For years Vail Resorts Epic Promise has been a strong partner of Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley, working to help make affordable homeownership a reality for hardworking locals. Beaver Creek Resort and Vail Mountain are a community backbone and have supported Habitat Vail Valley through financial contributions and volunteerism.

“Vail Resorts has been a steadfast partner of Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley for as long as I can remember,” says Elyse Howard, director of development. “Their commitment to giving back makes a difference in the lives of the people who live and work in Eagle County.”

Once again, this year, Vail and Beaver Creek will give a week of community building — encouraging employees to volunteer their skills at Habitat’s jobsite at Stratton Flats. Over the course of September 11 to 15, in memoriam of Board member and Beaver Creek Vice President of Mountain Operations, Gary Shimanowitz, 25 employees each day will build: one thousand hours will go far towards building strong foundations.

“We are so proud to support Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley. This is an organization that creates lasting impact in our community, and one we’re proud to support through Epic Promise community grants and employee volunteering. Returning to this community after years away, I’m excited to join Beaver Creek Resort and Vail Mountain employees during the second annual Gary Shimanowitz Memorial Build Week in support of Habitat's mission to provide stable and affordable housing in our community,” says Beaver Creek Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Bobby Murphy.

From 2022 through 2024, Habitat Vail Valley has made the audacious plan to double its building production — starting 46 homes in the three-year period. Vail Resorts is part of the $18 million investment into affordable housing.

“Last year Beaver Creek Resort and Vail Mountain committed $300,000 over 5-years to help us build homes in partnership with the locals who are the fabric of our community,” Howard adds.

Habitat is more than a home developer, it is a community builder. Habitat homeowners give 250 sweat equity hours — building their homes and the homes of their neighbors. As they build their homes, they become friends and work together, creating the neighborhood where they will raise their families.

At the end of the Epic Promise Gary Shimanowitz Memorial Build Week, the community is invited to take part in a Wall Raising Ceremony and Neighborhood Dinner — celebrating the partnerships that will bring the next 8 homes to fruition.

Please join us! Friday, September 15 at 4 p.m. at Nighthawk Circle in Gypsum. Food will be provided. RSVP required, email caitlinpauls@habitatvailvalley.org.