Dear Editor:The Aspen Youth Center has just completed our first Cirque d’Aspen benefit event. Not only was this a successful fundraiser for the youth center, it also appealed to the entire family. As a youth organization, it was important to have an event where kids (of all ages!) could participate. Cirque d’Aspen was a very special, unique show. It was not a traveling circus, rather it was a show produced just for Aspen. The performers came from all over the world and many had never performed together before. There is such a long list of people to thank for making Cirque d’Aspen possible. Soraya and Elkin Gallego, owners of Trapeze Events, did an incredible job producing the show. Everwave.com, our title sponsor, was extremely generous and took a leap of faith never having seen the show before. The Aspen School District was extraordinary in its support of this community event for families and kids, especially the District Theatre and maintenance staff, who were exceedingly helpful and a joy to work with. Belly Up took on our ticket sales. It proved to be a big job, but one handled with total professionalism. Michael Goldberg and Steve Weiss of Belly Up deserve a huge round of applause!To Elizabeth Miller and Sonya Rodriguez, I thank you for co-chairing such a successful event. Our committee members – Patti Zanin, Robin Danell, Donna Keelty, Sue Smedstad, Elizabeth Slossberg, Carolyn Glah, Allison Daily, Roger Moyer and Julie Ressler – we couldn’t have done this without you. The event was held over the holiday season, which is a difficult time of year to find affordable lodging. I would like to thank Owen McHaney and Peter Looram, Roxanne and Dr. Eric Willsky, Jill and Curtis Kaufman, and Amy and Doug Throm for opening your homes to our performers and for your gracious hospitality. Chris Klug and John Oates, thank you for being our guest hosts! Over 150 volunteers worked many hours to help make the show run smoothly. The Aspen Elks Club generously hosted a dinner for all the performers and their families. Cirque food concession stands were organized and staffed by Aspen Junior Hockey, Aspen Skating Club and the Aspen Swim Team and we thank them for taking this on and raising money for their respective clubs. To all our cash and in-kind sponsors, I thank you. Aspen is truly a great community. There are always so many people working to make Aspen the best it can be and, at the same time, raise money for our kids! The performers commented several times what a wonderful, friendly town Aspen was. They felt like they were more on vacation than at work! We look forward to bringing this show to Aspen again and appreciate everyone who worked so hard to support the Aspen Youth Center.Sarah BlangstedExecutive director, Aspen Youth Center