Community Involvement
Ability Connection Colorado marks this year as the 34th annual Wine in the Pines in Keystone, Colorado. This renowned event was founded by Mike (owner of Dillon Ridge Liquors) and Margaret Smith to honor their daughter Kelly who was born with cerebral palsy. The first year, less than 200 guests arrived, raising nearly two thousand dollars. This year, the event will host nearly 800 guests. Those guests will come together and join the Smiths and the Kelly Smith Employment Center.
The employment center is here to guarantee that all people with disabilities have a quality life of dignity and inclusion within their community. The Kelly Smith Employment Center provides services to over 4,500 adults and teens with disabilities statewide each year. This fundraiser has raised in excess of $3 million over the years and the Smiths could not be more pleased with everyone who has come together to make it all possible.
Summit Lake Dillon Optimists Club is a group that established programs for children in all fields of interest. The local branch of this optimist club was founded in 1973. Mike Smith, owner of Dillon Ridge Liquors, was one of the leading members. This club has a wide variety of uses from athletics and arts to scholastic endeavors for youth in elementary, middle and high school. The clubs programs are free to any child who wants to join.
The goal is to provide access to any and every kid who wants to participate. Right now, the club sponsors elementary basketball, chess and volleyball. They also give out in excess of $5,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors. Dillon Ridge Liquors is also a proud sponsor of the summer solstice golf tournament. Tournament proceeds provide funding for the optimists club.