Our Community Foundation is pleased to announce the establishment of the Sunshine Oncology Legacy Fund, a designated fund benefitting Community Hospital to support nursing staff in obtaining their oncology certification. Generous donors established the fund in memory of Michelle Padilla Rangel, who bravely fought cancer until age 25. The donor family worked with us to create an endowed fund in Michelle’s honor. Recognizing the exceptional care Michelle received at Community Hospital, her family wants to support future nurses aspiring to specialize in oncology. Earnings from the endowment will cover the costs of oncology certification for several nurses annually.  

The dedication event in September was deeply moving as the family shared their story and expressed their gratitude to the entire team in the Oncology Department at Community Hospital.

A focus area of our Community Foundation is the mental health and well-being of young people. As part of this initiative, we're working with community partners to promote healthy technology and social media habits. Heads Up Parenting aims to encourage more face-to-face interaction, ultimately fostering better mental health for our youth.

The first three years are crucial for a child's lifelong development. This unique window of opportunity allows us to build a strong foundation for their educational, social, and emotional skills. Knowing that excessive screen time by caregivers can hinder communication with infants, our Community Foundation has launched Heads Up Parenting to emphasize the importance of consistent, unplugged, engaged parenting during this critical stage.

Heads Up Parenting targets parents and caregivers of infants ages 0 to three years old. We provide resources and information to remind everyone: Your child needs you, not your phone.

We are utilizing multiple channels to deliver this message, such as billboards, traditional and social media, along with sharing toolkits and information with physicians and providers. Parents, and those interested, can access research and resources on this important topic at HeadsUpParenting.org

Join us in promoting unplugged, engaged parenting for a brighter future!

In The News...

Vickery Hall was raised in Wapiti, WY, near the East Gate of Yellowstone where her family has owned and operated Rimrock Dude Ranch since 1956. After many summers cleaning cabins and washing dishes at Rimrock, Vickery graduated from the University of Wyoming where she studied Political Science and American Studies.

Vickery has been a professional do-gooder since 2003. She has worked for the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Catholic Charities Catholic Youth Organization, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and Children’s Resource Center. For the past 12 years she worked at the Wyoming Community Foundation as the Director of Donor Relations.

We are excited to have Vickery join our Community Foundation team as the first Regional Outreach Director based out of Ouray County. Vickery loves working with donors on their charitable legacies and believes in the power of place-based philanthropy.

When she is not working, Vickery enjoys road trips, knitting, camping, skiing, and mountain biking. Vickery lives in Ouray, CO with her husband Bryant and their two children. 

The Bishop Legacy Fund was established by Pat and Tillie Bishop, community leaders and champions in education. This school year marks the 3^rd year of funding to support the five D51 high school students in extracurricular activities. This past school year, an estimated 40% of D51 high school students benefitted, with funding going to 62 different clubs.

Since the fund’s inception, $350,000 has been allocated to the five high schools to engage and support students in their pursuit of extracurriculars. 

Full report here.

FFA students (FMHS) who won in their category at State

As a convener, connector, and collaborator, we take pride in providing technical assistance and resources to local nonprofits and partners working in areas related to our impact work: Outdoor and Environment, Hunger Relief, and Youth Well-being. These initiatives are supported by the generous contributions from donors who wish to create a positive impact in these areas, allowing us the flexibility to address a variety of needs.

Executive Director, Ivan Jackson, in LIFT-UP’s thrift store at 100 Midland Avenue in Glenwood Springs

The Western Colorado Community Foundation (WCCF) is a nonprofit organization established in 1996 by community leaders. Covering seven counties in western Colorado, our Community foundation works to connect generous donors with causes that align with their philanthropic goals and interests.

With over 330 charitable funds and nearly $170 million in total assets under our stewardship, we’re proud to distribute $6.6 million in grants and scholarships annually.