Caroline Fisher believes that every organization embodies a story. "It begins with an idea," she says. “And if those holding the idea come together and do enough things right, the idea is born, and the story begins."
The Vail Valley Foundation (VVF), founded in 1981, is preparing to enter its 45th chapter. Caroline and her late husband Bob Knous have been a part of many of those chapters, and through her decision to include the VVF in her estate plans, she and Bob will continue to be a part of the organization’s story in perpetuity.
The First Chapter
Caroline's narrative with the VVF began on September 14, 1988, at the World Trade Center in New York City. It was there that Bob, the VVF President at the time, met Caroline, who had just made the spontaneous decision to move from Washington, D.C. to Vail after signing a lease during a weekend visit.
That September day marked not just the beginning of Caroline and Bob's personal journey together, but also their shared commitment to the Vail Valley Foundation. Caroline took a job with the VVF and helped carry the organization through the 1989 World Alpine Ski Championships. She didn’t know it at the time, but she was picking up a pen to help write the VVF’s story.
A Story Rooted in Shared Vision
Caroline's decision to include the VVF in her estate plans was a deeply personal and logical extension of a relationship spanning nearly four decades. "It feels like a continuation of our story that began with the VVF," Caroline reflects. "It's a continuation of supporting and cheering for this organization that we believe in so deeply."
For Caroline, this planned gift is a powerful testament to her family's unwavering faith in the VVF's mission and its transformative impact, extending their connection and dedication far beyond their lifetimes. "Plain and simple, my family deeply believes in the Vail Valley Foundation," Caroline explains. "We believe in both the intentions and the impacts that this organization has created." This type of enduring support, she notes, is essential for any non-profit organization's long-term viability and success.
Bob, a visionary and impactful leader, was instrumental in shaping the VVF's formative years. As President in 1989, he spearheaded the pivotal World Alpine Ski Championships, oversaw the rebuilding of the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, and welcomed the first annual Vail Dance Festival, laying crucial groundwork for the organization's growth. Bob's passion for the VVF was infectious, driven by a clear ambition for the Vail Valley.
"He always used to say, 'We are going to put the Vail Valley on the world stage,' and that is exactly what happened," Caroline recalls. Their shared belief in the VVF's potential to make a difference, both locally and globally, cemented their unwavering dedication.
Adapting and Enduring: The VVF's Evolution
Starting in 1981 with a focus on athletics, particularly ski racing, the VVF has "stayed steady to the path, expanding its notions of what is possible both in the Valley and our global community,” Caroline says. “The VVF is miraculous at transforming into the next version of itself as needs and opportunities change.”
Over the decades, the VVF has significantly expanded its influence beyond athletics to include premier contributions in the arts, exceptional educational programming, and most recently, proactively addressing critical community needs. The evolution from three pillars to four—athletics, arts, education, and community—represents what Caroline calls "elegant mingling and synergy."
"A chair is much more stable than a stool," she says. “Those four pillars provide doors for nearly anyone to connect and both benefit from as well as become involved in the VVF."
This continuous evolution, coupled with the organization's solid track record of impact, reinforces her confidence in the enduring power and wise stewardship of her planned gift. "The Vail Valley Foundation has proven the worthiness of its story," Caroline affirms, noting that while 30% of non-profits fail within 10 years, and less than 8% last 40 years, the VVF has not only endured but thrived for 44 years and counting.
Continuing a Profound Story
For Caroline, planned giving is an important investment in a story that is unequivocally worth continuing. "For those interested in being part of a profound, inspiring, and game-changing story into perpetuity, this is a solid decision,” she says.
Caroline's planned gift to the VVF represents more than financial support—it's a continuation of a love story that began 37 years ago at the top of the World Trade Center. For Caroline, including the VVF in her estate plans means that she and Bob will continue to be authors of this remarkable story long into the future, leaving a lasting legacy in the Vail Valley community.
"Everyone who has been a part of the organization is one of the authors of its story, whether they’re staff members, athletes, sponsors, media, partners or donors,” she says. “The many authors of the VVF story did enough things right along the way that the story continues.” By considering a planned gift, others can join Caroline in authoring the VVF’s unfolding chapters, ensuring its vital work continues for generations to come.
"We have always been involved, and now we feel that involvement will continue in perpetuity," she says with a smile. "VVF cheerleaders for life!"
To explore the various ways you can support the Vail Valley Foundation through your estate plans and planned giving, visit vvf.planmylegacy.org or contact Vice President of Philanthropy Peter Barclay at [email protected].
