Mountain Mayhem: Into the woods

The Wildwood School hosted “Into the Woods,” its annual benefit on the evening of Saturday, Sept. 27, amid peak fall foliage. Set at the preschool’s charming campus in East Aspen, the al fresco gathering took place on the lawn next to Wildwood’s Hobbit-style, earth-covered domes. 

Bosq, Aspen’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, owned and operated by Wildwood parents Barclay and Molly Dodge, generously catered the event. Passed appetizers prepared with ingredients such as chanterelle mushrooms and foraged watercress complemented the natural beauty of the setting. 

Tina Person, Wildwood’s executive director, spoke to the origins of the school, which was founded in 1974 by the visionary educator Bob Lewis. He sought to create a gentle place where children’s curiosity could run wild. Since the beginning, Wildwood’s mission has been “to create a happy, caring, and nurturing preschool dedicated to environmental exploration and artistic expression.” Over the past 51 years, it has shaped generations of young learners, many of whom return as parents, sending their own children there. 

Wildwood parent Sally Maxwell next sang a beautiful rendition of “Over the Rainbow,” followed by a welcome from Wildwood parent Katie Elliott who spoke to the newly formed Wildwood Fund. Elliott shared the philosophy behind the fundraising initiative, which was created with three goals in mind: First, “Fund the Gap,” which seeks to bridge the difference between tuition and true expenses to operate the school; second, “Retain and Recruit Top Teachers” was designed to optimize compensation packages for educators; third, “Renovate and Upgrade the Wildwood Campus” speaks to the capital improvements projects. 

Parents, teachers, alumni, and friends enjoyed the rest of the evening at the special setting, experiencing the magic of Wildwood and its impact upon all ages. 

To help preserve Wildwood and create lasting benefits for years to come, visit wildwoodschool.org.