Mountain Mayhem: River Rendezvous

The Roaring Fork Conservancy’s annual summer benefit took place July 13, alongside the banks of the Frying Pan River, on a picture-perfect evening in Basalt. Wally and Peppy Dallenbach generously provided their ranch for the festivities. The Dallenbachs have owned 175 acres in the Upper Frying Pan region for the past 42 years.

“We love to share it,” said Peppy.

“And, this is the best half-mile stretch on the river,” Wally proudly added.

In addition to the River Rendezvous, they also host two Colorado 500 charity rides each summer on their property.

All enjoyed cocktails from Woody Creek Distillers and dinner from ASC Catering. Chefs Jim Butchart and Andrew Helsley also welcomed budding chefs from YouthEntity who served up “bruschetta three ways” in the silent auction tent.

A favorite activity and fundraising endeavor at the event takes place during cocktail hour. Guests get an opportunity to release trout from a tank into the river, assisted by staff from the Roaring Fork Conservancy and Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Since 2000, the River Rendezvous has helped sustain the organization’s programs to address water quantity, water quality and riparian habitat issues within the Roaring Fork Watershed. Support raised from the event helps ensure that more students are taught, more water samples are collected, more projects are completed and more people join them in protecting our rivers.

Learn more via wwww.roaringfork.org.

Contact May with insights, invites or info: allthewaymaymay@hotmail.com