The Base Camp Bash 2026 was an Evening Full of Connection, Generosity, and Celebration
On April 11, 2026, the Cottonwood community gathered once again at Upper Larimer in Denver for our 21st Annual Base Camp Bash, an unforgettable evening of celebration, connection, and impact. Building on last year’s milestone celebration, the Bash 2026 brought together supporters, students, alumni, and partners for a night filled with generosity and shared purpose.
Guests were welcomed into a lively atmosphere featuring delicious food from Snooze, craft beverages from Craft Mountain Brewing Company and 291 Colorado Whiskey, great music from Mile High Soul Club, and plenty of opportunities to connect. From the moment doors opened, the space buzzed with excitement as attendees browsed auction items, reconnected with friends, and celebrated the incredible students at the heart of our mission.
One highlight of the evening involved celebrating the students who won the Ripple Effect Award. One student from the Changemaker program and one student from each CAP class is nominated by their Instructor to receive the Ripple Effect Award each year. These incredible students have each shown their unique ability to have a positive impact on their class and their school community. This year’s Ripple Effect Award winners included: Justin Bedolla and Yeabsra Shiferaw from AXL Academy; Xavier Cardoza-Rivera from Angevine Middle School; and Ki Bardelman and Kay Young from New Vista High School. Each Instructor shared a bit about each student, and the students also shared about their Cottonwood experience. Most students expressed sentiments similar to Ki, who reflected that:
“CAP was a truly unique experience I’ll never forget, it was so fun being able to be outside in nature for a class.”
-Ki Bardelman
Rob Guthrie then honored 2 of our Ripple Effect Award Winners, Xavier Cardoza-Rivera and Ki Bardelman, with the Lauren Guthrie Legacy Scholarship, which provides funding for 2 Ripple Effect Award winners to attend a week-long Avid4 Adventure expedition over the summer. As a part of Lauren’s legacy, the Lauren Guthrie Make A Difference Fund has supported getting students outdoors and growing as leaders, carrying on Lauren’s legacy of inspiring youth through adventure education.
The silent and live auctions were additional highlights of the evening. This year’s auction featured an incredible lineup of items, including local experiences, outdoor adventures, and once-in-a-lifetime trips. Supporters could participate from anywhere through the online silent auction, allowing our broader community to join in the fun and fundraising. From mountain getaways and travel packages to unique Denver experiences and outdoor gear, the auction showcased the generosity of our community and the adventurous spirit of Cottonwood Institute. The live auction brought even more excitement to the room, featuring premium items and spirited bidding that helped drive critical support for our programs.
The Bash continues to be our signature fundraising event, and together, we raised over $140,000 in a single evening! Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters, sponsors, and volunteers, the Base Camp Bash 2026 was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when the community comes together for a shared mission.
If you missed the Bash and still want to help, please consider making a donation or becoming a monthly donor! You’ll help invest in our students, programs, and long-term sustainability and success!
And a special thanks to our donors and sponsors who helped make this evening possible. Please support the following businesses that support the local community and Cottonwood Institute!
