This morning we had the pleasure of being joined by Sally Hensley, Ernie Kothe, Jennifer Read, and Leigh Paulsen from the Crested Butte Community School. Sally, CBCS’s elementary principal, and Ernie, the school’s secondary principal shared highlights of each school, including our ranking in the state (17th out of 363 schools!), a student-led Red Cross Club, and special programs like Ski and Skate for PE that help all kids access our community’s amazing recreational activities.

Secondary School Counselor Jennifer Read works closely with Rotary and students to administer our senior scholarships, Service Above Self Award, and youth exchange program. We’ve presented 42 scholarships to seniors in the last two years, and we have 3 outbound exchange students heading abroad in 2024! But, helping to administer our programs is just a part of the vast array of things Jennifer does for our students. She also leads Senior Seminar, helping seniors prep for the college or career path, including lessons on financial literacy. Her middle school program, Wheel, helps students heading into high school explore the many opportunities from tech studies to music and more so they’re well prepared for their next chapter. These are just a few of the many ways Jennifer helps guide our students into the future!

Leigh Paulsen also represents Rotary’s support of our community’s next generation, as the new Family Liaison, which is partially funded by Rotary grants. Leigh is providing more personal communication with families and the community at large, increasing the school’s presence on social media to help tell our stories, coordinating grade-level fundraising, and conducting needs assessments and sustainability efforts. It’s an exciting addition to the school’s staff that we’re looking forward to learning more about as Leigh moves forward with the position!

Finally, we learned about the expansion project, which will begin this summer. The expansion will provide better safety and security through more appropriate office locations, a new Career and Technical Education wing for the secondary school, upgrades to the playground and soccer field, and new Pre-K classrooms. Scheduled to be completed in 2025, this renovation is sure to be a huge asset to our community!

Rob Layton, the Colorado GM of Eleven Experience, joined us this morning to share the high-end adventure hospitality provided by a world-wide company born and based here in Crested Butte. Owner Chad Pike started Eleven Experience, rather appropriately, on 11-11-2011, but that’s not the origin of the name. Rather, it comes from the 1984 cult classic film, Spinal Tap, in which the titular band draws an 11 on their 1-10 volume amp so they can play louder and more boisterously than any other.

Just 13 years old, Eleven Experience now boasts 13 luxury properties in 8 countries with more on the way! Two of those properties are right here in the Gunnison Valley, Scarp Ridge Lodge in downtown CB and Taylor River Lodge along the Taylor River. The company also boasts its own interior design branch called Twelve; it’s own guide service, Irwin Guides; a music production company, “Eleven Music;” and a property management arm, “Grassy Creek.” On top of all that, Eleven owns and operates Irwin Brewing Company here in CB and its restaurant and bar front, the Public House on Elk Avenue. They’re busy year-round!

While operating world-wide, Eleven Experience gives back to their local communities through grants for nonprofits that focus on recreation and open spaces. They also have a carbon emissions matching program for their guests and utilize solar power whenever possible.

Looking for a way to experience life on a 1-10 scale all the way to Eleven? The Taylor River Lodge offers overnight stays for Gunnison Valley residents and invites anyone to A Taste of Taylor, dinner reservations available to the general public Wednesdays through Sundays!

At its January 8 meeting, the Rotary Club recognized long-time community member, Richard Cole, for his many years of living out the principle of “Service Above Self.” Thanks to Richard for all he does!

June 2023
Press Release

The Rotary Club of Crested Butte/Mt Crested Butte announces its community grant program schedule for the 2023 cycle.

The 2023 community grant cycle deadline to apply for a Rotary Community Grant is July 03, 2023. The Community Grant committee will begin its detailed selection process shortly thereafter. Selected nonprofit organizations will be announced in late February.

Learn about Rotary’s Community Grant Program, including detailed guidelines such as application instructions, grant criteria, deadlines, etc, here.

Remember, those requesting grants are no longer required to make a presentation to the Rotary Club but must make a formal written request to the Community Grant Committee. This will allow all organizations that meet the Rotary Community Grant criteria an equal opportunity to request grant funds.

Rotary looks forward to providing continued support to nonprofit organizations as they work to make a difference in our communities. Please remember, Rotary’s Community Grants are one of many programs that are funded by the proceeds earned through Rotary’s Great Rubber Duckie Race.

A HUGE thank you to all of our Big Duck sponsors for the 2023 race!

And the winners are…

April 2019

Press Release

The Rotary Club of Crested Butte/Mt Crested Butte announces it Community Grant Program schedule for the 2019 spring/summer cycle.

The 2019 spring/summer community grant cycle deadline to apply is June 1, 2019. The community grant committee will begin their detailed selection process shortly thereafter. Selected nonprofit organizations will be announced in July 2019.

Learn about the Rotary’s grant program, included detailed guidelines such as application instructions and grant criteria here.

Remember, those requesting grants are not longer required to make a presentation at the Rotary Club but must make a formal written request to the community grant committee. This will allow all organizations that meet the Rotary’s community grant criteria an equal opportunity to request grant funds.

Rotary looks forward to providing continued support to nonprofit organizations as they work to make ad difference inner communities. Please remember, Rotary’s community grants are one of the many programs that are funded by the proceeds earned through Rotary’s Great Rubber Duckie Race!

November 1, 2018

Press Release

The Rotary Club of Crested Butte/Mt Crested Butte announces it Community Grant Program schedule for the fall/winter cycle.

The 2018 fall/winter community grant cycle deadline to apply is December 15, 2018. The community grant committee will begin their detailed selection process shortly thereafter. Selected nonprofit organizations will be announced in February 2019.

Learn about the Rotary’s grant program, included detailed guidelines such as application instructions and grant criteria here.

Remember, those requesting grants are not longer required to make a presentation at the Rotary Club but must make a formal written request to the community grant committee. This will allow all organizations that meet the Rotary’s community grant criteria an equal opportunity to request grant funds.

Rotary looks forward to providing continued support to nonprofit organizations as they work to make ad difference inner communities. Please remember, Rotary’s community grants are one of the many programs that are funded by the proceeds earned through Rotary’s Great Rubber Duckie Race!

The 2018 Rubber Duckie race was a huge success with some very intense and motivated ducks! 5,397 duckies raced down Coal Creek, helping to raise over $55,000 for local non-profits and kids! Thanks to all the volunteers who made this happen, and thanks to the CB Fire Department for helping get the water levels up to race standards (with 2,000 gallons of extra water).