Aspen Snow Ball Gala returns with ‘Pure Imagination’ theme

The fourth annual Aspen Snow Ball Gala returns on Saturday, March 21, at the St. Regis Aspen Resort, bringing a nearly sold-out crowd to Aspen for a black-tie evening benefiting the Children’s Oncology Support Fund. 

The gala, the centerpiece of a multi-day philanthropic weekend, supports research and programs focused on developing less toxic therapies for pediatric cancer patients. Comedian and Television Host Chelsea Handler will serve as master of ceremonies, guiding the evening’s performances, presentations and fundraising efforts. Organizers say only a limited number of individual tickets and a small number of tables remain available, with the event expected to reach capacity. 

This year’s theme, “Pure Imagination,” draws inspiration from “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.” The ballroom at the St. Regis Aspen Resort will be transformed into a contemporary interpretation of the fictional chocolate factory, featuring immersive installations and large-scale design elements. The theme also carries symbolic meaning, with the “golden ticket” representing remission for pediatric cancer patients. 

Headlining the evening’s entertainment will be Wilson Phillips. The trio — Carnie Wilson, Wendy Wilson and Chynna Phillips — rose to prominence in the early 1990s with multi-platinum success and chart-topping singles including “Hold On,” “Release Me” and “Impulsive.” They continue to perform internationally. Additional performances will include Rumer Willis, who is scheduled to perform an opening set, along with Mojave Gray.  

Event programming will also feature a staged opening scene inspired by “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” with actor Christian James Madsen. The production will incorporate a special voiceover by William H. Macy. 

Several honors will be presented during the gala. Goldie Hawn will receive the 2026 Philanthropic Achievement Impact Award in recognition of her longstanding humanitarian work. Stella Roy will receive the Humanitarian ofLight Award, and Ethan Curtis will be recognized as Youth Ambassador. 

The gala concludes Aspen Snow Ball weekend, which began Thursday with an opening night event at the Aspen Art Museum featuring a performance by The Fray. Programming continued on Friday with the Changemakers Live panel at AM7, which included physician Dr. Piro, Hawn and others, with Brooke Burke serving as moderator. 

Founded by Film Producer Thomas Pierce, the Aspen Snow Ball has grown into an annual philanthropic event focused on raising awareness and funding for pediatric cancer initiatives. Since its founding in 2023, the organization has raised more than $7 million to support research and wellness programs nationwide. 

Proceeds from the gala support COSF’s work with hospitals and nonprofit partners across the country, funding patient programs and advancing treatment options for children facing cancer diagnoses. 

More information about the Children’s Oncology Support Fund is available at cosffoundation.org.