Best Buddies hosted its Gala En Blanc on Friday, July 5, at the Hotel Jerome in the heart of downtown Aspen. Best Buddies Champion of the Year event unites and recognizes the community’s most active leaders in the name of inclusion. By devoting their passion, talents, and networks to Best Buddies through a philanthropic competition, these Champions lay the foundation for transformative change in their communities.
Anthony Kennedy-Shriver as the keynote speaker shared memories of his mother Eunice who fearlessly championed the cause of children with intellectual developmental disabilities through challenging athletic games that went on to become the special olympics. He also assisted in hosting the evening’s auction that featured a NakedCashmere sleep set. The event was also attended by state and area directors of Roaring Fork Valley Rachael Fischer and Michelle Stiller who also assisted Mr. Kennedy Shriver with the auction.
The event included a rapping performance for the crowd by “Flava Fran” aka Fran Sheinberg, the Autistic Rapping Jew, who is on the International Board of Best Buddies. This was followed by a piano piece performed by Best Buddies Colorado State Ambassador Shivam Talwar.
The event brought together like-minded, passionate individuals and families to celebrate the Best Buddies inspirational volunteers. After dinner, guests danced to the beats of DJ Pamela Tick as they enjoyed drinks from Flor de Caña Rum, Entourage Rosé and Sip Channé Wine.
Sponsors of the evening included: The Rosenberg Family, The VandeBoom Family, Alicia Adams, David Trepeck, John Mahedy, Drita and Ricky Rosen, Tracy and Bubba Eggelston, Mandy and Matt Welgos, Jamie Levitt and CJ Burger.
Photography by Riccardo Savi