November 2013
Dear Shadowcliff Friends:
As cool weather settles in, our beloved Shadowcliff facilities in Grand Lake begin their winter hibernation. Snow blankets the new interpretative trail and benches that offered so much inspiration to guests this past summer. Quiet envelops the cabins that nurtured another season of family memories. Stillness permeates Rempel and Cliffside Lodges in contrast to the interactive workshops, animated conversations and energetic gatherings of the summer months. And the Chapel and Point commence their own reflective season after providing yet another year of spiritual nourishment, thanks-giving and hope.
2013 has been a year of change. While the ever-important improvements to the property and facilities were our pre-season focus, our leadership transition and the still-recovering economy defined our planning efforts as the season began.
Many of you are aware that Carl Sniffen resigned as Executive Director. While in his role, Carl led tremendous improvements to the internal workings of Shadowcliff, brought life through pictures and written updates to our marketing efforts, spurred development efforts around the new trail and coordinated the time and talent of volunteers and staff to maintain and improve the “special place” we’ve come to appreciate. We are very thankful for Carl’s commitment.
Carl will continue to coordinate as we head into the 2014 season, and in the spring we’ll welcome long-time friends and former board member Karen Bigelow and her husband David Grossman in their role as Managers for the season.
You may also be aware that Shadowcliff’s financial sustainability comes in large part from groups that visit, whether to hold a family reunion, lead a workshop or conduct planning. Shadowcliff also provides workshops to the public, and this year some of our best were the Eco-Family Vacation, Stream Restoration and Sustainability Coordinators workshops.
However, workshops, training and development programs are still “recovering” from the 2008 economic crises — and there simply aren’t as many — forcing us to sharpen our pencils as we try to balance revenue with ongoing operating and improvement costs.
As we look forward to next year, we ask for your continued financial support. Some of the ways your financial assistance helps:
• Improving the facilities with purchases of construction materials, appliances, mattresses and furniture, including upgrades to more energy and water-efficient fixtures.
• Stewarding the land by improving the trail, roads, parking areas, and harvesting dead trees and planting new vegetation.
• Providing operating support which helps us offer the best value in Grand Lake lodging experiences.
• Attracting new groups and creating new workshops which benefit all by generating revenue while helping us maintain our tax-exempt status
Your financial support is as important now as it has been in the past! Will you consider a tax-deductible, year-end gift of $50, $100, $500 or more?
Another great way to contribute is to refer a group from work, church or any of your other communities who might benefit from few days of discussion and nature exploration in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Or consider giving a lifetime of memories by registering your family for our Rocky Mountain Family Eco-Friendly Vacation June 21-26, 2014.
However you choose to give, please know that we value each and every contribution. Our board strives to maintain and improve Shadowcliff and its offerings so that it remains an integral part of your life.
Much like Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree, which I read often to my three children, Shadowcliff has “given” to me since my first visit as a child in 1977. I’m sure Shadowcliff has also given to you throughout the years. Will you please join me in giving back? You can donate right now by clicking the “Donate” heading located in the upper right hand corner of the home page or you may mail the donation to Shadowcliff. Thank you.
For the board,
Lance Woodbury