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The Importance of Giving
Thanks to the gracious support of our donors through the years, thousands of disabled participants from around the world have been empowered, given new beginnings and possibilities through Challenge Aspen. We have helped brave veterans, children and adults look fear in the face with a smile, gaining strength, courage and confidence through our unique and innovative outdoor and cultural experiences.
Joey Bozik, who first joined us on the Challenge Aspen Ultimate Outdoor Adventure trip to the Grand Canyon in August 2006 and is now a member of Challenge Aspen's alpine competition team, shared the following with us after that first experience:
What you guys do for injured soldiers is absolutely amazing. I had so much fun. I was able to let go of all the things that had been weighing me down. I just wanted to personally thank you and all those that were responsible for making it happen. You may never know how much you have helped me but I will always carry your gracious love for soldiers with me. Thank you for all that you do.
- Sergeant Joey Bozik (Retired), Injured Veteran from Iraqi Freedom
Stories like Joey's are only made possible through your donations. Now in our 13th year, Challenge Aspen continues to expand the scope of its events and programs on an international scale, touching more and more lives. We are counted on as an influential voice for disability awareness around the world. More importantly, we are relied upon by participants and their families to make dreams like the following come true.
This is Michael, skiing with Rich Ganson - Challenge Aspen ski instructor and musician extraordinaire! At 10 years old, Michael watched the downhill Olympic skiers on television and typed "I want to learn to ski." With the support of Challenge Aspen, Michael's dream became a reality. For ten years now--the best week of the year for Michael is the week he skis with Rich. It's a week of smiles and singing on the chairlift. It's a week of memories to last until the next winter. Autism is a tough challenge for 51 weeks a year---but in Snowmass and with Challenge Aspen, it's pure happiness!
- Riv Goldman (Michael's mom)
In addition to making dreams come true for participants, our programs touch the lives of volunteers and inspire them in their professional work.
Words cannot express my profound gratitude to Challenge for providing our soldiers (and me) a once in a lifetime experience. Rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon was truly incredible. However, the physical and personal gains made by the participants were at times even more inspiring than the landscape. These memories give meaning to my tasks here in the hospital and impel me to continue seeking opportunities to care for wounded soldiers.
- Volunteer Physical Therapist
YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE.
Together we CAN continue to EMPOWER life-changing experiences for participants from all over the world, regardless of financial status. Here are some of the important ways your contribution can help:
$15,000 will sponsor an entire Challenge Aspen program for one week. This includes airfare, accommodation and program fees for at least 10 participants.
$10,000 will contribute to our Veterans Competitive Training Program with the goal of training disabled veterans for potential slots on the U.S. Disabled Ski Team.
$7,500 will sponsor competition equipment for summer and winter programs.
$2,500 will purchase a specialized ski for paraplegic and amputee participants.
$1,500 will sponsor a veteran injured while serving our country.
$875 will sponsor 5 days of ski lessons for a participant with a private instructor.
$575 will sponsor a child to attend our annual Music & Dance Camp.
$175 will sponsor a day of skiing for one of our participants.
Any amount will help empower our participants to exceed their highest goals.
If you would like to speak to someone at Challenge Aspen about the giving opportunities, please call Geneva Templeton at 970-923-0578, ext. 200 or email geneva@challengeaspen.com
On behalf of everyone at Challenge Aspen, thank you for this opportunity to show you what our donors' support can do. Together we CAN make a difference!
My very best,
Houston Cowan
CEO and Co-Founder
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