Lace up your sneakers and dust off your bowties (maybe) – the Colorado Outward Bound School’s Black Tie & Tennis Shoes gala is right around the corner! We are so excited to welcome you for this night of celebration, camaraderie, and COBS, Wednesday, September 29^th at 5:30 pm at Mile High Station (2027 Old West Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80204).

A huge thank you to all of our sponsors for making this evening possible – visit the Black Tie homepage for all sponsor information and more.

We will be outside under the market lights between Mile High Station and IronWorks.

Attire

We’re going a little more casual this year. We’ll be outside under the lights between Mile High Station and IronWorks, so it will cool off once the sun goes down. The weather forecast is calling for a bit of rain from 5-8pm, so come prepared. You'll be nice and dry under the viaduct once you arrive.

We encourage you to wear what you feel good in and bring layers. This is Colorado after all. Some folks will sport the Black Tie look (with comfy shoes of course), others will be a little more casual. Most will probably have a coat handy. Time to break out your puffy vest or jacket!

COVID-19

To mitigate COVID-19 exposure risk, this year's Black Tie & Tennis Shoes event is being held outside and with a smaller guest count than previous years. If you or someone in your household has a known or suspected exposure to COVID-19 or has any symptoms  we regretfully must ask you to stay home.

Wearing masks is encouraged during the mingling reception.

Program

Lauren Schmidt, COBS Executive Director, will be acting as hostess for the night. In lieu of a speaker, we have a never before seen video created just for this event by Focus4Design. You may recognize a few faces from the audience

What to expect at the event

The Black Tie & Tennis Shoes gala is COBS’s annual gathering to support and celebrate our students and our mission to change lives through challenge and discovery.

5:30     Mingling reception. Connect, drink, and eat. We will have passed appetizers and a full cash bar. Note that only one of the bars will be accepting credit cards. We encourage guests to bring cash.

6:30     Find your way to your table. Each table will have salads, soup, and family-style dinner.

7:00     Program commences. Includes an inspirational video, live auction, and paddle raise.

8:00     Event ends with a s’mores inspired dessert bar

Directions and Parking

Mile High Station is located at 2027 Old West Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80204. The event will take place outside between Mile High Station and IronWorks. Blue banners and smiling volunteers will indicate you have arrived. There is limited parking at the venue, so we encourage carpooling and ride sharing.

You can also take the light rail. The closest stop on the E or W lines is “Empower Field at Mile High” stop (the C line is currently suspended). Once you get off head west on Walnut over the railroad tracks under I-25 and past two brick buildings. The street will wind around to the right and Mile High Station will be on the right side.

However you get there, we are so excited to seeing on the 29^th. Please contact Britta Mireley with any questions, [email protected], (303) 676-8246.

Live Auction Preview

COBS Rocky Mountain Program Winter Invitational

Our Rocky Mountain Winter Invitational is an opportunity to learn winter travel skills like snowshoeing and avalanche awareness and to overcome new challenges as a team.

We’ll start at our basecamp in Leadville, CO, where we’ll pack our winter gear and practice the basics of winter travel using snowshoeing and/or small skis. Along the way, we’ll stop for activities and initiatives that require teamwork and communication. We’ll discuss our challenges and discoveries around the campfire at day’s end.

Group of 6-10. Appropriate for ages 14+ through adults.

This is a multi-day adventure that must be used February 4-7, 2022.

Approximate Value: $16,000

COBS Southwest Program Canyon Invitational

Explore the iconic canyonlands of Utah on this course designed to challenge and inspire you and your crew. We’ll pick you up at the airport or meet you at our basecamp in Moab, Utah to gather our gear and discuss our route.

We’ll travel offsite to hike, rappel, and explore networks of canyons carved through layered sandstone. We’ll work together to navigate the desert landscape and reflect on the day’s adventures before sleeping under the stars.

Group of 6-10. Appropriate for ages 14+ through adults.

Must be used March 10-13, 2022.

Approximate Value: $14,000

Under the Tucson Sun

Modern luxury meets the beauty of the Southwest in this newly built home on a one-acre lot. Step out to the large covered back patio furnished with a gas grill, a fire pit for s’mores and gorgeous views of Mount Lemmon; comfy patio furniture provides a quiet and private spot to enjoy coffee or cocktails with the sunrises and sunsets Tucson is famous for.

What’s nearby:

A hiker and cyclist paradise, you’ll be in close proximity to the Saguaro National Park East, Mount Lemmon, and Sabino Canyon. Head to the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center and you’ll have your pick of multiple desert trails that wind throughout the park.

Spas and golf are nearby as well. Check out the Arizona National Golf Club (5 minute drive), voted the best public golf course in Tucson. Minutes away from coffee shops, restaurants, pubs, and wine tasting. Within a half-hour drive are top-rated spas at Ventana Canyon and La Paloma, or venture out to the ski area or fish stocked lakes in the Santa Catalina mountains.

Six night, 7 day stay from January 1, 2022 through September 30, 2022, based on availability.

Sleeps up to 6 total (3 bedrooms, no pets please).

Donated by Jen & Mark Bales

Approximate Value: $2,250