Cowboy Up Carbondale is tipping its hat once again to the Carbondale Education Foundation, marking the community fundraiser’s first-ever repeat beneficiary in the event’s 16-year history.

“We were honored to be selected again. I think that they really believed in our mission,” Katy Nardecchia, a Carbondale Education Foundation board member, said. “They saw the need for funding and saw that we used the funds well. We were successful at the event. I think we have a large volunteer base, we’re based solely in Carbondale, we only fund things in Carbondale, and Cowboy Up, being a Carbondale celebration, was a good fit.”

Cowboy Up Carbondale celebrates the community’s western heritage while supporting meaningful local programs — last year, the event raised over $35,000 for the Carbondale Education Foundation. 

Formed in 2023, the foundation supports local education by providing additional funding for Carbondale’s public schools. 

The funds raised through Cowboy Up 2024 supported the Foundation’s Teacher Grant Program, which gives teachers additional funding for elevated learning experiences. Over the 2024-25 school year, the Foundation awarded 25 grants to teachers throughout all of Carbondale’s six public schools. Educators used the grants to fund projects including peer tutors, new weight equipment for the student’s gym, a Pugmill — which recycles clay — and standing or “re-focus” desks for antsy students.

This year, the foundation is also starting an experiential education grant program to fund field trips, guest speakers and educational experiences that take students out of the classroom. 

“We allow for our teachers and schools and students to do more than they would normally be able to do,” Nardecchia said. “It opens the door for thinking outside of the box: what else can we do in our schools to enhance the education for students?

“It improves morale among teachers,” she added. “They get to have a little bit more freedom in how they’re instructing their students because there’s money available and it’s always been a limiting factor for them.”

The 16th annual Cowboy Up Carbondale, slated for 6-10 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 22, will feature live music by country and rock band, Highway 82, and food and drinks for purchase by Slow Groovin’ BBQ and Mountain Beverage Company. Family-friendly activities, a western-wear boutique and a silent and live auction offering everything from Broncos tickets with an overnight stay in Denver, a Vrbo in Todos Santos, Mexico, and even a wisdom teeth extraction are also included. 

“It should be a beautiful evening. It’s a fun event, great for all ages and there are great auction items. There’s a silent and live auction, fun western wear, I’ve got tons of pairs of used kids’ cowboy boots, there’ll be fun kids’ activities that are free for young kids,” Nardecchia said. “It’s a great community event and a great way to celebrate Carbondale and the community that we are and support our schools.”