DENVER, Colo. – Mile High Youth Corps (MHYC), along with Vail Resorts and Westminster Open Space will celebrate National Youth Service Day (NYSD) by revitalizing the Big Dry Creek Trail and Open Space in Westminster on Saturday, April 25, 2009. Approximately 100 MHYC youth, staff and Vail Resorts employees will plant 250 new trees and protect them against the area’s beaver population. NYSD is an annual event sponsored by Youth Service America that celebrates the contributions of youth to their communities through volunteer service. MHYC has been participating in NYSD since 1999.
“National Youth Service Day is a chance to share our mission of engaging youth in service with the entire community,” said Kelly Causey, the executive director of MHYC. “We’re thankful for the support of Vail Resorts and proud to partner with Westminster Open Space for this project.”
Vail Resorts is supporting NYSD through their Vail Resorts 360 program, which is an umbrella program for three initiatives sustained by the company, including charitable giving, employee community engagement and environmental stewardship.
“NYSD is a very unique opportunity for Vail Resorts employees to have a positive impact on Colorado’s youth and the community open space right in our backyard,” said Rob Katz, chief executive officer for Vail Resorts. “We’re excited to participate as it will make a tangible difference for young people and our environment. They are our greatest assets in creating a bright future for our state.”
This is the first time the Corps has partnered with Vail Resorts on a large-scale service project, but due to both organizations’ focus on local youth and the environment, it will likely not be the last.
“The Corps’ commitment to helping young people develop skills needed to succeed while making a difference in their communities aligns directly with the values of the Vail Resorts 360 program,” said Katz.
The work completed on NYSD will help the Big Dry Creek Trail, a designated National Recreation Trail, prepare for its busiest time of the year: summer. Hundreds of runners, walkers, equestrians and cyclists utilize the trail each day during Colorado’s warmer months.
“National Youth Service Day will make a tremendous impact on the area,” said Patti Wright, the Open Space Volunteer Coordinator with the City of Westminster, who manages the Big Dry Creek Trail. “It will be a great feeling of accomplishment for such a large group of volunteers.”
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Press is invited to cover the event. Visuals will be available.
Additional quotes, photos and logos available upon request.
WHAT: National Youth Service Day with Vail Resorts 360 Program
WHO: Mile High Youth Corps
Shanda Vangas, Director of Development and Marketing
(303)433.1206 (opt. 1, x324) or shandav@mhyc.net
(720)323.3810 (cell)
WHEN: Saturday, April 25, 2009
8:30 – 8:45 a.m.- Registration
8:45 a.m. – 11:45- Revitalization Project
Noon – 12:45 p.m.- Lunch and Celebration
WHERE: Westminster’s Big Dry Creek Trail and Open Space
*Project will headquarter at College Hill Library, W. 112th Ave. and Vrain St. Directions: From 104th Ave. and Federal Blvd., head north on Federal to 112th Ave. Turn west on 112th and travel past King St. (approximately ½ mile). Turn right at the unmarked traffic light to enter the College Hill Library parking lot. Park in the northwest area of the lot.
Mile High Youth Corps (MHYC) improves communities and the lives of youth by putting young people to work in urban neighborhoods, public parks and open spaces. We have a 16-year track record of engaging youth in jobs that help the planet and provide pathways to a promising future. By integrating paid work experience on community projects with career exploration, education and lifeskills training, the Corps helps youth develop the skills they need to succeed in the classroom, the workforce and everyday life. Through hands-on service, youth gain the knowledge, skills and motivation they need to make positive changes in their community, their own lives and the world. Contact www.milehighyouthcorps.org or 303.433.1206 (opt. 1, x344) for more information.
CONTACT:
Shanda Vangas
Director of Development and Marketing , Mile High Youth Corps
(303)433.1206 (opt. 1, x324)
shandav@mhyc.net
About Vail Resorts
Vail Resorts, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is the leading mountain resort operator in the United States. The Company's subsidiaries operate the mountain resort properties at the Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone mountain resorts in Colorado, the Heavenly Ski Resort in the Lake Tahoe area of California and Nevada and the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The Company's subsidiary, RockResorts, a luxury resort hotel company, manages casually elegant properties across the United States and the Caribbean. Vail Resorts Development Company is the real estate planning, development and construction subsidiary of Vail Resorts, Inc. Vail Resorts is a publicly held company traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: MTN). The Vail Resorts company website is www.vailresorts.com and consumer website is www.snow.com.