Rob Katz, Elana Amsterdam donate $250,000 to Our Community Foundation

Vail Resorts CEO Rob Katz and his wife, Elana Amsterdam, founder of Elana’s Pantry, recently made personal contributions totaling $2 million to 12 local nonprofit organizations in the communities where Vail Resorts operates, including $250,000 to Our Community Foundation in Eagle County.

Each of the contributions will be directed toward programs that support the welfare and education of children in these local communities.

Rob Katz

“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,” said Rob Katz, chairman and chief executive officer of Vail Resorts.

Our Community Foundation develops and guides philanthropy to address critical local issues. Hunger in Eagle County is one of those issues, and 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. Providing summer lunches throughout our community eases financial pressures for local families, assuring healthy nutrition for our children.

More than a dozen local organizations through the efforts of the InteGreat! Coalition are doing the heavy lifting, working to reduce hunger in Eagle County. Our Community Foundation is happy to be one of those collaborative partners, along with the generosity and support of the Katz family.

Sara Amberg, the strategic director of InteGreat!, describes it this way:

“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.”

Mike Rushmore, a founder and board chair for Our Community Foundation expressed his sincere gratitude:

“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 to inspire all of us to be part of the solution, fostering a sustainable community.

“Through Rob and Elana’s leadership, they demonstrate the meaning of philanthropy. 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.”