Without a doubt, there is no place in the world quite like Aspen, Colorado. It is a town in which one’s father might have been on the U.S. Olympic Ski Team, a close family friend is the celebrated and inspirational Jimmie Heuga, and one’s twin lives across the street. Aspen is a town in which one can be an accountant by occupation and a world-renowned high elevation skier by hobby. It is a place where two men take amazing risks to achieve feats for others. A town in which, the cause is much more important that the feat.

I am referring, of course, to Aspen residents and brothers Mike and Steve Marolt, who will release on July 12^th their film, “Skiing Everest,” in New York at the Tribeca Cinemas. The money from this event will not fund their next expedition; rather it will go to the Jimmie Heuga Center Endowment in support of Can Do MS.

In 1964 Jimmie Heuga was one of the first American men to win an Olympic alpine medal. He served as an inspiration to a generation of Americans through his Olympic career. He went on to inspire an entire nation through his determination to continue his athletic life despite his MS diagnosis. To better the life of himself and all other MS patients, he founded The Heuga Center for Multiple Sclerosis in 1984, later known as the Can Do MS. Those close to him remember his kindness and willingness to help others to overcome their struggles physical, mental and emotional.

Mike Marolt explained in an interview the Aspen Business Journal that he and his brother picked up the MS cause due to encouragement from their family friend Jimmie Heuga. Deeply instilled in both brothers by their father had been the idea that life is what you make it. Both brothers felt that Heuga was living proof of this ideal. Through filming their adventures they could bring inspiration and financial assistance MS patients, while educating and informing the public and encouraging them to help in the search for a cure to MS.

Not every resident in Aspen can be found in Himalayas in their time off raising money for a cause, but beyond Mike and Steve Marolt, Aspen is a very charitable city. The calendar is filled year round with festivals and events, yet with each of these events there is almost always a benefit dinner benefitting a related cause. For a relatively small city, the list of charitable organizations is quite extensive, from the Shining Stars Foundation to medical and educational services and more.

Aspen is often associated with luxury, celebrities and extravagant spending. Yet it is often overlooked as a town full of generous people who have invested in their community, people and in those less fortunate.

To be a part of this community, click here to see homes, condos and investment properties in Aspen, Snowmass Village and the surrounding areas. Believe me, you won’t find better neighbors anywhere else on earth!

Afterward head out to catch “Skiing Everest” on the big screen, and do your part to help the Can Do MS Foundation.

Tags: Aspen, Marolt, Movie, Skiing Everest