Vail Resorts’ Chief Executive Officer, Rob Katz, and his wife, Elana Amsterdam, New York Times bestselling author and founder of Elana’s Pantry, announced more than $3.3 million in COVID-19 emergency relief and behavioral health grants. In nine communities where Vail Resorts operates, these separate donations will support local nonprofits’ ongoing efforts to (1) provide critical need services throughout the pandemic and (2) improve access to and affordability of mental and behavioral health services.
“As mountain towns continue to contend with the impacts of COVID-19, there’s been an increase in mental health challenges amplified by limited access to care,” said Katz. “Through these emergency relief grants and our third-annual behavioral health grants, we’re committed to supporting the vitality of the communities where we operate. We appreciate each of our incredible non-profit partners providing local support when it’s needed most and building lasting programs for the health of our communities.”
"These grants will support mental health services like the Building Hope Scholarship fund, and breathe life into programs like ALMAs, FIRC's Peer Program for Latina Women, and the new Building Hope Volunteer Peer Connection program,” Jen McAtamney, executive director of Building Hope in Summit County, Colorado. “They provide authentic support for locals who are struggling with the mental health challenges many of us experience sometime in our lives. This support is even more crucial now, as our community struggles with closures and the uncertainty caused by the pandemic.”