When Kristy and Bill Woolfolk approach philanthropy, they do so with a guiding principle inherited from Kristy's parents, Pat and Pete Frechette: "Keep it simple, and ask, ‘what do you need?’" This straightforward philosophy, combined with their deep trust in community nonprofit organizations, has led to transformational giving that continues to shape the Vail Valley Foundation's impact across arts, athletics, education, and community supports.
A Legacy of Learning
The Woolfolks' connection to the VVF runs deep, rooted in Pat and Pete Frechette's introduction to the organization through a Chicago hometown friend who worked in development. What began as a simple introduction blossomed into decades of involvement and support, with the Frechettes becoming instrumental supporters of programs like STARS (Support the Arts Reaching Students) at the Vilar Performing Arts Center and endowing the program to safeguard its continuation for years to come.
When Pat and Pete passed away within months of each other in 2016-2017, they left behind more than just their deep commitment to the Vail Valley – they left a legacy and blueprint for meaningful philanthropy that Kristy and Bill have thoughtfully carried forward. "They were true philanthropists," Kristy said. "My mom was really the guiding force, and my dad followed her lead… I still have all the letters that the kids in the STARS program would write to my parents. My mother read them and kept them all. "
Trust-Based Philanthropy in Action
Kristy, Bill and the Frechette Family Foundation, which Pat and Pete established in the mid-’90’s, direct their support toward promoting child and family well-being, and allow much of their support to be unrestricted. This strategy is based on their trust in organizations and their leadership to be prudent and responsible with their philanthropic contributions.
"We trust that the VVF team is going to use the funds that we gift in the most responsible and most needed way," said Bill. "We are really opposed to saying 'here is what we want to give and here is how we want you to use it.' We would much rather say, 'here is what we want to give, and you use it as best as you see fit.'"
From early childhood education to the Birds of Prey World Cup ski races to world-class performances at the Vilar Performing Arts Center and Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater to YouthPower365's educational programs and beyond, the Woolfolks value the breadth of the VVF mission, as well as its impact across the valley and across a wide socio-economic spectrum.
“So many people in the community are touched by the VVF, and a lot of times they don’t even realize it,” Bill said. “You can do things with the Vilar in the performing arts while at the same time doing things for YouthPower365.”
Early Experiences Shape Future Success
The Woolfolks' support of YouthPower365 in particular stems from their conviction that early childhood experiences profoundly impact future success. This belief aligns with the Frechette Family Foundation’s focus on early childhood mental health and wellness.
“We think that YouthPower365 gives us the best opportunity to help positively shape those early-on experiences in a child’s life and have that impact on the community of Eagle County,” Bill said.
Through the Foundation, the Woolfolks have also helped ensure that programs like Vilar’s STARS program continue to provide transformative arts experiences to Eagle County students, reaching over 8,000 young people annually. For most of these young people, STARS is likely the only exposure to the performing arts they have ever had.
A Process, Not an Event
For Kristy and Bill, philanthropy is "a process, not an event." Their giving is thoughtful and strategic, always guided by the values and principles that Pat and Pete instilled. "We want to make sure that we carry forward what was most important to them," Bill emphasizes. "Our whole Foundation, our whole mission, vision, and values are all built on what Kristy's parents would want. And, as it turns out, it is exactly what Kristy and I want."
“It sounds so corny, but giving back makes you feel so much better than buying yourself a sweater!” Kristy added. “It’s just a part of who we are, and that was a gift my parents gave us. A huge gift.”
Today, Kristy remains deeply involved with the VVF, serving on both the VVF’s Board of Directors as well as serving on the Vilar Committee, the VVF Development Committee, and the VVF Empowering Possibility Campaign Committee. Through their combination of significant personal giving and support through the Frechette Family Foundation, the Woolfolks continue to advance the VVF's mission while honoring the legacy of purposeful philanthropy that Kristy’s parents established in the valley.
To learn more about how you can contribute to the Vail Valley Foundation's mission of providing leadership in arts, athletics, and education, and addressing community needs to enhance our Valley as a place to live, work, and visit, please visit our support page or contact Director of Philanthropy Stephen Licciardi at [email protected].
