AVSC successfully hosts inaugural Heart of Gold event

Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club successfully hosted its inaugural Heart of Gold celebration on Tuesday, Sept. 30, honoring the people and businesses whose time and talents enable youth throughout the greater Roaring Fork Valley to experience winter sports through its programs. 

The evening was held at the Willow Creek Bistro at The Ritz-Carlton Club, Aspen Highlands, according to a press release. It drew more than 100 supporters and marked two major milestones for the organization: the rebranding of its National Council donor group to Club 1937, and the introduction of AVSC’s new Lift, Love, Local, and Legacy Awards. 

“Club 1937 reflects the rich history and bright future of AVSC,” Ash Farrington, AVSC’s director of stewardship, said in the release. “As we approach our 90th anniversary, we wanted to honor the enduring support of our donors and community members who make it possible for us to thrive as the valley’s largest and oldest youth organization. Heart of Gold is not just a celebration — it’s a reminder that AVSC has always been powered by people with passion, generosity, and heart.”

This year’s inaugural award winners included: 

• Jeff Gorsuch — Lift Award
• Paradise Bakery (Mark Patterson, Danny Patterson, and Dyan Bronstein) — Local Award
• Ryan Smalls — Love Award
• Carolyn and Tom Moore — Legacy Award

“These honorees represent the best of AVSC,” said August Teague, AVSC executive director, in the release. “They don’t just give — they inspire. Their dedication, generosity, and love for this community ensure that every child has the opportunity to experience the mountains, challenge themselves, and grow as athletes and as people.” 

The event was Teague’s first opportunity to connect with the broader community as the club’s new director, where he emphasized his goal of building AVSC into “the best club in the world.”

The Heart of Gold celebration will become an annual cornerstone event honoring those who embody AVSC’s core values of Commitment, Teamwork, and Integrity, the press release confirms.