Login | Create Account
Toggle Bar

Sipping for Science: A Fundraiser for KSS CATCH Programs

On Thursday, May 30th, Keystone Science School hosted our third annual Sipping for Science event at Keystone Ranch. This elegant evening welcomed 100 guests to an evening of fine dining paired with a variety of excellent wines. The wines for the evening were sponsored by local restaurants, The Canteen-Tap House And Tavern and Robbie's Tavern for the second year in a row.

During the evening we highlighted Keystone Science School’s CATCH After School and Summer CATCH Camp programs. These programs provide critical after school and summertime childcare for working families in Summit County. Keystone Science School works diligently to keep these programs affordable and accessible for all by fundraising over $430,000 annually which accounts for 81% of the annual program budget.

sipping for science kss 1Top Right: Executive Director, Ellen Reid shares the history and need of the KSS CATCH programs. Bottom Left: Geoff Buchheister, Vice President and General Manager of Keystone Resort, shares the various ways that Vail Resorts EpicPromise supports KSS including donating the meal, space, and staffing at Keystone Ranch for Sipping for Science.

During the event, KSS had aimed to raise $25,000 for the CATCH Programs in hopes of continuing to allow the program to remain affordable for all. With many thanks to our generous title sponsor, Breckenridge Grand Vacations, KSS was presented with an unexpected matching challenge of $12,500 from the Rob Millisor Heart Health Fund. KSS is pleased to say that each donation was matched dollar for dollar and over $36,000 was raised to support Keystone Science School’s CATCH programs.

sipping for science kss 2Left: David and Marnie Stelzer, Ed and Joann Kilpela, and Bill Caton enjoy conversation and appetizers. Right: The KSS Development Team: Mel Klonsinski, Development Coordinator; Ellen Reid, Executive Director; and Kristin Williams, Development Director at KSS

We are overwhelmed with appreciation for all the support Sipping for Science received. Special thanks to all of our sponsors for the evening, BGV Gives and Breckenridge Grand Vacations, Vail Resorts EpicPromise, Keystone Ranch Restaurant, US Bank and Summit Express for the incredible support.

This 4-minute video was shared at Sipping for Science to highlight the support, learning, and impact that the CATCH Programs have on local children and their families.