A Grateful Harvest Returns August 15, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Lindsey Stecki
Palmer Public Inc.
(619) 507-5281
Roundup River Ranch’s A Grateful Harvest Returns Aug. 15, Honoring President Emeritus Ruth Johnson During 20th Anniversary Celebration
Signature Fundraiser Features Acclaimed Vail Valley Chefs, Camper Call Paddle Raise, a Live Auction, and More, to Support Free, Medically-Supported Programs for Children with Life-Altering Diagnoses and Their Families
GYPSUM, Colo. (July 28, 2026) – Roundup River Ranch will welcome guests to its largest annual fundraiser, A Grateful Harvest, on Saturday, Aug. 15, as the nonprofit commemorates its 20th anniversary with an evening celebrating the community of supporters, partners, volunteers, and donors who have helped make nearly 40,000 camper experiences possible over the past two decades. The event will also recognize founding president and CEO, Ruth Johnson, with the 2026 Paul Newman Legacy Award, honoring her visionary leadership and lasting contributions to the organization.
Now in its fourth year, the western-inspired fundraiser invites supporters to gather for an evening of friendly competition, ranch activities, live music, local vendors, cocktails, exceptional food and philanthropy, all benefiting Roundup River Ranch’s life-changing programs for children and families navigating serious medical conditions. This year’s event takes on special significance as the organization celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Held in Trent’s Cookhouse at Roundup River Ranch in Gypsum, A Grateful Harvest brings together philanthropy, exceptional cuisine, and inspiring stories benefiting the nonprofit’s free, medically-supported camp programs for children living with cancer, blood disorders, organ transplants, and many other life-altering diagnoses. Guests will enjoy community wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, a four-course dinner, camper stories, camper performances, an online and live auction, and the signature Camper Call paddle raise.
“This year’s A Grateful Harvest represents so much more than a fundraiser,” said Sarah Johnson, president and CEO of Roundup River Ranch. “As we celebrate 20 years of creating life-changing experiences for children and families, we’re also honoring the people whose vision, generosity, and belief in our mission have made that possible. Every guest who joins us helps ensure more children can discover confidence, friendship, and belonging through the power of camp.”
A highlight of the evening will be a one-of-a-kind culinary experience prepared by four of the Vail Valley’s most celebrated chefs, all of whom are donating their time and talents in support of Roundup River Ranch. This year’s lineup includes Brian Ackerman of Splendido at the Chateau, Chris Schmidt of Craftsman Brew Co. and il Mago, Paul Anders of Sweet Basil and Mountain Standard, and Anthony Mazza of The Minturn Saloon, Village Bagel, and Chef on the Fly.
As part of the organization’s milestone anniversary, Roundup River Ranch will present the 2026 Paul Newman Legacy Award to Ruth Johnson, recognizing her unwavering commitment to creating a place where children facing serious medical challenges can experience belonging, friendship, and childhood joy without limits. Named for the founder of SeriousFun Children’s Network, the award honors individuals whose leadership has helped ensure the long-term sustainability of camp and its mission.
“My father believed that every child deserves the chance to experience joy, independence, and the freedom to simply be a kid, regardless of the medical challenges they face,” said Clea Newman-Soderlund, SeriousFun Children’s Network Ambassador and daughter of SeriousFun founder Paul Newman. “Roundup River Ranch has embodied that vision for 20 years, creating a place where children and families discover courage, connection, and hope. Presenting the Paul Newman Legacy Award to Ruth Johnson is especially meaningful because her leadership helped ignite that vision into a thriving community whose impact will propel in the years ahead.”
“When I reflect on the past 20 years, I think about the many people who believed in a shared vision and came together to make Roundup River Ranch possible. Building this place took the generosity, dedication, and unwavering commitment of volunteers, donors, staff, board members, medical partners, and supporters who believed every child deserves the healing power of camp,” said Ruth Johnson, President Emeritus, Roundup River Ranch. “It truly took a village to transform a vision into the extraordinary place Roundup River Ranch is today. While this recognition is deeply meaningful, it reflects the collective efforts of everyone who helped lay the foundation and shape our mission. Together, we’ve built something that will continue bringing hope, healing, and the joy of childhood to children and families for generations to come.”
A Grateful Harvest is made possible through the generous support of presenting sponsors Georgia and Don Gogel, Donna and Pat Martin, and Bernie and Suzanne Scharf, along with Alpine Bank, the event’s 2026 Community Champion, and numerous individual, corporate and local partners committed to advancing Roundup River Ranch’s mission including Kathy Cole & Carole Watters, Rebeca & Dan Hanrahan, David & Mary Davies Family Foundation, Debbie Schultz – In Memory of Jim, Bill Sterett & Barbara Gardner, Thomas M. Woodell, Alan-Bradley Windows and Doors, Inc., Alison & Kim Knapp, Cathie Bennett & Fred Frailey, Carla & Dr. Bob Thomas and Drs. Lia Gore & Frank Haluska, CHCO Heart Institute, CordilleraCares, David Cohen, MD, Jane E. Hall, Jenifer Valentine, John Forester, Kathie & Bob Shafer, Kristy & Bill Woolfolk, Mary Lujack, Molly & Ernest Braxton + Val Ropes & Chupa Nelson, Nicole & Max Avery, Ruth B. Johnson, JD & Kris Sabel, Stacey Frieder Gillett + Patrice & Marshall Ringler, The Raise A Little Hellions, Stephen & Laurie Sinacore, Donna Lang Arenschield, Andrew & Robyn Levy, Maureen Golinvaux, and Vail Daily.
While tickets and tables have sold out, community members can still participate in A Grateful Harvest through the event’s online auction, which opens on Friday, August 7. To learn more about the auction, make a gift, or explore Roundup River Ranch’s programs, visit AGratefulHarvest.com.
