June 12 Blues Concert to Benefit Challenge Aspen

WICHITA ,
Kan. , May 22, 2008 – Each winter, disabled Kansans travel to Aspen for the chance to do something they thought impossible - ski down a mountain.  A blues concert in Wichita on June 12 will benefit Challenge Aspen, the organization that makes this possible.  Challenge Aspen is a non-profit organization that provides mentally and physically disabled people the opportunity to enjoy recreational and cultural experiences in the Colorado Rockies.  

The 2008 Blues Benefest for Challenge Aspen will be held at Sam’s Place, located at 5521 W. Kellogg.  The concert will feature the Sharon Rush Band and local band Fuzzy Logic will open the evening’s program at 7:00.  Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and tickets are $10 at the door or purchased online at www.tftvideo.com .
 

“This event came about after I worked on an episode of Sierra Scott’s It’s All Good program that showcased Challenge Aspen,” said Deanna Summers, one of Benefest’s organizers.  “I was so excited about what this organization is doing for the disabled that I decided I had to do something to help.”

Newton resident Kathleen Hayes experienced Challenge Aspen for the first time this past March.  Thirteen years ago, she began experiencing brain hemorrhages that affected her right side.  Prior to her illness, she loved skiing, but thought those days were over due to her disability. 

“I wanted to ski again so badly, but I worried about how I would get on and off the lift and how I would get down the mountain,” said Hayes.  “But the trainers and volunteers were wonderful at understanding my disability and my needs, and they helped me learn how to ski all over again using a walker apparatus.  By the end, I was amazed at how fast I could ski.”

Hayes said her four days of skiing at Challenge Aspen was exhilarating and life changing.  It proved to her that she can still do things she thought no longer possible and this has provided her with a new sense of independence.

In addition to listening to great music at the Blues Benefest, those attending will see footage Summers filmed on a recent trip to Challenge Aspen.  The footage will be used for a video Challenge Aspen can use for their website and future events.

2008 Blues Benefest sponsors include 107.3 The Road; The Slope; House of Schwan; It’s All Good with Sierra Scott ; Sam’s Place; TFT Productions; and GearConnexion.

For more information on Challenge Aspen, visit www.challengeaspen.com .