EFEC’s Project Funway is fashioning the Future of Education in Eagle County

Brought to you by the Education Foundation of Eagle County

In the breathtaking expanse of Colorado, where majestic mountains peak in Eagle County, lies a stark contrast — a public education system caught in a deep valley of funding issues. Our state has a long history of underfunding public schools, ranking toward the bottom in spending on education and pupil-teacher ratio, and ranks last in the nation in providing teachers a competitive wage.

“It’s nearly impossible to make a living as a teacher in Colorado. So what do they do? They go where they’re valued, which is happening at an alarming rate,” explains Phil Qualman, Superintendent of Eagle County Schools.

But at this intersection of peaks and valleys, we find a local crusader by the name of the Education Foundation of Eagle County (EFEC), who is striving to meet the challenge of bringing much-needed resources to our local community. Wielding their climbing gear of innovation and compassion, EFEC has proudly become the #1 teacher retention effort in the Vail Valley. They support teachers and staff, student programs, and mental health programs and are actively engaged in the community with issues that benefit our schools.

Since 2012, EFEC has been a powerhouse non-profit enriching local education and supporting educators and staff with Distinguished Teacher Scholarship Awards, monetary Apple Awards, and recognition celebrating educators’ unwavering commitment and excellence. They even provide teachers the gift of time with EFEC’s School Staff Support Corps—a network of paid individuals who cover recess and lunch duty, allowing teachers to focus on what they do best.

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Making students’ intellectual and emotional needs a priority, EFEC has also championed in-school programs for students’ mental health needs and classroom grants for STEM, arts and music, and equity learning.

Lisa Weil of Great Education Colorado commends EFEC’s work by saying, “EFEC is an incredibly effective and innovative leader in Colorado’s education landscape. Colorado has the least competitive teacher salaries in the nation. Addressing that requires outreach, action, and advocacy at both the state and local levels. That’s why organizations that support our schools and kids should look to the EFEC team and their extraordinary efforts in Eagle County. EFEC is the gold standard for this critical work.”

To help fund their education-enhancing efforts, EFEC is rolling out the red carpet for a night of outrageous creativity and dazzling fun with their anything-but-fabric fundraising fashion show—Project Funway!  

This crown jewel event brings designers of all ages together to conjure up jaw-dropping fashion from non-fabric sources. Now in its 12th trend-setting year, Project Funway has become a canvas for designers to showcase their ingenuity and challenge the conventions of creativity. Previous Project Funway runways have seen fashion made from pinecones, soccer balls, slices of citrus, CDs, candy wrappers, doll heads, cornhusks, and many other creative sources. We can’t wait to see what this year’s designers create!

With celebrity judge Mondo Guerra of Project Runway fame gracing the event, prepare for an evening of delightful fun featuring a gold-star silent auction, dinner by Red Maple Catering, and entertainment to keep you stitched to your seats.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Dobson Arena in Vail, Colorado. The magic begins at 5:30 pm, with the main event at 7:00 pm sharp. Secure your spot at projectfunway.org!

Don’t let this chance to support local education while indulging in a night of unforgettable fun and creative fashion pass you by. Project Funway is not just an event—it’s a celebration of creativity and community fun, all while rallying for a cause close to our hearts. Join us, be wowed, and play your part in shaping a brighter future for our schools and children.