Drumming for a Cause fundraiser benefits Vail Valley Charitable Fund
Courtesy photo
Looking for a way to connect with your inner musician against Mother Nature’s backdrop, all while supporting a good cause? Join Drumming for the Cause on Saturday, Aug. 23, from 3-5:30 p.m. in Arrowhead.
Proceeds benefit the local nonprofit that provides financial assistance to individuals and families suffering from a medical crisis. Since 1996, the Vail Valley Charitable Fund has raised and distributed $9.7 million to over 2,200 locals in need.
Drumming for a Cause will begin with grounding beats, awakening the inner drummer by playing rhythm games and learning an African groove. Together, attendees will create a community drum song and finish with a Silent Disco Jam featuring world music and, of course, good ol’ rock and roll. Whether you’re an experienced or brand-new drummer, this rhythmic experience is fun and accessible to anyone.
Mountain Rhythms Founder Cathy Catlett Bethke will host the event at her home in Edwards. A certified Kripalu Yoga Instructor and Let Your Yoga Dance teacher, Cathy danced professionally, taught at Tucson Creative Dance Center, and co-founded the Moving Center, a cooperative dance studio. Catlett Bethke has pursued creative movement, yoga and drumming since her teenage years and has been a lifelong student of mental and physical health.
In 2017, the work of Teen Cancer America, founded by Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend of The Who, inspired a new chapter in Catlett Bethke’s life. The organization develops spaces in hospitals uniquely dedicated to teens and young adults fighting cancer. These under-served young warriors need a place to overcome isolation and boredom and connect with peers facing cancer.
Support Local Journalism
“Mountain Rhythms was created to bring joy, connection, and healing to teens and young adults battling cancer through movement and drumming,” Catlett Bethke said. “Inspired by the work of Teen Cancer America, our mission is to support those in our community who are facing critical medical challenges. We’re proud to partner with the Vail Valley Charitable Fund whose compassionate work aligns so closely with our own. Together, we’re raising funds to lift spirits and strengthen our community.”
Catlett Bethke has led programming at Children’s Hospital Colorado, and currently leads creative movement and drumming programs at Roundup River Ranch and Jack’s Place, a Cancer Caring House.
Space is limited for this event. There is a minimum suggested donation of $75, which includes drums/hand percussion (though bring your own if you’d like), a cocktail or mocktail, and light appetizers. Ages 21 and up only.
100% of the proceeds benefit the Vail Valley Charitable Fund. For more information, go to MountainRhythms.org.
