Step into a world of kaleidoscopic wonder as we celebrate the vibrant spectrum of autism at Ascendigo’s signature gala featuring special guest speaker Dr. Temple Grandin!
What: ASCENDIGO BLUE ASPEN When: Saturday, February 15, 2025 Where: Hotel Jerome | Aspen, Colorado
This prestigious occasion is Ascendigo’s BIGGEST event of the year.
We invite you to join us for an unforgettable evening as we head back to the Hotel Jerome in beautiful downtown Aspen, Colorado on Saturday, February 15, 2025.
Temple Grandin is a professor of animal science at Colorado State University. When she was two and a half years old, she had no speech and all the symptoms of severe autism. Early intensive speech therapy enabled her to speak by age four. Her mother always encouraged her interest in art and urged her to draw many different things. Good teachers and mentors were essential for Temple’s success. Her high school science teacher challenged her with interesting projects where she had to figure out how to make things work. When studying in school became a pathway to becoming a scientist, she was motivated to study.
An HBO movie titled Temple Grandin was made about her life and Temple was inducted into The National Women’s Hall of Fame and The Academy of Arts and Sciences. Facilities she has designed handle over half the cattle in the U.S. Some of her most important books are New York Times Bestseller “Animals in Translation,” “Thinking in Pictures,” “The Autistic Brain,” and “The Way I See It.” Riding horses and caring for them helped her get through difficult teenage years when she was bullied and teased.
Ascendigo BLUE Aspen is the catalyst to bring awareness and crucial funding for Ascendigo to support its mission: “to elevate the spectrum by empowering people, inspiring lives, and shattering expectations!” There are many opportunities to be involved, including: – corporate and individual sponsorships – – auction item donations – – volunteering – Your support is more important than ever. For more information, please contact Victoria MacFarlane vmacfarlane@ascendigo.org
THE THEME
Reflection is an important aspect of autism. Much like light shining through a prism or kaleidoscope to reflect a vibrant spectrum of color, this year’s radiant theme represents the diverse range of abilities and challenges associated with autism.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Over 200 distinguished guests!
Featured Special Guest & Keynote Speaker: Dr. Temple Grandin!
Exclusive VIP Event: Meet & Greet with Temple Grandin.
Located at the historic, glamorous Hotel Jerome in downtown Aspen.
Bid on a huge selection of silent auction items
Raise a paddle and change a life with live auction items that range from luxurious vacation packages to the latest outdoor gear!
Dress to impress. Wear your diamonds or gems to sparkle & shine as we celebrate every color of the spectrum in any color that makes you feel fabulous.