STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO-February 12, 2009-The Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation will present the 2009 Hazie Werner Award for Excellence to long-time Yampa Valley resident, Carol Booth Fox, on Monday, February 23, 2009.

“Through all her community giving and activism, Carol has exemplified Hazie Werner’s incredible dedication and community loyalty,” said Chris Diamond, president and chief operating officer of the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. “Carol embodies the spirit of giving back to your community and clearly has made Steamboat Springs a better place for future generations.”

Carol Booth Fox will become the 21st woman honored with the Hazie Werner Award for Excellence. Since moving to Steamboat from Philadelphia in 1976, she served five years (1982-87) on the Steamboat Springs Planning Commission, two terms on City Council (1993-97) and four years on the Board of Adjustment. Outside of her public service, Fox’s contributions to bring people together are evident through her efforts on the board of several organizations including the Yampa River Botanic Park, 14th Judicial Board for Victims Abuse and Mt. Werner Water & Sanitation.

In addition, Fox was honored in November 2008 by the City of Steamboat Springs with its Distinguished Service Award for her tireless contributions to the community. A Master Gardner herself, Fox has a way of making things flourish and bloom for the benefit of the entire community. This is never more evident than through an endowment earmarked for gardens at Hospice Rollingstone Respite House and the Botanic Park.

“I’m very excited and honored to have been selected to receive this award,” said Carol Booth Fox.  “To be in the company of such women, who have devoted their lives to making a difference in Routt County, is truly a distinguished honor.” 

A Coffee, Tea & Cake reception will take place from 3:00pm-5:00pm on Monday, February 23 in the Mountain View Foyer at the Steamboat Grand Resort Hotel. This award, which began in 1989, is named after Hazie Werner, a local legend in the Yampa Valley for her inspirational dedication, gracious and caring giving philosophy, volunteer work and tireless commitment to a multitude of children, families and organizations. The 2009 Hazie Werner Award reception coincides with Hazie Werner’s birthday and will continue to do so going forward.

The Hazie Werner Award for Excellence was established 20 years ago by the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation to pay tribute to a woman who, through the pursuit of personal goals, has achieved a standard of excellence in her field. Previous winners include: Skeeter Werner Walker, Katy Rodolph Wyatt, Eleanor Bliss, Carol Baily, Lucile Bogue, Criss Fetcher, Dorothy Wither (posthumously), Sureva Towler, Rita Valentine (posthumously), Geneva Taylor, Carol Schaffer, Gloria Gossard, Jayne Hill, Elaine Gay, Millie Beall, Arianthe Stettner, Wanda Redmond, Margi Briggs-Casson, Margaret ''Poogie'' Dawes (posthumously) and Nancy Stahoviak.