A time for thanks.
The Leadville Trail 100 Legacy Foundation has been funding programs and initiatives in Leadville and Lake Co. for almost 20 years. All funds are raised through the generous donations from athletes and their supporters, those who enjoy the opportunity to participate in events in our beautiful town, and want to give back to the community in thanks.
Even with the crisis created by COVID-19 this year, and subsequent cancellation of the Leadville Race Series events, the LT100 Legacy Foundation was able to continue to have a positive impact on the local community. This was due in large part to the ongoing generosity of these athletes, who even though not able to race this year, willingly donated their race registration and deferral fees to the LT100 Legacy Foundation.
This year the LT100 Legacy Foundation issued over $52,000 in scholarship funds to Lake County HS grads looking to pursue their dream of higher education.
In the spring the Legacy Foundation provided $2,000 in emergency funding support to St George’s Community Meals and Food Pantry as the effect of COVID hit this community hard. It was also during this time that the Foundation pledged funding support the Leadville & Lake Co. Economic Development Corporation in the development of their Emergency Grants and Revolving Loan Programs for small businesses struggling with the economic shut down.
In addition to this emergent response, several local groups also got funding through the LT100 Legacy Foundation Grants Program. Legacy Grants provide funding to programs and initiatives working to make Leadville a great place to live, work and raise a family! All grantees go through a thorough vetting and application process, and their requests must align with the CORE VALUES which include -
Education – support partnerships that motivate Leadville Lake County youth to further themselves through educational opportunities.
Economic Vitality – ensure a thriving economy for our town, and value ideals that pursue economic success and prosperity.
Community – support ideas and participate in initiatives with other Leadville Lake County partners that benefit the greater good of the town.
Recreation – value the benefits of recreation in promoting and encouraging a quality, healthy life for our Leadville & Lake county community.
Our Legacy – we value the mining history that got us here and understand it is an important part of what makes Leadville unique.
2020 LT100 Legacy Foundation Grant recipients include;
Tritz Park / We Love Leadville tribute sign - $2,500 for the solar lighting project.
Friends of the Fish Hatchery - $5,000 window replacement project.
Cloud City Wheelers Bike Club - $3,000 for mini excavator rental to complete the new bike trails project at Turquoise Lake.
Clear Creek Canyon Historical Society (aka Winfield Township) - $600 for the historic images digital preservation project.
St Vincent Hospital Foundation - $10,000 for a new CT Scanner at the new hospital.
Cloud City Ski Club - $5,000 for new Nordic skis, boots and bindings to support the youth Nordic Ski Program.
The Center - $3,000 Annual Holiday Party.
While 2020 was not the year that we expected, we are grateful to be able to continue our mission to support the needs of Leadville & Lake Co. and build a better, brighter tomorrow while respecting our mining heritage.
