The 2018 Base Camp Bash to benefit Cottonwood Institute (CI) was a huge success! We brought the spirit of the Big Easy to Denver with a fabulous New Orleans themed party at Great Divide Brewing Company’s amazing private event space in RiNo. It was the perfect venue for fun, socializing, music, and dancing.

This year’s event brought in just under $90,000 ($17,000 more than last year) to provide critical funding for our programs and students, which is a new record! Funding from the Bash will support CI’s high need educational partners, including: Angevine Middle School, AXL Academy, Casa de la Esperanza, Centaurus High School, New Vista High School, STRIVE Preparatory Schools.

The evening kicked off full of energy as guests mingled to the tunes of the Mile High Brass Band! VIP party guests were treated to delicious food from Butcher’s Bistro and two signature cocktails mixed by the rock star bartenders from Steuben’s Food Service using spirits from 291 Colorado Whiskey and Deep Eddy Vodka. Best of all, the band led us in a traditional New Orleans Second Line Parade where we danced around with umbrellas held high!

The evening continued with our program presentation where we presented The Ripple Effect Award to two outstanding students who went above and beyond with their Action Projects to address local community issues, including Robert from Angevine Middle School and Brissa from STRIVE Prep – Sunnyside. Click here to read more about these amazing student leaders.

The high energy continued with the live auction and paddle raise. There were some ecstatic big winners this year thanks to our “accidental auctioneer” Andy Seth! The live auction included incredible trips; a penthouse suite in Whistler B.C., a trip to Napa Valley, and the 2019 New Orleans Jazz Festival to name a few.

The main event was complete with delicious food and refreshments! Great Divide Brewing Company provided beer, featuring their brand new Heyday Modern IPA which is hitting shelves this month, Idella Wines supplied us with amazing wine, and Snooze rocked it with breakfast for dinner, featuring Shrimp & Grits and a Bourbon Sticky Bun pancake for dessert!

As the night came to a close, guests were invited to keep the fun going at our After Party at The Matchbox featuring Deep Eddy Vodka to help benefit Cottonwood Institute.

Thank you to each and every one of you who came out to support us this year! Please support our phenomenal sponsors and partners who make our work possible and check out all of the great photos from the event! We can’t wait to see you next year! Laissez les bon temps rouler!

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