Funding through San Juan Solstice, Inc., based on revenues and donations made at this past June’s annual 50-mile mountain run, has once again resulted in a $15,000 infusion to Hinsdale County Emergency Medical Services to assist with the continuation of EMS’ stipend and on-call programs, together with an additional $20,101, which was announced last week, and has been awarded based on funding applications from 12 Lake City Area organizations.
San Juan Solstice, Inc., also annually funds three $1,500 scholarships for graduates of Lake City Community School.
San Juan Solstice Race Director Jerry Gray, who serves as chairman for the non-profit San Juan Solstice, Inc., with a board which includes Tom Arnold, Jim Baker, Martha Reinherdt, and Kirk Apt, states that 14 funding applications totaling $27,855 were reviewed by the board, with all 14 applicants receiving all or a portion of their requests.
Based on the Solstice board’s preference for public safety agencies, full funding was awarded to Hinsdale County Search & Rescue totaling $2,200 for tactical helicopter helmet with communications ability, and $1,300 to Hinsdale EMS for its Responders Wellness Program, in which coupons are
given to first and last responders following difficult calls.
The majority of the remaining 10 local agencies applying for funds were partially funded — the majority at 75 percent of request — as follows: Alpine Outdoor Assoc, $750 for volunteer support; DIRT, $1,000 toward envisioned pickleball court in Memorial Park; Hinsdale County Historical Society, $1,875 toward continuing restoration of narrow gauge railroad car 211; Lake City Library, $1,125 for computer upgrades; Lake City Arts, $1,875 for theater and storage enhancements; Lake City Community School, $1,340 for radio and messenger devices for remote travel, and $1,000 for accessible playground equipment; Lake Fork Valley Conservancy, $1,136 for trail network signage; Silver Thread Public Health, $1,125 for senior lunch delivery program; Town of Lake City, $2,500 for repairs to the photovoltaic system on Round Top Mountain and portable toilets for special events, and $100 toward the ice wall; Wee Care in Lake City, $1,875 to its playground equipment fund.
In addition to the San Juan Solstice, Inc., board of directors, also reviewing this year’s funding requests were members of the Solstice race committee comprised of Lily Virden, Christy Hall Reece, Robert Steffens, and Amanda Hartman.
