Light it up BLUE: Aspen for Autism
February 17, 2014 
The Historic Hotel Jerome bathed in blue for Light it Up Blue Aspen. an event for Autism Awareness.Light it Up Blue Aspen (LIUB) hosted their 3rd annual gala in Aspen to increase awareness and raise funds for autism charities. The beneficiaries of the evening were EXTREME SPORTS CAMP and AUTISM SPEAKS. Extreme Sports Camp is a local Aspen organization that creates innovative activities and experiences for those with autism. It's community based and provides experiential learning that improves the campers health, personal growth and social engagement. Autism Speaks is the World's leading autism science and advocacy organization. Autism speaks is active in 40 countries on 5 continents. Give the links a click and support these worthy organizations generously.
Click 4 Pix. LIGHT IT UP BLUE, ASPEN
The Light It Up Blue gala in Aspen certainly raised the bar this year. Co-Organizers Julie Royer Manning, Rene Mackie and Sheryl Barto thought of everything. The event was held at The Hotel Jerome and was first class all the way. ESP Productions and Esther Pearlstone rolled out the "blue carpet" as everything was perfect. The silent auction and live auction were filled with awesome items. Bidding was furiously competitive and we're still waiting on a final tally of the money raised.
The gala's honorees included Jacqueline and Chris Laurita, from Real House Wives of New Jersey and parents of an autistic child. Jacqueline called herself a "warrior mom" in the battle against autism. Also honored was Ari Greenberg and Andrea Lee, a Hollywood power couple. Ari was a founding partner of Endeavor and is now a partner in William Morris Endeavor where he heads the television department. Ari and Andrea are parents to a child with autism and they have been instrumental in raising money and awareness about autism in L.A.
Everybody was modeling at Light it Up Blue, Aspen The good times were flowing all night long. A ridiculous and plentiful array of food and drinks were available to the attendees. An obvious highlight LIUB was the seafood tower (my favorite) was overflowing with HUGE jumbo shrimp, oysters, lobster and crab legs. It was a beautiful thing. Some people are eaters...some are drinkers...I happen to be both.
The entertainment was phenomenal. John Popper (from Blues Traveler) fronted the Vail party band, Brother's Keeper...featuring semi-locals Michael Jude and John Michel and Jono Manson. Popper was very friendly with the late Billy Reiger who got involved with Extreme Sports Camp via his relationship with Olivia Manning, Julie's daughter who battles autism. Popper and Brother's Keeper put on a "helluva show" and the crowd danced and partied late into the night.
Light It Up Blue Aspen was an early kick-off to International Autism Awareness month coming this April. Autism is a disorder of neural development that affects information processing to the brain. There are thrilling stories about autistic children who reach personal break throughs via the outdoor activities they experience for the first time at Extreme Sports Camp. Extreme Sports Camp is doing ground-breaking work right here in the Roaring Fork Valley. There is no question that everyone loved eating, drinking and jamming with Popper at LIUB...but the main mission was never forgotten. Once again...we were partying with a purpose in Aspen.
Click 4 Pix. LIGHT IT UP BLUE, ASPEN
Extreme Sports Camp...doing great things in Aspen for those who battle autism
Just the Girls.
Team Joey.
John Popper jammed with Brother's Keeper at Light it up Blue, Aspen to support Autism awareness