One of Aspen’s most beloved 4^th of July traditions, Boogie’s Buddy Race, went virtual this year. Participants were invited to run 5 miles or 5 kilometers from anywhere in the world—or do the family 1-mile run/walk—between June 27–July 4. They could then submit pictures of themselves participating on social media, tagging the Buddy Program, to be entered in a prize drawing in categories like participation farthest from Aspen, most unique setting, best selfie, and more.  

The 21st annual Bash for the Buddies, typically one of Aspen's largest galas, also morphed into a virtual event, featuring a week-long online silent auction. Bash honoree Charlie Hopton was feted for his long-time support of the Buddy Program at a Honk and Honor drive-by parade in front of the Red Brick on July 7. 

These two events combined typically raise more than a third of the Buddy Program’s annual operating budget and are critical in allowing the nonprofit to maintain programs that serve more than 500 youth, 138 volunteers, and 11 schools from Aspen to Carbondale and in Rifle.