Originally founded several decades ago by a group of Upper Valley residents, the Red River Valley Foundation has long served as a nonprofit hub for charitable efforts within Red River. Recently, the group decided to expand its reach, to now include the Questa community.
“Many Questeños contribute to Red River’s workforce and overall community,” says Angela Howles, treasurer for the organization. “We are a group of people who love to support our community, and Questa is part of that community.”
While the organization has seen changes over the years, including a couple of dormant years during the pandemic, it started up again in 2024 and is making a big comeback. The organization’s fundraiser, the Buckaroo Ball event, exceeded expectations, drawing widespread community support and raising close to $31,000. “It was our best fundraiser yet and we are so happy that people are excited,” says Howles. Many of the donations for prizes from locals included vacation packages, local artwork, and services.
Additionally, the foundation was able to approve every request for funding last year, giving out $30,000 in total. The recipients included the Red River Valley Charter School, Friends of Red River Parks & Trails, Red River Ski and Snowboard Team, Q-Town Drama, and the Questa Mariachi Boosters.
“The Red River Valley Foundation has been around for a long time,” Howles said. “It was founded by caring individuals who simply wanted to help the community thrive. Everyone is happy to bring it back.”
Building on that momentum, the foundation is working to make this year’s Buckaroo Ball another smashing success. The event will be held at the Motherlode on Friday, August 22, at 5:30 p.m. It will extend to the outdoor area where attendees can enjoy a prime rib dinner while listening to live cello and piano music. Tickets are $55 per person.
The Red River Valley Foundation continues to explore how it can further support surrounding communities and hopes to become a central resource for nonprofit collaboration across the region.
Editors note of clarification: In our January 2025 issue, we reported that the Red River Valley Foundation had been dissolved. We want to correct the record that it was the Red River Business Alliance that dissolved. The Alliance was created during the COVID pandemic to help local businesses. When the Alliance closed, they gave the remaining funds to the Foundation, who then gifted the Red River Valley Charter School.
