Gypsum, Colo. (August 13, 2020) – It was truly a night unlike any other. Instead of holding their two annual camp-inspired galas, A Grateful Harvest (Gypsum, Colo.), and A Taste of Camp (Denver, Colo.), Roundup River Ranch had to pivot. This year, because of the coronavirus, Roundup River Ranch combined their two signature fundraising events into one virtual gala on Monday, August 10, A Grateful Gathering.
Guests joined the Vimeo live event either from the comfort of their own homes across the country, or in small gatherings at local restaurants in the Vail Valley and Denver. Highlights of the virtual evening included inspiring camper stories, Stage Night performances, a live high-profile auction to bid on lavish items, and a live “camper call” paddle raise. Guests used their mobile phones as virtual paddles, texting to give. Roundup River Ranch also set up an online silent auction a week before the event to spur excitement in giving before the live stream event.
“Over the last four months, much has changed in our camp community, but what has remained consistent is the commitment, passion, and generosity of Roundup River Ranch’s campers, volunteers, and supporters,” said Ruth B. Johnson, president and CEO. “We are humbled and inspired by the support expressed in our community to make A Grateful Gathering a huge success in the organizations’ history. Together, virtually, anything is possible.”
At the end of the one-hour and 20-minute virtual gala, Roundup River Ranch was overjoyed after watching the donations virtually climb, raising over $1.4 million dollars for children with serious illnesses and their families.
This summer, Roundup River Ranch provided virtual camp experiences that not only connected campers with similar diagnoses, but also allowed them to make new friends, and participate in the joy and silliness of camp from the comfort of their own homes. The online platform Roundup River Ranch chose to host their virtual camp easily allowed campers to interact and engage, so they could continue to provide all the activities and moments kids love about traditional camp. Campers that were unable to attend online in real time received a Joy, Delivered box, an amazing out-of-the-box camp experience that supports and engages children in fun activities – inspiring creativity, compassion, resilience, teamwork, and play.
A Grateful Gathering supports Roundup River Ranch’s mission to enrich the lives of children with serious illnesses and their families by offering free, medically-supported camp programs that provide unforgettable opportunities to discover joy, friendships, and confidence.
A Grateful Gathering is generously sponsored by presenting sponsors CordilleraCares and The Frechette Family Foundation. Special thanks to corporate sponsors Alpine Bank, DaVita, First Western Trust, Takeda, Abercrombie & Fitch, Hasbro, McKee Wellness Foundation, MDC/Richmond American Homes Foundation, BluSky Restoration, Holland & Hart, LLP, and Vail Health. Heartfelt thanks to all the amazing donors and community partners that made this once-in-a-lifetime event possible.
If you missed the live stream event, you can still view it at AGratefulGathering.com. If you would like to learn more about Roundup River Ranch and its virtual programming, please visit RoundupRiverRanch.org.
