Over $2 Million Raised for Aspen

In August, nearly 60 community leaders, philanthropists, and friends gathered for an intimate evening in support of Aspen Center for Learning.

Hosted by BYU men's basketball coach Kevin Young and his wife, Melissa, the event brought together people who share a vision of expanding continued education opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

The evening resulted in $2.2 million raised to support the construction of Utah's first-of-its-kind continuing education campus for adults with IDD. With this milestone, Aspen has now raised $8.8 million, bringing the project within $2.9 million of breaking ground.

The evening featured remarks from Aspen Founder JW, Aspen Partner and ConnectIDD Founder Michael Thomas, Dave Studdert, Governor Spencer Cox, and First Lady Abby Cox.

Aspen Founder JW reflected on the personal experience that inspired the organization's vision. His son, Tate, has Down syndrome and has always had a desire to continue learning, but after high school there were no educational opportunities designed to meet his needs.

"The solution is we build a school," JW said.

Aspen Partner and ConnectIDD Founder Michael Thomas spoke about the extraordinary momentum surrounding the project and the community's commitment to making Aspen a reality.

"I have never seen a group of people come together this rapidly, this aggressively, in this kind of supportive way for something that's getting off the ground."

Governor Spencer Cox and First Lady Abby Cox also addressed attendees, emphasizing the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for adults with disabilities after high school. First Lady Abby Cox spoke to the question many families face after graduation:

"What next? What is next is why we're here. We don't see these children as children forever. They grow up. They become adults. These adults need to be integrated in the community. We have to make sure that they have opportunities to continue to learn and opportunities to continue to connect."

For too many adults with IDD, structured educational opportunities end after high school. While valuable programs and services exist, there remains a significant gap in continued education.

Aspen exists to fill that gap.

Every gift made that evening moved Aspen one step closer to opening its doors.

More importantly, every gift represents a belief in the potential of adults with IDD. Because of this community, more adults will have the opportunity to continue learning, build greater independence, and experience a future filled with possibility.

Aspen extends its sincere gratitude to Kevin and Melissa Young for hosting the evening, to Governor and First Lady Cox for their support, and to every donor, partner, volunteer, and community member whose generosity is helping make this vision a reality.

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