ROUNDUP RIVER RANCH

Gypsum

News: A record $598,000 was raised at the 2024 edition of A Taste of Camp, the fundraiser that Roundup River Ranch holds in Denver each year to help fund the 24 free programs that the Gypsum-based nonprofit offers to children living with cancer, blood disorders, organ transplant and other rare and life-altering conditions.

“This money will enable us to continue our impactful programs and offerings, reach more children and uphold our commitment to putting our campers first,” said Sarah Johnson, Roundup River Ranch’s president and chief executive officer. “Together, with the help of our supporters, volunteers and donors, we’re making a profound difference in the lives of children with life-altering illnesses and their families.”

The theme for A Taste of Camp 2024 was “Embrace Joy,” and camper Tatum was at the May 16 event to share her medical journey and how the impact of camp was more powerful than any treatment or medication available.

“Roundup River Ranch changed my life when I needed a new way to keep on living,” she told those gathered at the Cable Center for this dinner, auction and paddle raise.

Another special guest that night was Clea Newman-Soderlund, daughter of actor Paul Newman, the founder of SeriousFun Children’s Network, the umbrella organization for Roundup River Ranch and 29 similar camps worldwide.

Newman-Soderlund, a SeriousFun Ambassador, was there to give Dr. Keith Weisz the 2024 Superhero Award. The award commemorates his dedication to Roundup River Ranch and the children it serves and recognizes the “profound, heroic impact” Weisz has had on seriously ill children as both a medical professional and a volunteer.

“Attending A Taste of Camp is like coming home to a family that truly understands and supports my father’s vision,” Newman-Soderlund said. “He always wanted to create a space where kids living with serious illnesses could just be kids (and) Roundup River Ranch embodies his dream of a place where kids can escape the fear and isolation of their medical conditions. Events like this keep his legacy alive in the most meaningful way.”

A Taste of Camp’s financial success is due in large part to support from sponsors that included Greer and Jack Gardner; Debbi and Lee Alpert; Carolyn and Byron Craig; Huntington Bank; Wagner Equipment; Alpine Bank; Alterra Mountain Company; Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation; Children’s Hospital Colorado – Breathing Institute; DaVita; Wintrust; First Western Trust and Parkside Financial Bank and Trust.

About the organization: Roundup River Ranch offers children with life-altering diagnoses and their families opportunities to embrace joy, create connections, foster independence, and build hope through free, medically supported camp programs. Its programs include boating, archery, ziplining, and horseback riding. Roundup River Ranch is located along the Colorado River, near Gypsum.

Website: RoundupRiverRanch.org

Have news or announcements for the Nonprofit Register? Email nonprofits@coloradopolitics.com and include a contact name and number if more information is needed.