Aspen Club Raises $100,000 for Stem Cell Pioneers

This past Tuesday, the Aspen Club & Spa staged a wildly successful 30th Anniversary and Benefit Party to send three traumatic spinal injury survivors -- Amanda Boxtel, Leah Roland, and Kasie Burtard -- to India for stem cell therapy.

Aspen, CO (PRWEB) December 22, 2007 -- This past Tuesday, the Aspen Club & Spa staged a wildly successful 30th Anniversary and Benefit Party to send three traumatic spinal injury survivors -- Amanda Boxtel, Leah Roland, and Kasie Burtard -- to India for stem cell therapy.

The event saw 600+ participants raise over $100,000, with donations continuing to come in. In one particularly exciting auction, an adorable Labrador puppy went for $13,000.

slow dance, heart-to-heart with my boyfriend.

Aspen Club chief executive officer Michael Fox described the Pursuing Possibilities fundraising event as "more than helping a few deserving people in our community achieve a better life -- it's about creating a better future for all of us, starting with these three early pioneers."

The lively event at The Aspen Club & Spa on Tuesday night included a poker tournament, a live auction, a silent auction, and live music. Aspen Club marketing manager Casey McConnell called the turnout "amazing" and the event 'the party of the year."

Amanda recently returned from India having undergone human embryonic stem cell treatment. After almost 16 years of paralysis, her body is coming alive and hope is now a part of her vocabulary.

Amanda will return for ongoing treatment in January. Leah and Kasie will follow in Amanda's footsteps by traveling to India for stem cell treatments in the spring of 2008.

Donations are still being accepted on behalf of the three recipients. Go to www.amandaboxtel.com to donate or call Amanda Boxtel at (970) 927-3630.

In speaking about their goals, event beneficiaries Amanda Boxtel had this to say: "I want to feel fresh cut grass under my feet" and "slow dance, heart-to-heart with my boyfriend."

Leah Roland said, "I want to hike up the mountain again."

"Amanda, Leah and Kasie's quest is a dramatic metaphor for the journey we are all on. Being able to help facilitate their quest," said Michael Fox, "is a blessing to all of us."

About The Aspen Club & Spa:
The Aspen Club & Spa, located in Aspen, Colorado, has earned its reputation as one of the premier health and wellness facilities in the country through a focus on unparalleled service and an innovative culture. The Aspen Club is a private membership club and has served that Aspen community and its guests since 1976.

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