Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) today announced that the Company’s CEO Rob Katz and his wife, Elana Amsterdam, founder of Elana’s Pantry, made personal contributions totaling $2 million to 12 local non-profit organizations in the communities where the company operates. Each of the contributions will be directed toward programs that support the welfare and education of children in these local communities.
$250,000 – Our Community Foundation in Eagle County, CO
In 2016, the Summer Lunch program through provided 15,000 meals to local children in need as they are missing out on the 150,000 free or reduced lunches provided in schools during the rest of the year. This gift will provide 20,000 additional meals through collaboration with organizations addressing hunger, as well as mobile delivery to low-income community sites.
Our Community Foundation develops and guides philanthropy to address local critical issues. Hunger in Eagle County is one of those issues. There are approximately 3,000 kids in Eagle County whose families struggle to routinely put healthy food on the table. Early childhood nutrition is a top factor in brain development and success in school. The Summer Lunch Program eases financial pressures for local families, assuring healthy nutrition for our children.
““The success of our local communities brings a number of unique challenges that require our focus and attention – none more important than helping kids and families who are most vulnerable. Elana and I feel fortunate to be able to provide this support to these outstanding non-profits to allow them to continue their great work.” — Robert A. Katz, Board Chair and CEO, Vail Resorts
“This gift will set the table for a sustainable, community solution to food insecurity in our valley. These funds will not only build a bridge for children and families to access the healthy, fresh food they need to learn, grow, and thrive, but it will also engage every sector across the county in meeting this critical, basic need. This is an issue that we must and can solve together.” — Sara Amberg, Strategic Director, InteGreat!
“With the expansive generosity of Rob and Elana Katz’ investment in Our Community Foundation, together with local community partners, we will be able to develop sustainable programs that will reduce hunger among our most vulnerable families. While the long term results of Rob and Elana’s philanthropy are beyond calculation, this gift brings awareness to local needs and will inspire all of us to be part of the solution, fostering a sustainable community. On behalf of the families that will live healthier and more productive lives as a direct result of this gift, as well as the many organizations working together to fight local hunger, we express our heartfelt appreciation to Rob and Elana Katz.” — Mike Rushmore, a Founder and Board Chair, Our Community Foundation
