June 2025 

Thirteen preschoolers graduated this spring. They walked across the stage at Estes Park Center's Hempel Auditorium, cheered on by nearly 100 parents, grandparents, and friends. Their younger classmates — twenty-five curious toddlers — watched from the audience with wide eyes, already imagining the day they'd be standing up there too. 

This moment was made possible by a $2 million gift at the start of the Climbing Higher campaign — one that re-launched a much-needed preschool in a community that had historically lacked childcare and preschool options. The gift provided $250,000 in start-up funds and a $1.75 million endowment to ensure the program's long-term sustainability. 

"This is a snowball effect that will continue to inspire our youngest Estes Park residents, forever making preschool graduation a symbolic event of growth and accomplishment made possible by the preschool endowment and start-up funds. On behalf of all of the children, parents and teachers — thank you!" 

— Liz Price, Director, Beverly K. Booe Early Childhood Education Center 

Since the YMCA's school re-opened, 95 preschool and toddler seats have been filled by Estes Park families. Using nature-inspired learning, the program promotes physical health through daily hikes, climbing, and swimming, and sparks cognitive development by encouraging curiosity and observation in the natural world. 

YMCA of the Rockies is deeply grateful to the generous donor behind this gift who chooses to remain anonymous. Their investment helped launch the Climbing Higher campaign — and gave an entire community something it had been missing.