Play It Forward Expands Resort’s Play Forever Corporate Responsibility Commitment, Immediate Focus is COVID-19 Pandemic Relief
Vermont Business Magazine Vermont’s Killington Resort, the largest mountain resort in Eastern North America, today announced Play It Forward, a newly launched employee and community-centric philanthropic platform designed to support the local community during COVID-19 and beyond. As part of Killington Resort’s Play Forever corporate responsibility commitment to protecting the environment and enabling participation, Play It Forward engages charitable giving through partnerships with local community foundations.
“As part of the fabric of this community, we have a responsibility to support those who work, live and play here,” says Mike Solimano, president and general manager of Killington Resort and Pico Mountain. “We want to ensure our community comes out of these tough times stronger and Play It Forward will not only help strengthen the local community as we navigate the coronavirus pandemic, but we hope that it will inspire others to follow our lead.”
Play It Forward’s first step is focused on helping to alleviate the impact of COVID-19, an effort anyone can contribute to through volunteering, carrying out small acts of kindness, providing items in need, and donating to Killington’s Play It Forward Fund. Set up in partnership with the Vermont Community Foundation,
Killington’s Play It Forward Fund was established to provide funding in support of our community successfully navigating challenging times and continuing to thrive for generations to come.
Killington Resort’s Play It Forward Fund was established with a $350,000 gift from the Cumming Foundation, and John and David Cumming.
POWDR, an adventure lifestyle company founded by John Cumming, owns Killington and Pico and implemented Play It Forward funds at each of its mountain resorts across North America. The family and foundation’s gifts, totaling $2.25M across the funds, are in support of POWDR businesses helping their local communities in this tremendous time of need and beyond.
Killington’s Plan for Allocating Play It Forward Fund Dollars:
- $130,000 to benefit economic relief in the Killington community
- Businesses in the Town of Killington that have felt the economic impacts of the pandemic can begin applying to a newly created business relief fund in mid-June.
- $100,000 to Killington Region Food Insecurity Programs
- In mid-March, Killington donated food from the resort’s kitchens to employees and ambassadors. Since then, Killington has fed staff and the community through additional food giveaways in partnership with the Town of Killington and Castleton University with plans to continue supporting monthly food donations and expand on food insecurity programs in the future.
- Remaining funds will be allocated to local non-profits with a focus on building a stronger community. Information on how to apply will be forthcoming.
Learn more about Play It Forward here.
About Killington Resort
Killington Resort is a four-season destination sitting on 3,000 acres in the heart of Central Vermont’s Green Mountains. The Beast of the East boasts 92 miles of diverse snow sports terrain spread across six peaks including Pico Mountain, served by the most expansive lift network and snowmaking system in Eastern North America. After the snow melts, Killington features an 18-hole championship golf course, the family-friendly Snowshed Adventure Center, 15 miles of scenic hiking trails, and the largest Bike Park in the East with 35 miles of mountain biking trails designed by Gravity Logic. The seemingly infinite après, dining, and lodging options have made Killington a world-class destination for East Coast adventure enthusiasts for over 55 years. Killington is part of the POWDR Adventure Lifestyle Co. portfolio. Visit www.killington.com for more information and be social with #beast365.
Source: KILLINGTON, VT (June 8, 2020) – Killington Resort