Mountain Mayhem: Celebrating 30 years of Challenge Aspen
Lara Barnes/Courtesy photo
Challenge Aspen ushered in its 30th anniversary on Saturday, July 19, with Denim & Diamonds, its annual summer benefit at Buttermilk Mountain Lodge. This year honored co-founders Amanda Boxtel and Houston Cowan and their vision for the adaptive recreation organization, which continues to provide life-changing opportunities for individuals with cognitive and/or physical disabilities through various activities.
The evening featured a walk-around outdoor reception with food stations, bars, and the surprise element of beer burros toting chilled cans of cerveza, which brought smiles to all who encountered them.
A silent auction with thoughtfully curated items was complemented by an array of action stations such as embroidery from Ranger Stitch, leather branded items from One Experience, archery, and more.
Guests socialized outside on the warm summer night and then were invited inside for dessert, a live auction, a paddle raise, heartfelt speeches, and a performance by six Challenge Aspen participants and volunteers from The Magic of Music and Dance Camp, one of Challenge Aspen’s longest-running programs at 28 years.
The evening truly showcased Challenge Aspen’s united community, including participants, patrons, board members, ski instructors, marathon team members, and more, who share goals in providing life-changing opportunities through encouraging participation in activities designed to redefine limits, recognize abilities, and transfer newfound courage to everyday life. Learn more by visiting challengeaspen.org.
