For one magical night Eldora Mountain Ski Resort hosted an extravagant and significant event celebrating one of Nederland’s most important institutions. TEENS, Inc, a haven of learning, creative expression, and collaboration for Nederland’s youth, celebrated their 25th anniversary with an epic gala and fundraiser attended by hundreds of well-dressed Peak to Peak residents.

As the TEENS, Inc. Board of Directors stated in a message to gala attendees, “It has taken a village to get to this point,” and on Saturday, April 29, 2023, the village came to support TEENS, Inc. on their milestone night, as well as came to eat, drink, and dance.

Eldora’s Indian Peaks Lodge was packed with former staff and alumni of TEENS, Inc. including those who were there at the beginning 25 years ago. There were also those who have graduated and found success, including Silas Tittes who has a PhD in microbiology and took the stage to acknowledge TEENS, Inc. for providing the help he needed at a formative age.

Gala attendees were treated to a complimentary cocktail upon entering the lodge, along with two drink tickets for the full bar in the back of the room. They were also given a bid paddle with their displayed number for the live auction, in which several amazing vacation packages donated by local businesses could be bid on to raise funds for TEENS, Inc. Such vacation packages included trips to Colorado ski towns, week-long vacation rentals in Mexico and a four-day stay in The Netherlands.

A silent auction was also held, with donated items such as beautiful artisan crafts, themed gift baskets, a three-day stay in a luxury Airbnb, and tickets to the Colorado Rapids as well as a team-signed jersey. Additionally toy bracelets were sold to raise funds for TEENS, Inc. with each bracelet representing a chance to play a massive game of “heads or tails” for a grand prize.

All together more than $50,000 was raised for TEENS, Inc. during their 25th anniversary gala.

Board President Blue Hessner and TEENS, Inc. Executive Director Stephen LeFaiver spoke to the crowd about the heartwarming history of how a community came together to make TEENS, Inc. a reality, and gave shout-outs to many who have been involved with the alternate school, in the past and those involved presently.

Katy Nielsen and Emily Smith, alumni of the Chinook West contract school, delivered an entertaining tribute to TEENS, Inc. with touching and hilarious original lyrics set to the tune of “Brown Eyed Girl” with ukulele accompaniment.

Attendees were treated with an elegant and delicious meal that included creamy buttery Vegan Semoule de Maïs and an impossibly tender Plat de Cote with Tomato Mirepoix, as well as a classy dessert spread, all catered by Chef Marcia Kramer and Eldora Food and Beverage.

The Robby Wicks Band bookended the evening with sets of live rock n roll for attendees to strut their stuff on the dance floor and show off their moves, as well as their outfits.

Eldora’s partnership with TEENS, Inc. extends beyond just hosting the anniversary gala, as Eldora’s project to create wetlands at Fisherman’s Lot in Nederland will be completed with assistance from TEENS, Inc. students. Excavation for the $60,000 to $80,000 project is set to begin June 5, 2023.

“Eldora is an amazing partner,” LeFaiver told The Mountain-Ear. “This event would not have been nearly as successful without their partnership. Even more important is that they are partners in our programming and help us create opportunities that have a lasting impact on the youth we serve.”

“We are excited about our involvement in the wetland mitigation project,” LeFaiver continued.

“Not only will our youth corps be helping with the plantings but Chinook West students will be able to monitor the growth and development for years to come by integrating the project into our curriculum.”

LeFaiver also spoke about the goals for TEENS Inc moving forward. “We are really focused on advancing our strategic priorities around creating a more inclusive and equitable community and taking a deeper dive into mental health support for young people,” LeFaiver explained. “People are really struggling and we feel strongly that we have a role to play in lifting people up with opportunities and a wide range of support.”

It was clear from the massive turnout for the gala that the community celebrates and supports its local teen center; and it is clear from the outpouring of love and reverence from all present that TEENS, Inc. is truly more than just a teen center. For many generations TEENS, Inc. has represented a better place to be and has shown them a better way to be.

For more information about TEENS, Inc., check out their website at https:// teensinc.org/.