Vail Resorts CEO Rob Katz and his wife Elana Amsterdam have announced the initial focus for their recently announced charitable fund.

The couple created the fund in October with funding of approximately $58 million. They worked with local community leaders and Vail Resorts’ employees to identify that mental health and drug & alcohol abuse were some of the most important issues that needed to be addressed.

In a press release the company states that ‘nationwide, suicide is the second leading cause of death in youth ages 14-25, and mountain resort communities are not immune to this disturbing trend. In surveys conducted in the resort communities by various organizations, many residents indicated they don’t know where to turn for help if they have a mental health issue and if they did know where to turn for help, frequent barriers such as cost, perceived stigma and language prevented them from seeking treatment.’ Vail CEO Katz said; “Elana and I want to be a part of the solution as these communities put in place meaningful programs that will have a direct impact for the people that need it most”.

Whistler was named as one of the communities that will be receiving funding, along with non profits in Boulder – Colo, Eagle County – Colo, Summit County – Colo, Summit County – Utah, Truckee – Calif and Park City – UT. The combined seven organizations will receive more than $650,000 from the CEO.

Whistler Community Services Society will be given $100,000 towards Outreach Services, which provides free confidential support to residents in the Sea to Sky corridor; and to their Counseling Assistance Program which acts to remove the stigma associated with mental health issues.

 

 

Filed under: Rob Katz, Sea to Sky, Ski, Snowboard, Vail, Vail Resorts, Whistler, Whistler Blackcomb, Whistler Community Services Society