we have a deep appreciation for the beautiful environment here in our state and take seriously our role to combat climate change and preserve clean air and clean water. We are excited to facilitate a key part of BGV’s sustainability journey and are eager to see what the future holds for our partnership.”

The solar gardens associated with BGV’s subscription are currently under construction, with the first round of projects expected to come online in 2022 and the remaining capacity expected online by late 2023.

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Far View Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation

Far View Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation (FVHRR) is an all-volunteer, community-based, organization dedicated to providing shelter, care, rehabilitation, and adoption services for abused, neglected, abandoned and unwanted horses. FVHRR is committed to reducing the number of unwanted horses by providing community resources through equine education and interactive learning, providing a welcoming environment where equine and humans inspire and enrich each other.

Far View has rescued and rehabilitated more than 80 animals since its inception in 2010, 11 of those being within this past year alone. Creating opportunities for community involvement and education is a big part of the mission at Far View. Educational Clinics, Summer Rescue Camp & Horsemanship Fridays, and Read-To-A-Burro are just some of the programs available in Park and Summit Counties.

Far View Horse Rescue operates with four values at its core: rescue, rehabilitation, education, and placement. Their ultimate objective is to find adoptive and permanent loving homes for the horses. Each owner is carefully screened to ensure a healthy, mutually beneficial match is secured for both the horse and the owner. They seek long-term security and a positive experience for everyone involved in the adoption process.

Breckenridge Grand Vacations (BGV) has been a long-time supporter of the Rescue, contributing both as a sponsor of several of the annual fundraisers as well as awarding grants for specific projects such as improved fencing, program support, and even organizing teams of BGV volunteers to help with hands-on daily chores and ongoing Rescue jobs. Supporters like BGV help ensure that this organization can provide high quality feed and supplementation, safe and adequate fencing, medical care, and more. Generous donors make it possible for the organization to do more in our communities; both in being able to take in more animals in need and expand educational offerings to the community.

Far View Horse Rescue offers a variety of events throughout the summer and welcomes volunteers to assist with all aspects of the organization. Volunteers are required to attend an orientation before starting.

More information about Far View Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation can be found on their website at Far View Horse Rescue-Home.

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BGV Employees Celebrate Our Planet

April was Earth Month, and our employees took it to heart! Events were planned, initiatives were taken, all for the greater good of Mother Earth. Employees from across the company jumped at the opportunity to get outside or make changes to benefit the sustainability of our operations.

Check out our top five earth month wins!

  1. The BGV Owner Relations Department organized a trash cleanup along Airport Road. Their last two cleanups have resulted in 19 bags of trash which is about 380 pounds!
  2. BGV moved from a physical printed plastic owner card to a digital owner card. This saves us from printing thousands of plastic cards a year.
  3. BGV employees who live at the Moose Landing complex picked up trash along their neighborhood road. Seven bags of trash were collected.
  4. The Breck Inn switched to a paperless check-in, saving them nearly a full ream of paper every week! Not only has this switch saved them paper, but it has also made the check-in process smoother and a more positive guest experience.
  5. On Earth Day itself, the Sustainability Department organized a virtual compost class. A compost professional joined us online and taught us how to start our own compost at home. The High Country Conservation Center (HC3) also stopped by and pioneered a Food Scraps Challenge! HC3 encouraged people to learn about composting in the High Country and to sign up for their Food Scraps Program. The goal was to get 20 new people signed up….we got 16! So close!

We know plenty of people took part in Earth Month and we are so proud of these examples and initiatives coming from our own employees! It speaks volume that many of these were self-driven events and organized by folks in many different departments. We want to thank our employees for being so amazing and for showing that they care about this place where we live and play, and that owners and guests come to enjoy! 

 

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Although the terms are often used interchangeably, poor mental health and mental illness are not the same. A person can experience poor mental health and not be diagnosed with a mental illness. Likewise, a person diagnosed with a mental illness can experience periods of physical, mental and social well-being.

Mental and physical health are equally important components of overall health. For example, depression increases the risk for many types of physical health problems, particularly long-lasting conditions like diabetes, heart disease and stroke. And the presence of chronic conditions can increase the risk of mental illness.

A person’s mental health can change over time. When the demands placed on a person exceed their resources and coping abilities, their mental health could be impacted. For example, if someone is working long hours, caring for a relative or loved one, or experiences economic hardship, they may experience poor mental health.

Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States. 

  • More than 50% will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime.
  • 1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year.
  • 1 in 5 children, either currently or at some point during their life, have had a seriously debilitating mental illness.
  • 1 in 25 Americans lives with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or major depression.

There is no single cause for mental illness. A number of factors can contribute to risk for mental illness.

  • Early adverse life experiences, such as trauma or history of abuse.
  • Experiences related to other ongoing (chronic) medical conditions such as cancer or diabetes.
  • Biological factors or chemical imbalances in the brain.
  • Use of alcohol or drugs.
  • Having feelings of loneliness or isolation.

It’s okay to not be okay. You are not alone. Take advantage of these employee and community programs to connect with others and to seek help for yourself, a family member, friend or colleague. Support groups, websites, screening tools, books, trainings, peer support, access to therapists, financial assistance and more are all available in Summit County.

BGV Minds is an employee Mental Health and Wellness Program that provides ongoing access, resources and education in support of living a balanced and healthy lifestyle both physically and mentally. Information can be found here BGV Minds – ONEBGV.

Building Hope Summit County www.buildinghopesummit.org is a grassroots organization whose mission is to create a more coordinated, effective and responsive mental health system that promotes emotional health, reduces stigma and improves access to care and support to everyone in Summit County.

Anyone has the power to make a positive difference in their community when it comes to mental health and it starts by TALKING. Whether it’s a conversation on a chairlift, at a construction site, or in a high school classroom, perhaps one of the most powerful things you can do in your community is listen to someone with kindness, share openly about your own experience and start a positive dialogue around mental health. The change starts with you!

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Breckenridge Grand Vacations Brings Home Gold and Silver

A number of individuals and departments were honored at the annual American Resort Development Association (ARDA) annual conference in Ft. Lauderdale earlier this month. Congratulations!

ARDA Gold Winners

Jessica Carver – Sales Verification Loan Officer/Quality Assurance Officer

Greg Cohen – Salesperson: In-House

Kacper Grochowalski – Salesperson: Traditional Line

Brittany Holloman – Marketing Management Leader

Jacob Roll – Resort Department Manager

Jeff Salquist – Maintenance Team Member

Eli Yoder – Resort Assistant Manager

ARDA Silver Winners

BGV Gives and “People. Planet. Prosperity.” for Breckenridge Grand Vacations – ACE Philanthropy and Community Service Award

Alex Brown – Legal and Regulatory Manager, Team Member or Team

Online Lead Generation Team – Marketing Program

Owner Relations Team – Owner/Customer Relations Team Member or Team

“I am beyond appreciative for all the hard work our teams have put in to get us to this level of national recognition year after year and amongst the best of the best in the industry. It truly is something exceptional and I could not be prouder to be part of this BGV family” said Mike Dudick, Owner/Developer.

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Boys and Girls Club of the High Rockies

The Boys and Girls Club of the High Rockies provides a safe and fun place for youth from 5 – 18 years old in Fairplay and Bailey. Serving more than 500 students, the Club offers a place where students can focus on academic success, healthy lifestyles, good character, and citizenship. The program prioritizes five key elements for positive youth development: a safe, positive environment; fun; supportive relationships; opportunities and expectations and recognition. The program covers five core program areas including the arts, education, health and wellness, leadership and service, and sports and recreation.

The Club is offering a variety of summer programs including field trips to skate parks and wolf preserves, roller skating, swimming, and art exhibits. Also new this summer is an art therapy program. And especially important is having all the kids together in person to have fun. The expectation if for a record number of youth participating in the program and for a semblance of getting back to pre-COVID normal.

Over the past school year, the club offered weekly emotional resilience programming with local mental health providers coming to the club to support staff and youth. It was a favorite program for everyone! They have completed Positive Action/Social Emotional programming, the Stock Market experience, and Active Youth/Healthy Futures.

The Club hosted many successful events and fundraisers throughout the school year. A highlight was the chili cookoff in March. Twelve chili-chefs competed in this well attended community fundraiser.

More information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of the High Rockies can be found at https://bgchr.co, by contacting Amy Carman at ceo@bgchr.co or 303-204-1795.

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