Making spirits bright: NoFalseSummit’s mission for a magical Park City

NoFalseSummit has partnered up with local toy store, J W Allen & Sons, to help purchase toys at cost and then with The Park City School District to distribute the gifts to local families in need this holiday season. Photo: Aimee Donurama // NoFalseSummit

For the upcoming toy drive, 20 children on average per school in the Park City School District will be chosen as recipients, with a target of around 120 kids benefiting from this initiative

PARK CITY, Utah — In the spirit of spreading joy and holiday cheer, NoFalseSummit (NFS) has announced its collaboration with the Belief Group to make the festive season extra special for the Park City community.

Based in Park City, NoFalseSummit, is a distinctive group of over 100 local professionals, who support each other in their pursuit of personal and professional milestones. Annually, during the holiday season, NFS chooses a local charity, and this year, they are partnering up with local toy store J W Allen & Sons, the St. Regis Deer Valley, and the Park City School District (PCSD), to bring Christmas magic to families in need.

The collaboration involves the purchase of toys at cost from J W Allen & Sons, with the PCSD facilitating the distribution of these gifts to local families facing economic challenges. In addition to this heartwarming initiative, NFS is teaming up with the Heber Valley Railroad to restore a historic steam locomotive for use in next year’s Polar Express event.

NFS Founder Ashley John Heather talks of his idea along with the inspiration behind it.

“As a parent of 3 kids who have enjoyed all that the PC School district offers, it was an obvious choice for the NFS group to bring smiles to those less fortunate than ourselves this holiday. This whole program came together so quickly and I am grateful to everyone for participating and donating.”

For the upcoming toy drive, 20 children on average per school in the Park City School District will be chosen as recipients, with a target of around 120 kids benefiting from this initiative. The Park City School District, using transparent criteria such as the lunch assistance program for free and reduced lunches, is actively involved in selecting families requiring assistance. Special events and circumstances are also considered, ensuring that families facing crises receive the support they need.

“We all read the headlines and know how tough 2023 has been for many families both here and around the world. The idea behind this charitable program came from a deep desire to bring some joy back to our lives and for many families in Park City that don’t have everything we have,” said Taylor Adams, Founder of Belief Partners & a member of NFS.

“There are dozens of families at every school who struggle to make ends meet, but are the bedrock of keeping this community going. I am super excited that my organization can have such an impact on hundreds of kids this year.”

Families interested in being considered for the toy drive are encouraged to reach out to the Park City School District’s Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Director, Eric Esquivel.

The event is not only a benefit for children in need, but an encouragement for all kids in Park City to take part in learning about the importance of giving back. The St. Regis will host a gift-wrapping event on Dec. 13 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. where volunteers can come together to wrap the donated toys and enjoy some complementary light refreshments.

With this being the first year for this event to take place, NFS is including a special touch – an invitation for those who have donated to the charity to join in a community gathering at the St. Regis on Dec. 18 from 6-8 p.m. Festive cocktails, hot cocoa, and snacks will be available for purchase, and a family-friendly holiday drone light show over the slopes will set the stage for a magical evening.

NoFalseSummit’s goal is to bring the community together this holiday season, and help ensure that no child in Park City feels left out. Donate today and reserve your spot at the gift-wrapping event to unite in the spirit of giving.