Comprised of the nonprofit’s most popular event, A Grateful Harvest, and its newest annual event, The Bullseye Roundup, the fun-filled fundraising weekend commemorated the healing power of camp
GYPSUM, COLO. (Aug.17, 2023) – Roundup River Ranch hosted the first-ever ‘A Grateful Weekend’ to raise vital funds that positively impact the life-changing programs Roundup River Ranch provides to thousands of children living with serious illnesses and their families. The weekend kicked off with The Bullseye Roundup on Thursday, Aug. 10, and concluded with A Grateful Harvest on Saturday, Aug. 12, creating a memorable weekend for supporters, volunteers and community members.
The Bullseye Roundup welcomed guests with cocktails and delightful food stations among the exquisite atmosphere of Casteel Creek, followed by a friendly archery competition assisted by 2023 World Paralympic Archery Champion, Kevin Mather. To mark National S’mores day and bring the joy of camp to attendees, guests enjoyed a twist on the summer camp classic. The weekend came to a close with the nonprofit’s popular A Grateful Harvest, held at the Roundup River Ranch campsite. Guests gathered inside Trent’s Cookhouse for delectable wines and a four-course dinner from renowned local chefs. The evening concluded with heartfelt camper stories and performances, a live auction and a “camper call” paddle raise. As a proud member of SeriousFun Children’s Network (SeriousFun), Roundup River Ranch was thrilled to welcome Clea Newman, SeriousFun ambassador and daughter of SeriousFun founder Paul Newman, to the stage at both events to share the stories and impact of why her father wanted to start camps for children with serious illnesses.
“Being with the families, staff, volunteers and supporters of Roundup River Ranch throughout A Grateful Weekend reaffirmed for me how SeriousFun camps, like Roundup River Ranch, are continuing to carry out my father’s vision and commitment to children living with serious illnesses in the most innovative, inspiring and meaningful ways,” said Clea Newman. “The smiles and laughter shared throughout the weekend served as a powerful reminder that, as my dad said, ‘the need is great and so are the opportunities to make a difference.”
The weekend culminated in $1.7 million raised which translates to 25% of the organization’s necessary funds to support onsite camp programs and extensive outreach programs, to maintain its beautiful campsite including buildings and activities supporting campers and families, and growth for the future.
“Our inaugural ‘A Grateful Weekend’ left me appreciative of the unwavering support from our committed donors and community members, who are instrumental in realizing the transformative impact of our programs,” said Sarah Johnson, president and CEO of Roundup River Ranch. “Each event offered a distinct and special encounter with our mission. ‘The Bullseye Roundup’ opened doors for a wave of new supporters to join our mission, while ‘A Grateful Harvest’ warmly welcomed back many familiar faces and long-term contributors to the ranch.”
A Grateful Weekend was made possible by our sponsors: Donna and Pat Martin; Kathy Cole and Carole Watters; David Horvitz and Francie Bishop Good; Casteel Creek; Alpine Bank; Peak 1 Express; Cathie Bennett and Fred Frailey; Greer and Jack Gardner; Barbara Gardner and Bill Sterrett; The Borgen Family Foundation; Lisa Watson and Mike Krupka; Balance Point Construction; FOODsmith; Lynx Grills; First Western Trust; Squash Blossom, Vail Daily, and many other incredible sponsors at The Bullseye Roundup and A Grateful Harvest.
To learn more about Roundup River Ranch, please visit RoundupRiverRanch.org.
