ERKS
Back in 2019 we established the Elk River Kipper Scholarship Fund (ERKS) to honor Charlie’s 20th anniversary at the ranch and add to his legacy of helping our staff grow and develop at the ranch and into their lives when they leave the ranch. A bright spot in the blur of 2020 was awarding the first recipient of the scholarship. As April arrives, we are anticipating the next round of applications to challenge the committee to make the hard choice and pick one recipient. Until April 4th, current and former VVR staff may apply, or if you are interested in supporting this program, donations are always accepted! Click here to learn more.
Willy Wingo
It was not an easy entry into parenthood, but Annie and Zach are over the moon to have William (Willy) Theodore Wingo finally home at VVR. He arrived on March 5 after a challenging labor and was immediately flown to Denver for special care as the doctors were concerned about his oxygen levels. Following intensive therapy in the NICU at Children’s Hospital Colorado for over a week, he was given the green light to head home. As you can imagine we are all relieved to have this family coming home with a healthy little boy. Thank you to all who sent good wishes, prayers, and checked in on the Wingos. Next up is Zach teaching Willy how to fish and shoot archery….we’ll give him a week or so to settle in before practice begins.
Moving On
While we have welcomed a new ranch baby, we are also saying goodbye to a couple others this spring. Beka and Michael, along with little Clara and Elsa, are beginning their transition from Vista Verde to their new home in Denmark. Beka has been an invaluable member of the VVR team for over a decade, and although she has been focused on raising their two girls the past few years, she still found ways to plug in with our staff and help support the mission of the ranch. We got a bonus when she found Michael while trekking in Patagonia and he joined her as another critical player on the VVR team. The two of them have had a huge impact within the operation of VVR and, although we will miss them terribly, we are grateful for the years they have dedicated to the ranch. Bon Voyage to the Kristensen family, and thanks for everything you have done for all of us, the guests, and the ranch.
It is such a privilege to have amazing people here at the ranch who chose to make VVR their home!