The George and Michael Gardner Fund

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

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!

11/19/2024

You don't need to wait for Colorado Gives Day on Dec.10 to support the George Fund. Click on the link below to contribute now! https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/George-Gardner-Scholarship-Fund

11/19/2024

The George Fund financially supported a group of Ridgway students on their trip to Cuba this past summer. "It was insane to see a whole new world in front of me" commented one participant.

11/19/2024

Ridgway's Senior Class had another successful white water rafting trip this fall. From one participant: "This experience showed me that I can do hard things in scary situations ... it helped me to realize how precious life is, sleeping under the stars every night and watching shooting stars fly across the sky made me realize that the dark isn't that scary, it is how you perceive it."

05/14/2024

RSS Special Education Teacher Andrya Brantingham took 6 middle school students skiing this winter, with support from the George Fund and the Telluride Adaptive Ski Program. What started off as a daunting experience ended with enthusiasm, smiles, and confidence all around!