Winter whiteout

Aspen Valley Ski/Snowboard Club (AVSC) hosted its second annual Winter Whiteout fund-raiser last weekend. This year’s theme was a Midwinter Night’s Dream, following on the heels of last February’s Black and White Ball.As snow accumulated on the wintry eve, guests enjoyed champagne rides up the gondola for the formal affair at the Sundeck. Upon arrival, cocktails and appetizers were served while the silent auction was underway with myriad items up for bid. More than 20 bikes provided through Ajax Bike & Sport were offered, along with a heli-skiing trip to Canada, first tracks on Ajax with Aspen Mountain ski patrol, a flyfishing date with Robert Wagner, canoeing with Kevin Costner, and other enticing opportunities. Celebrities of all sizes and stature were in attendance including 6-year-old Bridger Gile, who arrived with his parents, and the legendary Bob Beattie, who left with his wife.The mission of AVSC is to create opportunities for Roaring Fork Valley youth to engage and excel in winter sports. The oldest nonprofit organization in the valley, AVSC was founded in 1937 under the name of the Roaring Fork Winter Sports Club. Today more than 1,600 kids from Aspen to Grand Junction participate in AVSC programs. “The kids in this club are unbelievably talented and driven,” said ski coach Rohan Verplank, an import from Crested Butte. “Part of it is clearly due to the unprecedented amount of community support here.”After a buffet feast, the live auction featured a creative mix of items from a walk-on role on ABC’s hit series, “ER,” to a Porsche Cayenne, which was on display on the slopes outside the Sundeck. “I passionately support young rippers,” quipped Vince Lahey, the live auction MC for the evening and a host on Channel 16. “I’ll do anything I can to help.”Hazel Miller and her band brought the black-tie crowd to the dance floor next as they turned out catchy R & B beats.An AVSC alumnus, John Schumacher, attended the gala with his wife, Annie.”Mom did a good job,” he said, admiring his mother Judy Schumacher’s role as event chair for the benefit. “Everything’s been great.”For more information on AVSC programs and events, log on to http://www.teamavsc.com.To contact May to send info, insights or invites,e-mail allthewaymaymay@hotmail.com