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| Jack and Betty Schuss 2006 |
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The Schuss Charitable Trust was created by Jack and Betty Schuss in 1999, for the purpose of funding programs and projects that build and support community. The lives of Jack and Betty Schuss have been defined by working for their community. Jack's personal history includes helping to pioneer B.O.L.D., the skiing program for the blind in Aspen; incorporating Snowmass Village and serving as its first mayor; and spearheading the creation of Basalt's public swimming pool.
"I have always had a strong conviction that the second most important thing in life (family being the first) is community," Jacks says. With his wife Betty at his side, for 57 years until her death in 2007, Jack has realized his mission. From his humble early years, finishing high school through night courses and serving in World War II, and then completing a PhD in economics through the GI Bill--he became head of research for a Wall Street Investment firm. Leaving a successful partnership to "become a ski bum at age 48," Jack turned his attention to projects of service. "When we moved to this valley in 1970, we committed to spending both money and time to doing what needed to be done in our community."
Accomplishments of which Jack and Betty are most proud include the creation of "JumpStart," (also known as the Pre-Kindergarten Success Program or PKSP). JumpStart was a summer program for non-English speaking children in Basalt, Carbondale and Glenwood Springs who were be entering kindergarten the following fall. In 2009, the program was folded into the regular Roaring Fork School District curriculum. The Schuss' work and financial assistance in creating the Basalt pool sprang from their conviction that kids swimming together would foster the integration of Anglos and Latinos.
To provide sustainability for their philanthropic efforts, Jack and Betty formed the Jack E. and Betty Jane Schuss Trust in 1999, charging the Trust's board with the continuation of projects to build and support community. Contributing to many vital services in the Roaring Fork Valley, including Family Visitor Program, Roaring Fork Family Resource Centers, and Lift Up/The Baguettes, to name a few--the Trust also awards scholarships to Roaring Fork School District students to attend college.
In 2008, the Trust's name was changed to the Betty Jane Schuss Charitable Trust, to honor Betty after hear passing.
Jack and Betty's lifetime of generosity will leave its mark, for generations to follow.
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