The Impact of the Play Forever Fund at Killington Resort and Pico Mountain
As president and general manager of Killington Resort and Pico Mountain, Mike Solimano has years of experience making decisions. Even so, it can be a challenge to decide which of the many deserving local nonprofit organizations to nurture with grants from the Play Forever Fund.
“I’m proud to be part of a company that values community contribution. Seeing our contributions put to good use is definitely a highlight for me personally.”
The corporate giving account at the Vermont Community Foundation was created four years ago so that the two resorts, which attract happy throngs of skiers, snowboarders, bikers, golfers, and other visitors to Southern Vermont, could give back to the region. The philanthropic effort has supported people in need, the local economy, school PTOs, and innovative programming to help youth stay active intellectually and physically, among other causes. The process of recommending grants is a window onto inspiring work in the community, Solimano said.
One example? Rutland Area Robotics, which helps youth explore STEM learning in a dynamic, team-oriented way. Students who participate in programs at the nonprofit, which has received several grants, took time to talk about their projects during an in-person session at Killington awhile back.
“This group of smart young people came and presented their work at a company-wide meeting at the resort,” Solimano said. “Our entire team was floored by how intelligent and well-spoken they were. Their presentation actually inspired us to increase our donation, and we were thrilled when they reported back on their success at regional competitions. Seeing how the funding we provide can help propel young people to success is very rewarding for all of us at Killington.”
Rutland Robotics is one of several recent grant recipients with a focus on youth. Others include Girls on the Run, the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps., Girls and Boys Club of Rutland, Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum, and Come Alive Outside, which has many programs for families and children. Keeping young people active is a Play Forever goal.
“Young people are the future of skiing and snowboarding and our success as a company, so of course we want to do whatever we can to support them,” Solimano said. “As a company, we believe that future generations should have opportunities for an adventurous life. Through our Play Forever Commitment, we invest in sustainable infrastructure projects, environmental research, community volunteering and citizen science, as well as policy advocacy so we can build a more resilient world for enjoyment by future generations.”
The Vermont Community Foundation is a family of more than 1,000 funds, including giving accounts created by companies that want their success to lift up the places where they do business and where their employees live, as well as supporting causes on a broader scale.
It’s rewarding to be part of the philanthropic process at Killington and Pico and their parent company POWDR, Solimano said.
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The Foundation offers services to help businesses develop and implement their philanthropic strategies in the communities where their employees and their families live. This includes establishing corporate donor advised funds, providing grantmaking support, and aligning corporate giving with community needs.
