ACES Raises Record Funds at Hallam Lake Summer Benefit

Aspen —A record-breaking evening at Hallam Lake. That’s the headline for ACES’ 2025 summer benefit, but let’s look at what that actually means for the community. The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) hosted “An Evening on the Lake” on Thursday, July 16, marking its most successful fundraising event in history. The venue was the Hallam Lake Nature Preserve, a spot locals know well for its serenity and, once a year, its open water.

The event wasn’t just about sitting by the lake. It was a showcase of local supply chains and high-level networking. The Little Nell served as the premier sponsor, leveraging its wine program to bring in Evan Martin from Oregon’s Martin Woods Winery. He provided varietals for the lakeside bar, the dinner tent, and the after-party. Meanwhile, Woody Creek Distillers contributed spirits made from grains and potatoes grown within 250 miles. They used pure Rocky Mountain water and returned spent grains to local farms for livestock feed. This isn’t just branding; it’s a closed-loop system that keeps money and resources in the valley.

Dining was sourced directly from Rock Bottom Ranch, complemented by Field to Fork Catering. Guests could even canoe around Hallam Lake, the only time of year boats are permitted on the water. It’s a unique logistical feat that transforms a nature preserve into an open-air banquet hall.

A key moment was the presentation of the Elizabeth Paepcke Visionary Award, named for ACES’ founder. This year, it went to Sir David Attenborough. He didn’t attend in person, but Alastair Fothergill, his 40-year co-producer and a world-renowned nature filmmaker, accepted the award on his behalf. The celebration extended to Paepcke Auditorium with a free public talk during the William A. Nitze Lecture, ensuring the event wasn’t locked behind ticketed doors for everyone in Aspen.

The fundraising mechanism was active, not passive. Attendees participated in an “energetic paddle raise” to fund education for all ages. ACES also offered low-carbon auction items, including private farm-to-table dinners at Rock Bottom Ranch and a glamping experience at the Catto Center at Toklat. Guests left with recycled cotton tote bags printed locally, filled with produce, eggs, and flowers from Rock Bottom Ranch. They also received a local medicinal plant book by a former ACES naturalist, sweet bites from The Little Nell’s pastry chefs, and a special bottle of pinot noir dedicated to Sir David.

Who showed up matters for understanding the scale of this support. Chris Lane, ACES’ executive director, welcomed attendees. Ashley Orgain, chief impact officer and global director of Advocacy and Sustainability at Seventh Generation, attended with her partner Chris Miller. Miller serves on the ACES board of trustees and is the SVP of Sustainability for Aspen One. Gina Murdock, a trustee, was there with her twin daughters and Christy Mahon, ACES’ VP of Development.

On paper, this looks like a successful party. In practice, it’s a significant capital injection for environmental science education across the Roaring Fork and Colorado river valleys. The event drew community members, environmental advocates, and local sponsors to support crucial programs.

The bottom line is simple: ACES raised more money this year than ever before, leveraging local partnerships to keep the economic benefits within the region. For locals, this means continued funding for environmental education and a model of sponsorship that prioritizes local agriculture and manufacturing. The cost of attendance was high, but the return on investment for the community’s environmental infrastructure appears strong.