Giving Thanks with Aspen T.R.E.E.

About 1000 free meals were serves at Aspen High School.For the 6th consecutive year Aspen T.R.E.E. provided a free Thanksgiving dinner to the entire Aspen Community.  It's estimated that 1000 dinners were served last night at the Aspen High School commons. Roaring Fork Valley residents from every demographic category enjoyed a tasty feast prepared with almost 100% locally grown and sustainable foods.  It's a farm to table experience for everyone.  It's a great way to share in the abundance of our community.

Click 4 Pix: GIVING THANKS

Aspen T.R.E.E.  stands for Together Regenerating the Environment through Education.  Eden Vardy the executive director of Aspen T.R.E.E. has been beating the drum of sustainability in Aspen for years.  His farming activities and educational programs have helped to create awareness in one of the most aware places in the world.

The Community Meal is one of my favorite events of the social season in Aspen.  First of all its a celebration of Thanksgiving...one of my favorite holidays.  Those of us that live in Aspen and the neighboring areas have plenty to be thankful for.   Secondly it indicates that the start of a new ski season is upon us.  

The Aspen Community Meal brings everybody together.  Billionaires (well maybe just millionaires) dine with homeless people.   It bridges generations of Aspen locals...from babies to seniors...the room is filled with smiling faces.  It's apparent that everyone loves to be served a free Thanksgiving repast and sit amongst their neighbors and peers.  This year A.Party enjoyed it from a different angle.  I was a volunteer waiter serving section 3 under the supervision of our Captain, Jill Dorken Schultze.  JDS and I, along with Debbie from Aspen Powder Tours got into a  rhythm of efficiancy...we slayed it.  We  served about 100 meals in 1 1/2 hours.  While I probably don't have the correct  temperament for a permanent position in the food service industry...waiting & bussing tables at the Aspen Community Meal was a fabulous experience. Getting payed with smiles and glowing holiday faces made me feel like a billionaire.   

So thanks to ASPEN T.R.E.E. for all you do.  Thanks to my fellow volunteers for pitching in, and thanks for the Roaring Fork Valley  community for reminding me what a beautiful life we lead.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING from ASPEN SPIN.

Click 4 Pix: GIVING THANKS

The kitchen staff...all volunteers made the evening flow. Click 4 pix.Some of the many volunteers at the Aspen Community meal by Aspen T.R.E.E. click 4 pix.A group of 8 bro-brahs invaded section 3. No problemo...everyone chowed. Click 4 pix.Aspen T.R.E.E. Exec. Dir Eden Vardy stands proudly with his dad Itzik . Click 4 pix.