~The R H Crossland Foundation was formed in July of 1998 by Rusty & Ann Crossland to perpetuate the memory of Rusty's father (who was Rusty's greatest mentor), "to foster a legacy of helping others" who are less fortunate, and to practice strategic philanthropy. The Foundation has contributed to various causes in the past ranging from scholarships & rescue missions to wildlife and local residents in need. ~

Here's what the Town of Basalt has to say:

"The Basalt town Council honored Rusty Crossland earlier this month in it's on going recognition of town residents for their community service. Mr. Crossland, a Basalt business man and his wife Ann created the R H Crossland Foundation in 1998 in memory of Rusty's father, as a philanthropic organization. It has contributed funds to more than a dozen local and national causes and organizations, including Basalt High School, the Roaring Fork Conservancy, and the Lance Armstrong Foundation. The foundation is also a major sponsor of the Roaring Fork Charity Classic (see photo left & click here for more), which raised an estimated $75,000 this year for nonprofit organizations oriented to benefit the town of Basalt"

The Basalt News Paper 1999

Senior center receives $10,000 challenge grant

by Lynn Burton
Staff Writer

Nancy Lajoy considered not picking up the phone. But it turned out to be "a $10,000 call".

The Carbondale Senior Housing Corp. director was headed out her office door for a week's vacation in Utah a couple of weeks ago when the phone rang.

Frosty Merriott director of the R. H. Crossland Foundation was on the other end. He said the Basalt-based philanthropic foundation wanted to give senior housing a $10,000 challenge grant for its proposed community room.

"It's pretty incredible", LaJoy said, "I was flabbergasted".

Merriott said he learned in a Post Independent article that the senior housing agency was trying to raise $40,000 to build an 1,800-square-foot community room at its Crystal Meadows assisted living apartment complex.

Merriott showed the article to foundation board member Caroline Crossland who is in her late 70s and works in the foundation office.

"Caroline is so grateful she can still work," Merriott said. "She liked the idea of helping seniors who might not be as fortunate as her."

Senior housing already had $20,000 on hand toward the $40,000 goal, so now it is within $10,000 of the final mark. LaJoy said her group will raise the rest from other foundations, fundraisers and donations

 

Scholarships:

Since inception over $65,000 has been awarded to qualified students.

Matching funds:

American Red Cross
Big Brothers/Big Sister Anchorage, AK
Carbondale Center For the Performing Arts
Challenge Aspen
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Denver American Cancer Society
Healing Fund For Columbine High School
Phoenix Marriage Enhancement
Youth For Christ

"Every charitable act is a stepping stone toward heaven."