Vail’s CEO distributes $2M to charities

Sizable donations from the chief executive officer of Vail Resorts will benefit children on the South and North Shores of Lake Tahoe.

Rob Katz

CEO Rob Katz and his wife, Elana Amsterdam, founder of Elana’s Pantry, made personal contributions totaling $2 million to 12 nonprofit organizations in the communities where the company operates. Each of the contributions will be directed toward programs that support the welfare and education of children in these local communities.

“The success of our local communities brings a number of unique challenges that require our focus and attention – none more important than helping kids and families who are most vulnerable. Elana and I feel fortunate to be able to provide this support to these outstanding non-profits to allow them to continue their great work,” Katz said in a statement.

The Boys & Girls Club in South Lake Tahoe will receive $125,000. The money will cover the full cost of 50 children attending the club for an entire year, and provides the organization with $50,000 in seed funding to launch a campaign for a new home.

The Boys & Girls Club in North Lake Tahoe also will receive $125,000. This donation will support the expansion of the organization’s program in Truckee to address youth and academic achievement, as well as to provide a safe place for teens to go. The program currently serves 320 kids per day at Kings Beach and 105 kids each day at Truckee. With this gift, 75 more children will be able to have access to the program for three years.