Donation supports Glacier Institute, Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation

Victoria Livschitz recently donated $30,000 to two local nonprofits the Glacier Institute and the Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation.

Livschitz moved her outdoors recreation tech startup, RightOnTrek, to the Flathead Valley last year.

The money donated by Livschitz comes from her recent takes from six events at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.

“I’ve always believed in the social responsibility of companies and individuals,” Livschitz said. “I care a great deal about the positive impact nature has on us and the importance of making the great outdoors accessible to everyone while also educating people on the needs and means to protect the fragile environment from human impact.”

The Glacier Institute, the official education partner of Glacier National Park and the Flathead National Forest, will receive half of the total. They plan on using half of the donation to bolster their youth education program, and the other $7,500 will be put toward their Restoration Big Creek Capital Campaign, an initiative aimed at renovating a historic ranger station where they run their youth program.

“This is a really big deal for us, not only to get dollars that we can use toward our mission, but to know that we have support from our community tells us that we’re doing something right,” said Anthony Nelson, Glacier Institute Executive Director. “It’s a special thing when a nonprofit organization can partner with a for-profit organization that has conservation and education in mind, and it’s clear that Victoria is extremely passionate about the outdoors and breaking down barriers to get outdoors. That’s one of the main focuses of the Glacier Institute as well. So, our missions align in a lot of ways.”

The other half of the $30,000 donation will go to the FVSEF, which will use the donation to further its mission of promoting athletic, academic, and personal excellence to local youth through educational and competitive programs in skiing and ski racing.

“We are a nonprofit and rely heavily on donations and sponsors to help offset program fees for our participants,” said Hilary Lindh, FVSEF Program Director and Head Coach. “We are really excited about this sponsorship and think it’s a great fit for our families. We believe RightOnTrek will be a great resource to our families wherever they choose to recreate.”