How lucky are we to get to walk or ride bikes in this colorful fall tapestry, anticipating what winter has in store? It makes me so proud to live in a community that steps up to ensure that financial constraints do not determine which children get to participate the activities I love so much — like biking and skiing — and so much more! Youth United, an initiative at Park City Community Foundation, makes sure of it.
Youth United represents the best of what our community can achieve when we come together. In 2024, Youth United granted out a record $319,611 to 27 partner organizations and saw 2,298 student registrations for extracurricular sports and activities. We have provided over $1.5 million in grants over the past nine years. This remarkable impact demonstrates how this program is breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for young people who might otherwise be left on the sidelines.
The initiative goes beyond simply providing access to activities — it’s about creating pathways for every child to discover their potential, build confidence and develop lasting friendships. Whether it’s a soccer league, art classes or outdoor adventures, Youth United ensures that all children have access to the enriching experiences that help shape their futures.
What makes this moment particularly exciting is the opportunity to maximize our impact. One of our community members stepped up with a matching grant, meaning that every dollar donated will be doubled through the end of the year, effectively allowing us to support twice as many young people in our community. This is a rare chance to amplify your generosity and create even greater change.
As we look toward 2026 and Youth United’s 10th anniversary, I encourage our community to consider how we can continue building on this success. The momentum is strong, but it requires all of us to sustain and grow this important work. I urge readers to visit parkcitycf.org to learn more about Youth United and consider making a contribution before the year-end matching opportunity expires.
Together, we can continue to ensure that every child has access to the activities and support they need to flourish.
Let’s keep making Park City a place where all young people can discover their passions, build their skills, and feel truly connected to our community.
Joel Zarrow
CEO, Park City Community Foundation