The George and Michael Gardner Fund

10/20/2026

10/20/2026

NOV. 10, 6:00 pm, Ouray Country 4-H Center - Join us for the movie "Teeth to the Wind" Winner of the Charlie Fowler Best Adventure Film Award at the 2026 Mountainfilm Festival in Telluride.

09/09/2026

Isla Balsdon is very adventurous, despite her vision and hearing loss. This summer, with help from the George and Michael Gardner Fund, she attended hippotherapy sessions through Metaphorse Growth and Healing Center in Montrose. Her mother reported "Seeing her feel more empowered, not only relating to her own abilities but also with how she cared for and interacted with the horses, was so special. She learned to trust herself more, and connected with the horses by trusting them more as well.

11/28/2025

Give today to change someone's tomorrow!

The George Fund provides financial assistance to Ouray County youth who wish to pursue outdoor or experiential educational opportunities for personal and interpersonal growth. We believe that profound learning is often facilitated by time spent in the mountains, deserts, ...

11/14/2025

The Ridgway Senior Class survived and even thrived on a whitewater rafting trip down Cataract Canyon this fall. One participant reflected: "One of the challenges I faced was adjusting to being outside of my comfort zone. Whether that meant pushing myself physically or adapting to life without the usual conveniences of home. At first, it felt difficult, but over the week, I realized how resilient I could be. That lesson is something I will bring back to school and carry with me as I progress through these hard years that are coming; the understanding that challenges are temporary and pushing through them leads to growth. "

08/28/2025

Eighteen students from Ridgway HS had a fantastic experience this summer as they explored the culture and language of Spain ( supported by our Fund).

08/28/2025

The George Fund helped the Ouray Parks Department sponsor guide services from Canyoning Colorado to take some local youth down Portland Canyon in the Amphitheater. Here's Machiah Galvan having a great adventure!

04/07/2025

Another Ridgway 9th grade class learns to ice climb! From one participant, "The experience of ice climbing was such an amazing opportunity. It was all so new to me but it was so worth it."

02/04/2025

We are so grateful to our generous sponsors from our community!