Leader, Cheerleader, and Longtime Advocate for the Arts
Alexia Jurschak is deserving of this prestigious award
Those involved with the VPAC have long known the people are the beating heart of this performing arts gem. This includes the woman who some of the staff jokingly call “boss” but she disagrees. “I’m their biggest cheerleader,” Alexia Jurschak emphatically shares.
Regardless of the semantics, Alexia is decidedly the Vail Valley’s Citizen of the Year. This is an incredibly deserving honor for a woman who has worked tirelessly as the chair of the Vilar Performing Arts Center committee, among other local nonprofits. These include the Vail Valley Foundation, Vail Veterans Program, Vail Health, Bravo! Vail, Walking Mountains, Bright Future Foundation, and the Eagle Valley Family Assistance Fund, among others.
“There is a way,” Jurschak says of getting complicated and difficult tasks done. And she’s accomplished many. She recently led the VPAC through its highly successful 25th anniversary celebration, which included a $2 million capital campaign. This allowed the VPAC to realize a record-breaking season of headlining performers while raising the venue’s national profile.
“Alexia has an eye for what needs to be done, and a way of working with others to create enthusiasm and optimism about what’s possible,” said Mike Imhof, Vail Valley Foundation president. “Alexia is fearless and approaches everything with a can-do attitude and sees obstacles or barriers as opportunities. Her contributions to our organization, and to other organizations in this valley and beyond, are immeasurable. She is extremely deserving of this prestigious award.”
Perhaps Jurschak’s biggest contribution had nothing to do with the venue and stage. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the valley, she immediately recognized the adverse impact it could have on local families. She helped the VVF and Eagle Valley Family Assistance Fund raise more than $1.5 million, most of which was distributed to families in need through the Fund.
Jurschak’s action-based efforts were apparent at a young age. Growing up in Ann Arbor, Mich., her brother, Peter Daly, recalls “Alexia has always been willing to work for the good of the whole.”
Alexia and her husband, Jerry, visited Beaver Creek numerous times before purchasing a home in Beaver Creek in 1992. Since then, they’ve become more ingrained in the community each year and raising their sons with a love of the area as well. Alexia and Jerry also share a love of music, so her involvement in the VPAC was a natural fit.
Alexia will be officially honored at the Vail Valley Foundation’s Black Diamond Ball on Feb. 16, 2024 at the Grand Hyatt Vail. The event is sold out, but a waitlist is being offered by emailing [email protected].
Congratulations, Alexia!