Big thank you from the Telluride Education Foundation
Hannah Richman Local Voices – Jun 24, 2025
On behalf of the Telluride Education Foundation (TEF) and the public school community, I would like to thank so many for making the inaugural School Supper Club and Party in Town Park such tremendous successes! The community’s support has enabled TEF to give a first-ever $100,000 grant to the school district to restore personnel to the Social and Behavioral Health and Literacy Departments due to Federal and State cuts.
First, thank you to Andrew Tyler, the co-owner of there…, whose vision, energy and hard work are truly unparalleled. Neither the fundraiser nor event would have happened without his creativity and dedication. His motivation to create them, and to ensure their success, was remarkable. His leadership set a strong example and was essential to ensure buy-in and support from so many in the hospitality community. He was an amazing host/Emcee of the Party, and the Telluride Community is so lucky to have him! Thank you to his partner, Jonny Yaseen, who believed in the vision and worked hard to make it a reality.
Thank you to all of the restaurants who participated in the School Supper Club fundraiser, generously donating proceeds from their restaurants (through different creative mechanisms) over the course of the four days (May 28 to May 31): there…, 221 South Oak, Liz, The National, Floradora, Brown Dog, The Butcher and the Baker, Rustico, Oak, Wood Ear, Communion, Smuggler’s, Sidework, La Marmotte, Kazahana, Stronghouse, Coffee Cowboy, The Chop House, and Van Atta.
Thank you to all of the cooks, who served such delicious food: Will Nolan of Black Salt, Alberto Unda and Alain Montano of Latin Creations, Chris Thompson of The National, and Richie Stothard of Telluride Shucks.
Thank you to the generous in-kind donors: Kinikin, Sysco, Socorro Tequila, Hotaling Liquor Distribution, Stronghouse, and Wild Iris for the beautiful planters.
Also, special thanks to Matt Alfermann of Telluride Land Works, Superintendent John Pandolfo, and the team from there… who all started working early in the a.m. for setup, and stayed late to return furniture and thoroughly clean up Town Park.
Thank you to Bash Jelen for DJing the silent disco, Tuck Gillett for sound and live music, and to bartenders Brandon Berkel, Daniel Francis (also a DJ!), Hunter Orahood, Brion Song and Uncle Seth.
Thank you to Amanda Baltzley and Tina Rutherford of the Town of Telluride for advising us throughout the application process and ensuring that the day was a success. Thank you to the Parks and Recreation Commission and Liquor Authority for approving our applications. Thank you to Tyler Simmons from EcoAction Partners for helping us develop a composting plan.
Thank you to Town Manager Zoe Dohnal and Mayor Teddy Errico for attending and being enthusiastic participants. Thanks especially to Mayor Errico for being such a great sport about going in the Dunk Tank (along with Chad Horning, Kyle Beck from Telluride Public Works, Dennis Andrejko of the Library and others).
Thank you to the TEF Board for all of your hard work throughout the year, culminating in ensuring the success of these events. Your time and dedication are so appreciated and impactful! Thanks especially to Dawn Davis for her beautiful marketing materials, including the amazing banner to promote the School Supper Club!
And finally, thanks to the Telluride community, who came to the event in droves to support TEF and build community with each other. About 500 of you came to eat delicious food, play fun games and appreciate the amazing place that we are fortunate enough to call home!
With sincere gratitude.
Hannah Richman is president of the Telluride Education Foundation
Read the Telluride Times article here.
Zoe Dohnal (Telluride Town manager)
As a parent with kids in the Telluride School District, I’m constantly reminded how fortunate we are to have such a dedicated and innovative public school system in our corner of the world. Events like Party in the Park are a perfect reflection of what makes this community so special—joyful, creative, and deeply committed to supporting one another. From world-class food to silent disco and community games, it was an unforgettable day. And more importantly, it raised critical funds at a time when our schools are facing major challenges. Supporting TEF is an investment in both the future of our children and the long-term vitality of Telluride—and I’m proud to be part of that effort.
