Our Journey Towards Supporting Education

Since 1994, we have been committed to enriching education in the Basalt community. Over the years, what began as a small initiative has blossomed into a well-organized effort to ensure every child in Basalt has access to quality education. Let’s take a look at our milestones along the way:

1994: The Beginning of Taste of Basalt
A group of passionate parents from Basalt schools organized the first Taste of Basalt fundraiser. Their goal was simple yet impactful: to raise scholarship funds for Full Day Kindergarten programs, ensuring that children in the community could access this vital early education.

1999: Community Support Grows
In a pivotal year for the initiative, the Roaring Fork Club, through a condition of approval by the Basalt Town Council, joined the effort as the hosting entity for the annual Taste of Basalt event. Their support helped solidify the fundraiser as a core community event, furthering its mission to support Basalt's schools.

2004: Official Non-Profit Status
As the grassroots movement grew, so did the need for more formal organization. In 2004, the group applied for and was granted 501(c)(3) non-profit status. With this official designation, Basalt Kids, Inc. was born, allowing the organization to expand its fundraising and educational support efforts.

2011: A New Name, a Broader Mission
To better reflect the evolving mission, Basalt Kids was renamed the Basalt Education Foundation (BEF). The new name marked a renewed focus on "raising funds to enhance education in Basalt public schools," encompassing a broader range of educational initiatives beyond kindergarten scholarships.

2014: Expanding Our Reach
In 2014, the BEF expanded its board to include 16-20 members. With this growth came formalization and branding efforts aimed at strengthening community investment in our mission. This expansion allowed us to deepen our impact and better serve the educational needs of our students.