Religious leaders who serve the six congregations at the Vail Interfaith Chapel break ground Monday to launch the first phase of a years-long $7 million renovation project. From left are Father Jose Maria Quera, Rev. Brooks Keith, Rabbi Joel Newman, Rev. Tim Wilbanks, Rev. Matthew Wyatt and Rev. Scott Beebe.
Chris Dillmann/cdillmann@vaildaily.com
VAIL The Vail Interfaith Chapel needs a new roof in a bad way. Considering all of the different congregations and community organizations that come together under that one roof, the need is great.
On Monday, leaders of the six congregations that share the chapel, along with an array of town officials, donors and community members, came together at the front steps of the Vail landmark to officially kick off the first phase of a $7 million renovation project.
Photo courtesy of the Hanlon family
Sally and Bill Hanlon have spent more than 50 years serving as Vail’s ambassadors in a way that helped define the community as a world class ski town and showed a unique and caring style to welcoming guests and new community members to town.
The Hanlons have been selected as recipients of the 2021 Vail Trailblazer Award, presented by the Vail Town Council. The annual Vail Trailblazer Award honors those who contribute their time and talent to make Vail a great resort community.
The Hanlons will be recognized at the March 16 evening Vail Town Council meeting with a mayor’s proclamation honoring their significant contributions. Recognition will also take place during the town of Vail Annual Community Meeting, which will be produced as a virtual meeting and will be aired March 30 on the town’s Facebook page as well as on High Five Access Media
Melissa Brielle Photography
Pastor Tim Wilbanks, President of the Vail Religious Foundation, on Monday announced the members of the volunteer advisory committee that will steer fundraising efforts related to the Vail Interfaith Chapel’s $10 million 50th Anniversary Capital Campaign.
“This volunteer committee supports restoring and maintaining our beloved Chapel, and values it as one of Vail’s cultural and historic centers,” Wilbanks said. “We are so grateful for their support, not only financially but with their time and energy over these next two years.”
Vail Pioneer Rod Slifer was one of the first to volunteer to help the chapel. Slifer brokered the land deal in the late 1960s when the original chapel building was built.