If you’re not quite ready to let winter go, the Adaptive Sports Program of New Mexico (ASPNM) has just the ticket for you, and it helps to give exceptional opportunities to those who need it most. ASPNM will hold its annual Snow Ball Gala – an evening of food, fun, and music – in the Grand Ballroom at the Eldorado Hotel on Saturday, April 1, 2023, starting at 5:30 p.m. Included in the evening are silent and live auctions, a delicious dinner with wine, and more. All you have to do is wear your best golden attire and your dancing shoes for an evening you won’t soon forget.
The Santa Fe-based nonprofit ASPNM offers therapeutic recreational opportunities for children and adults with disabilities. Unfortunately, the organization has taken a financial hit over the past few years, due to the continuing effects of the Coronavirus. The return of the Snow Ball marks its return to normality, with hopes of catching up with the needs of the community. Part of that hope is pinned on the silent and live auctions, which have been popular draws in the past, offering equipment, gift certificates, artwork, and so much more. Beyond that, there are plenty of reasons to take part in this life-changing event.
What You’ll Get
The featured speaker for the evening is Mark Whitson, Private First Class, U.S. Army (Retired). Mark was injured while stationed in Georgia, resulting in the amputation of his leg above the knee. He started his adaptive sports journey at a cycling clinic through his local VA, and that opened the doors to more opportunities. Prepare to spend a very special evening with this inspirational, never-say-quit New Mexican, who has participated in and led many adaptive sports programs and events over the years, including scuba diving, cycling, and alpine skiing. You’ll get a new appreciation for the amazing benefits adaptive sports programs provide for individuals with disabilities.
The entertainment for this very special night is provided by local favorites J.J. & the Hooligans, who can thaw a frosty crowd faster than summer in the Sandias. Made up of Jan Heneghan on lead vocals, Tom Rheams on piano and trumpet, Pete White on lead guitar, Ben Baur on percussion, and Juan Aniceto on bass, the band combines classic dance band tunes with reimagined surprises that make their shows fun, high-energy, and irresistibly danceable. You’ll be glad you heeded our suggestion to bring your dancing shoes!
About Adaptive Sports Program of New Mexico
The Snow Ball is ASPNM’s largest annual fundraiser, with proceeds enabling hundreds of athletes to enjoy adaptive skiing, snowboarding, rafting, paddleboarding, kayaking, waterskiing, rock climbing, and more, each year, at locations throughout the state of New Mexico. These life-changing experiences are made possible only through the support and participation of our community.
ASPNM strives to remove any obstacles to participation so that anyone who wishes to join is able to do so. The generosity of a giving community enables the organization to provide scholarships to over 30% of participants, invest in a wide range of innovative adaptive gear in order to accommodate individuals with varying abilities, and continually refine programming to reach new audiences and provide more opportunities for individuals with disabilities throughout New Mexico.
Making connections has long been a benefit of events like this. Take this opportunity to meet some of the people who have benefited from ASPNM’s programming and find out what you can do to help make these programs accessible to anyone who needs them. For more information about the ASPNM’s Snow Ball 2023, visit the website.
This article was posted by David Salcido
