New record: Aspen Education Foundation annual gala raises $1.9 million — and counting

Add another record breaker to the books.

The Aspen Education Foundation on Saturday generated $1.9 million in contributions through its paddle raise live auction featured at its annual Flamingo fundraising gala at the St. Regis Hotel. The total makes it the Foundation’s highest-grossing annual fundraiser to date, according to AEF Executive Director Cynthia Chase. 

As of Tuesday evening, however, an ongoing silent Education Foundation auction grew that figure to $2.3 million, thus also breaking the event’s $2 million goal. The online auction, which ends Friday, can still be accessed at https://aspenaef.org/flamingo-24/. 

“It’s really a reflection of the support of the community, and we really appreciate that,” AEF President Paul Sohn said of contributions. “We’re very excited to put those dollars in our public schools immediately.”

AEF has raised $19 million since its founding in 1991, and is used for continued support for Aspen School District, the Aspen Community School, and the Aspen Cottage pre-school. ASD and AEF are currently discussing what this year’s funds will specifically support, according to ASD Communications Specialist Monica Mendoza.

“Every year, we’ve increased what we’ve raised from the Flamingo event,” Sohn said.

Saturday’s event featured a live show by three-time Grammy winner Wyclef Jean, who performed classics from his days with Lauryn Hill and the Fugees, including their hit rendition of “Killing Me Softly with His Song.” Jean, periodically stepping away from centerstage to dance with attendees on the floor, also adorned his performance with “Gone ’till November,” which in 1997 hit No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

“He’s incredible,” Sohn said. “He told a story about a teacher who made an impact on him when he was in public school, which changed the trajectory of his life.”

The night included 450 guests, with $25,000 event and $12,500 table sponsors. Per the norm, guests were made up of teachers, faculty members, parents — and even folks who don’t have children in the district, according to AEF vice president Molly Gilmore. 

“I think it was such a special evening, and it incorporates everyone from the teachers to the parents and other ASD faculty, and people who don’t have children in the district,” she said. “It’s really the largest fundraising event in town.”

“We are just so proud of everybody rallying around this event,” she added. “We feel so lucky to be in a community to have dedicated, passionate members.”

Ray K. Erku can be reached at (970) 429-9120 or rerku@aspentimes.com.