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Mikaela Shiffrin speaks about mental health with school children at an Education Foundation for Eagle County Event.

IN THE PRESS

School Views: Too many to thank at Thanksgiving

School Views: Too many to thank at Thanksgiving

We are extremely fortunate to work with community partners that provide an unyielding amount of resources for our district. While that list starts with the Education Foundation of Eagle County, an organization that goes beyond advocating for our schools with events like Wild West Days and Project Funway and supports our teachers with their Apple Awards and classroom grants...

Vail Daily

November 20, 2024

Education Foundation of Eagle County’s Classroom Grants program sees big increase

Education Foundation of Eagle County’s Classroom Grants program sees big increase

This year, the Education Foundation of Eagle County received an unprecedented 58 classroom grant applications totaling $98,395 — over three times the number of applications we normally receive.

Real Vail

October 16, 2024

Spa Anjali & Athletic Club at The Westin support EFEC, ECSD staff members this September

Spa Anjali & Athletic Club at The Westin support EFEC, ECSD staff members this September

Spa Anjali and The Athletic Club at The Westin are excited to once again support the dedicated staff of the Eagle County School District this September with discounts on spa treatments and a community benefit class for the Education Foundation of Eagle County.

Real Vail

September 5, 2024

Eagle County school board says mill levy override is a no-go this November

Eagle County school board says mill levy override is a no-go this November

Decision made after polling data indicated low support for measure

Vail Daily

July 22, 2024

Will Eagle County School District pursue another mill levy override this November?

Will Eagle County School District pursue another mill levy override this November?

After it failed in 2023, district is gauging community and staff sentiment before the school board makes a ‘go or no-go decision’ in July

Vail Daily

June 17, 2024

School Views: Another year in the books

School Views: Another year in the books

Spring has finally sprung. And while I do not doubt that another snowstorm could show up in the next few weeks, I am at least confident that summer is just around the corner, which means another school year is in the books.

Vail Daily

May 22, 2024

Project Funway Fashion Show Supports Education Through Fundraiser

Project Funway Fashion Show Supports Education Through Fundraiser

Thirteen years ago, Project Funway made its debut. Since 2016, they have raised over $4 million in support of the Education Foundation of Eagle County (EFEC). Before a fashion show, it was a way to bring together friends and show off everyone’s creations.

303 Magazine

April 9, 2024

Letter: Thanks for your support of Project Funway

Letter: Thanks for your support of Project Funway

On behalf of the Education Foundation of Eagle County, we sincerely thank our wonderful community for your overwhelming support of Project Funway.

Vail Daily

April 4, 2024

Spring break fun, fashion, dance and opera this weekend in the Vail Valley

Spring break fun, fashion, dance and opera this weekend in the Vail Valley

Project Funway returns for its 13th year while Hawk's Nest Cabin in Beaver Creek makes its debut this season

Vail Daily

March 21, 2024

Champions Teacher Retention and Student Programs Amid Colorado's Funding Crisis

Champions Teacher Retention and Student Programs Amid Colorado's Funding Crisis

In Colorado, EFEC leads the fight against educational underfunding with initiatives for teachers and students, setting a new standard in educational advocacy.

BNN

March 7, 2024

EFEC’s Project Funway is fashioning the Future of Education in Eagle County

EFEC’s Project Funway is fashioning the Future of Education in Eagle County

Since 2012, EFEC has been a powerhouse non-profit enriching local education and supporting educators and staff with Distinguished Teacher Scholarship Awards, monetary Apple Awards, and recognition celebrating educators’ unwavering commitment and excellence.

Vail Daily

March 7, 2024

What Eagle County students want from behavioral health programming

What Eagle County students want from behavioral health programming

As mental and behavioral health challenges continue to persist for students, an Eagle County coalition of nonprofits is bringing youth voices into the conversation to find solutions.

As part of a series of community partner presentations for the Eagle County School District Board of Education, at the board’s Jan. 10 meeting, B.E. Partners shared insight from local students in the areas of mental health, substance use, maturation and more.

Vail Daily

January 23, 2024

School Views: Thank you to our Board of Education

School Views: Thank you to our Board of Education

January is Board of Education Recognition Month. Our seven Board of Education members volunteer their time, which means they are not compensated. If you know any of these folks or see them out in our community, please be sure to show them your appreciation. The work they do is important to our entire community, and most importantly our youth.

Vail Daily

January 17, 2024

Letter: A thank you to Eagle County voters

Letter: A thank you to Eagle County voters

The Education Foundation of Eagle County and Citizens for Exceptional Eagle County Schools thank you for voting in this November’s election. We feel fortunate to live in a country where we can exercise our voice through voting.

Vail Daily

November 10, 2023

Eagle County School district voters split on bond issue, mill levy increase

Eagle County School district voters split on bond issue, mill levy increase

Eagle County School District voters were split in their opinions about a pair of ballot questions, 5A and 5B, on Tuesday’s ballot. As of 9 p.m., 5A, a mill levy override, was trailing, while 5B, a bond issue, was leading.

Vail Daily

November 8, 2023

Where campaigns for and against Eagle County School District’s ballot initiatives are getting funding

Where campaigns for and against Eagle County School District’s ballot initiatives are getting funding

As the Eagle County School District seeks to pass two separate ballot initiatives, two primary citizen issue committees have formed — one to support the measures and the other to oppose them.

Vail Daily

November 5, 2023

Mikaela Shiffrin answers students’ questions about mental health, rebounding from failure

Mikaela Shiffrin answers students’ questions about mental health, rebounding from failure

Olympic ski racer Mikaela Shiffrin took time out of her busy preseason training schedule on Tuesday to address the community at the Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa in Avon. The Westin Riverfront teamed up with the Education Foundation of Eagle County to host a discussion entitled “Innovation & Success” in a packed lobby full of Shiffrin’s fans of all ages.

Aspen Times

September 28, 2023

Mikaela Gives Boost to Education Foundation of Eagle County

Mikaela Gives Boost to Education Foundation of Eagle County

Mikaela Shiffrin gave the parents and schoolkids of Eagle County a boost yesterday when she answered questions about life, challenges, failure, success, and the bigger pictures in life in a Q&A session at the Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa Avon, Vail Valley.

Powder Magazine

September 27, 2023

Education Foundation of Eagle County to continue fundraising efforts for Wild West Day without event

Education Foundation of Eagle County to continue fundraising efforts for Wild West Day without event

For more than 30 years, Wild West Day has been a fall highlight for local children and families who look forward to spending a crisp, fall day at 4 Eagle Ranch enjoying games, food, horse-drawn wagon rides and more.

Vail Daily

September 25, 2023

The Education Foundation of Eagle County aims to raise $160,000 at Wild West Day

The Education Foundation of Eagle County aims to raise $160,000 at Wild West Day

The Education Foundation of Eagle County is gearing up for the 33rd year of one of its largest fundraisers, Wild West Day. The event will take place Sunday, Sept. 24, at 4 Eagle Ranch in Wolcott with the goal of bringing in $160,000 to support Eagle County School District’s eight elementary schools and preschools.

Vail Daily

September 22, 2023

School Views: Reflecting on a great school year

School Views: Reflecting on a great school year

The Education Foundation of Eagle County awarded many of our local educators with Apple Awards, which are $500 endowments given to staff that exemplify EFEC’s mission of supporting the intellectual and emotional growth of our students.

Vail Daily

May 24, 2023

Project Funway Fashion Show Raises Money for Education

Project Funway Fashion Show Raises Money for Education

For 12 years, the Education Foundation of Eagle County (Efec) has hosted Project Funway, one of the largest fundraising shows in Vail. This generates support for local schools by raising money for in school programs, mental health support and recognizing teachers. Over 40 designers participate where every look is made from “anything but fabric,” and judged by six judges — one being Project Runway runner up Mondo Guerra.

303 Magazine

April 7, 2023

Project Funway Event

Project Funway Event

Come enjoy a imaginative, brilliant, one-of-a-kind fashion designs of “anything but fabric” parade the runway in this unique fundraising event. No single runway look is ever the same! The show celebrates and supports creativity, art, and design along with raising money to support the Education Foundation of Eagle County.

Discover Vail

April 1, 2023

Eagle County School District’s accountability committee: Proactive measures needed for top challenges like teacher retention, student behavior

Eagle County School District’s accountability committee: Proactive measures needed for top challenges like teacher retention, student behavior

The Eagle County School District each year is required by the state to convene an accountability committee to evaluate its top challenges and give recommendations for creative solutions.

Vaily Daily

March 29, 2023

Contingent of Eagle County students prepare to compete in Colorado Science Olympiad

Contingent of Eagle County students prepare to compete in Colorado Science Olympiad

Students will apply their STEM skills to various challenges, aiming for a place in the National competition

Vail Daily

March 23, 2023

The runway to Project Funway: Eagle County schools host their own spin-offs before the main event

The runway to Project Funway: Eagle County schools host their own spin-offs before the main event

While the Education Foundation of Eagle County’s Project Funway has been a predominant event in the valley for over a decade, in recent years local schools have begun to duplicate it, bringing fashion design into their curriculum.

Vail Daily

March 18, 2023

Pushing for change: What Colorado’s 2023 legislative session could mean for education in Eagle County

Pushing for change: What Colorado’s 2023 legislative session could mean for education in Eagle County

Addressing school finance and the educator shortage top the to-do lists of local education leaders, legislators

Vail Daily

January 12, 2023

The Education Foundation of Eagle County’s Wild West Day fundraiser returns Sunday

The Education Foundation of Eagle County’s Wild West Day fundraiser returns Sunday

For over 30 years, Wild West Day has been a fall highlight for local children and families who look forward to spending a crisp fall day at 4 Eagle Ranch enjoying games, food, horse-drawn wagon rides, face painting, crafts and more.

Vail Daily

September 23, 2022

Eagle County leaders show support for statewide affordable housing ballot measure

Eagle County leaders show support for statewide affordable housing ballot measure

Proposition 123 will ask voters to set aside a portion of state income taxes for affordable housing projects, grants, initiatives and more

Vail Daily

September 17, 2022

Proposed education funding measure falls short of November ballot

Proposed education funding measure falls short of November ballot

Petitioners and volunteers across the state — including members of the local Education Foundation of Eagle County — were working to get an education funding measure on the November ballot, but that effort fell short of the required 125,000 signatures necessary for it to reach voters in November.

Vail Daily

August 10, 2022

Education Foundation of Eagle County: Helping teachers and students succeed

Education Foundation of Eagle County: Helping teachers and students succeed

While school may be out for summer, the Education Foundation of Eagle County, E•ƒ(ec), is busy working on solutions so that every teacher, school, family, and student can thrive in our community.

Vail Daily

July 20, 2022

EFEC collects signatures for new education funding initiative

EFEC collects signatures for new education funding initiative

The Education Foundation of Eagle County is currently collecting signatures to get an initiative on the November ballot. As proposed, Initiative 63 would help channel an additional nearly $900 million, without raising taxes, to K-12 schools in Colorado.

Vail Daily

May 26, 2022

Meet the Project Funway judges

Meet the Project Funway judges

The 11th Annual Project Funway fundraiser for the Education Foundation of Eagle County is taking place this Saturday evening at the Dobson Ice Arena in Lionshead. The runway competition features outfits crafted by 65 local designers of all ages and skill levels, who have each been challenged to create a one-of-a-kind clothing design for the catwalk. The catch: no fabric can be used in the making of these outfits.

Vail Daily

March 4, 2022

Eagle County Gives prepares for critical day of giving on Dec. 7

Eagle County Gives prepares for critical day of giving on Dec. 7

Amid the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, local nonprofits are asking the community to give back

Vail Daily

November 30, 2021

School board bids adieu to Almanza, Cocchiarella and Jarnot

School board bids adieu to Almanza, Cocchiarella and Jarnot

The three directors leaving have served on Eagle County Schools’ Board of Education for a collective 22 years

Vail Daily

November 12, 2021

School board candidate Juan Peña in his own words

School board candidate Juan Peña in his own words

Candidate wants to continue giving back to education and ensure implementation of equity goals

Vail Daily

October 7, 2021

School board candidate Kelly Alter in her own words

School board candidate Kelly Alter in her own words

Incumbent wants to continue work in advancing public education

Vail Daily

October 1, 2021

Eagle County Schools faces substitute shortage on top of staffing challenges

Eagle County Schools faces substitute shortage on top of staffing challenges

District seeks creative solutions as teachers step up to fill classroom vacancies

Vail Daily

September 16, 2021

Project Funway celebrates 10 years of creativity and raising money for Eagle County public schools

Project Funway celebrates 10 years of creativity and raising money for Eagle County public schools

It’s hard to believe how a little idea to do a fashion show for charity has blossomed into an event that typically gathers hundreds of people and last year raised over $220,000. Project Funway celebrates 10 years of fashion, fun and fundraising efforts to help the Education Foundation of Eagle County with its virtual event Saturday at 7 p.m.

Vail Daily

April 9, 2021

Letter: Thanks for ensuring quality learning for our kids

Letter: Thanks for ensuring quality learning for our kids

As we enter the holiday season amid the turmoil of COVID-19, the Education Foundation of Eagle County would like to extend our deepest gratitude to this community for continuing to make education a top priority. Local support passed the 5B ballot issue with 72% approval, according to Eagle County precinct reports, ensuring consistent funding for our schools, teachers, staff and students for decades into the future despite what happens with education funding at the state level.

Vail Daily

November 27, 2020

Mondo Guerra returns to Vail for Project Funway in February

Mondo Guerra returns to Vail for Project Funway in February

Project Funway 2020 is bringing “Project Runway: All Stars” winner and season 8 finalist Mondo Guerra to deliver the best in show award.

Vail Daily

January 7, 2020

Education Foundation of Eagle County secures grant for prevention and resiliency programs in schools

Education Foundation of Eagle County secures grant for prevention and resiliency programs in schools

Education Foundation of Eagle County, a nonprofit that helps fill the funding gaps in Eagle County education, was recently awarded $277,200 over the span of two years by the Colorado Health Foundation for prevention and resiliency programming in local schools. The funding will facilitate capacity growth of p

Vail Daily

October 30, 2019

Tessa Kirchner reflects on helping steer Eagle County Schools through tumultuous times

Tessa Kirchner reflects on helping steer Eagle County Schools through tumultuous times

Kirchner, who will rotate off the board at the end of the year, says she'll still remain involved with local schools

Vail Daily

October 4, 2019

Education Foundation of Eagle County celebrates 25th ‘Evening of Stars’ event

Education Foundation of Eagle County celebrates 25th ‘Evening of Stars’ event

The evening of May 18 may have seen snow dumping on our winter-fatigued community, but that didn’t stop an outpouring of appreciation for local teachers, school support staff and volunteers in Eagle County Schools.

Vail Daily

June 14, 2019

Project Funway benefits mental health in Eagle County schools

Project Funway benefits mental health in Eagle County schools

Now that the glue guns, duct tape and dust have settled, the Education Foundation of Eagle County’s Project Funway has once again impressed a growing audience with the creativity, talent and generosity that flows throughout this mountain resort community. The Saturday, Feb. 9, event, hosted at Dobson Ice Arena in Vail, featured an evening of fashion, food and fun, grossing approximately $160,000 in support of efforts to put a therapist in every school in Eagle County.

Vail Daily

February 18, 2019

Education Foundation of Eagle County honored for its equity work

Education Foundation of Eagle County honored for its equity work

A Vail Valley education advocacy group won statewide honors for its work promoting equity in local schools.

Vail Daily

November 3, 2018

Education Foundation of Eagle County announces new mission, new board members

Education Foundation of Eagle County announces new mission, new board members

The Education Foundation of Eagle County has announced a new mission and focus for the organization, along with four new board members. A fundraising campaign in support of these new initiatives launches Tuesday, Aug. 28.

Vail Daily

August 24, 2018

Project Funway supports education in Eagle County

Project Funway supports education in Eagle County

Words such as professional and glamour rang true at the Project Funway fashion event at Dobson Ice Arena in Vail on Saturday, Feb. 10.

Vail Daily

February 16, 2018

Project Funway raises $100,000 for local schools

Project Funway raises $100,000 for local schools

For the seventh year in a row, Education Foundation of Eagle County’s Project Funway event provided a spark of creativity and an evening of fashion, food and fun, all in the name of raising money for teacher and classroom support throughout Eagle County.

Vail Daily

February 14, 2018

Education Foundation of Eagle County awards equity grants to local schools

Education Foundation of Eagle County awards equity grants to local schools

The Education Foundation of Eagle County Board of Trustees recently announced 2017-18 school year grant awards in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM); equity and staffing; and arts and music benefiting students at seven Eagle County Schools and district wide.

Vail Daily

December 9, 2017

Five candidates vying for four Eagle County school board seats; three running unopposed

Five candidates vying for four Eagle County school board seats; three running unopposed

Two candidates will square off for the only contested Eagle County Schools Board of Education seat in this year’s election.

Vail Daily

October 12, 2017

Vail Daily letter: Local money supporting local jobs

Vail Daily letter: Local money supporting local jobs

Thank you for your school budget transparency story (“New school budget includes bond dollars,” Tuesday, June 20). As an advocate for education in our community, I’m extremely impressed with how our local citizens stepped up to support a living wage for our teachers. Seeing as how Eagle County Schools is the second largest employer in Eagle County, if we want our community to continue to thrive, then this is the responsible approach to make it happen — local money supporting local jobs.

Vail Daily

July 7, 2017

High Altitude Society column: Project Funway raises funds for Eagle County Schools

High Altitude Society column: Project Funway raises funds for Eagle County Schools

On Saturday, April 8, Dobson Ice Arena in Vail was transformed into a festive venue for the 2017 Project Funway fashion event. There were huge magenta orbs illuminating the arena and a handmade bar built by Karl Krueger. The space was a far departure from the chilly ice rink and held hundreds of fans of fashion and education. The designers, models and hair and makeup talent worked throughout the afternoon and early evening to prepare for yet another amazing show.

Vail Daily

April 23, 2017

Education Foundation of Eagle County announces grant awards

Education Foundation of Eagle County announces grant awards

The Education Foundation of Eagle County exists to support the creation and delivery of an excellent learning experience for Eagle County Public School students. Since 2011, after a failed mill levy and tremendous losses in state funding to our public schools, the Foundation has invested more than $500,000 in grants, teacher scholarships, community organizing and legislative advocacy in support of Eagle County public schools.

Vail Daily

February 22, 2016

Education Foundation of Eagle County gaining momentum

Education Foundation of Eagle County gaining momentum

A new foundation launched to offset education funding cuts is gaining momentum and message, its leaders say.

The Education Foundation of Eagle County’s goal is to help offset some of the funding cuts the school district over the last year.

Vail Daily

June 19, 2012

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