Our Favorite Day of the Year!
For over 35 years the Leadville Trail 100 has been supporting the Leadville community. When the Climax mine closed in 1982, families in this small mountain town were left devastated with jobs gone and identities lost. For many families it was a bleak Christmas.
From the very first year of the Leadville Trail 100 Ken and Merilee hosted a holiday party for local kids. For many of these children, this party provided the only gifts they would receive. Local police officers were asked to join in the gift giving, so the kids could see them in a kind and caring role, rather than the knock at the door, coming to deal with some trouble at home.
Here we are 36 years later, and kids in Leadville still benefit from a holiday party with funding support from the LT100 Legacy Foundation and Leadville Race Series. Class teachers compile the gift lists, then go out and shop for gifts. They spend a whole day prepping and wrapping to ensure that every little boy and girl gets something they really want.
The local Fire and Police departments still come to help Santa and Mrs. Claus give out the gifts. And the sweetest part is watching as each child is called, and quizzed by Santa ‘have you been good this year?’ They take their gift and then patiently wait as every little person in their class gets their turn with Santa.
It is a special day for all involved and a sweet reminder of the good things that are possible this time of year. It might a small thing, and maybe some kids don’t need another gift – but there is a long history here, the legacy of a community supporting a community and working to make things better.
Thank You!
To each of you who have generously donated throughout the year and throughout the history of the Leadville races. You have made a real and tangible difference to so many kids in this community, and you have even helped make a few dreams come true. We are grateful for your gift and hope you know how much we appreciate having you a part of our Leadville Family!
Happy Holidays to you & yours!
