2019 Year in Review.

This year, through the remarkable generosity of our ‘Leadville Family’ of athletes and supporters we managed to build upon the Leadville Trail 100 Legacy Foundation Endowment, while awarding more scholarships and grant funds to local students and non-profits than ever before. 

Thank you to each of you for your generous gifts and support.

 FEELING THE LOVE .

2019 saw new and old friends take on the challenge of raising money for the Legacy Foundation.  A newcomer to the LT100 family, Eric Grubman had an ax to grind and a buckle to win after he missed the 12-hour cut off during his 2018 LT100 MTB.  He used a private fundraising campaign to add some pressure to his efforts, and it really paid off.  Those who pledged only had to pay up if he finished under 12 hours.   His time of 11:24:27 would ensure the buckle was won and the pledges were paid! The Legacy Foundation received over $264,000 in donations from Eric’s friends & colleagues.

Once again, huge props to Ty Hall for another incredible ride as the Legacy Foundation ‘Dream Chaser’.  Starting in last place behind 1643 other athletes, he finished his 18th LT100 MTB in 8:29:06.  And he also passed 1477 other riders, and in doing so raised over $104,000 for the LT100 Legacy Foundation!  Such an incredible effort and we are so grateful that Ty continues to support the Legacy in this way. 

And longtime Legacy Foundation supporter Doug Mc Ghee brought a group of 7 men in for the ‘Leadville Challenge’.  As part of an online life coaching program, they chose the Legacy Foundation as their charity partner to benefit from the fundraising efforts that were a part of their collaborative service project.  In total the Realm.Men group raised over $13,000 as a part of their 2019 Leadville Challenge. 

Many more contributed during their race registration, the Charity Slot program, other Leadville Race Series events, payroll deductions and employer matching gift programs that pushed the LT100 Legacy Foundation Endowment account past our first $1 million! 

 SHARING THE LOVE.

The LT100 Legacy Foundation has officially been working to build a better, brighter tomorrow for Leadville & Lake Co. since 2002.  As we marked 10 years of awarding scholarships to Lake Co. high school graduates looking to further their education, we felt it was time to do more (and catch up with the rising cost of higher education).  2019 saw the Legacy Scholarships grow from $1000 to $2000 per student. As of this update, the Legacy Foundation has awarded over $34,000 in scholarships this year. 

We continue our support of the Colorado Mountain College - Early College Program. Over $21,000 in funding this year to cover the cost of textbooks and class fees for local students looking to graduate high school with an Associate’s Diploma or Career Ready Certificate in Culinary Arts, Welding or Electrical. 

And several local programs were awarded Legacy Grant funds worth over $25,000;

$15,000 - St George’s Community Kitchen – 2020 Kitchen Remodel Project.

$1,500 - Advocates of Lake Co.  - New Washer & Dryer.

$2,500 - The Center Early Childhood program - New Vision Screener.

$1,100 - National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum - Bilingual interpretive information panels showing areas of significance to Leadville’s iconic mining history.

$3,500 - Fire Station II - New Range, Washer & Dryer for the new fire house being built south of Leadville.

$2,500 - Cloud City Wheelers ‘Pedal for the Park’ – Bike Park Fundraiser.

As our ‘Leadville Family’ continues to grow, we know how lucky we are to have so many people supporting our efforts. It is a privilege and a pleasure to meet you, cheer for you and share the love of Leadville with you. We hope this upcoming holiday season brings you joy and good times with your own families and friends, and we look forward to seeing many of you next year!