I am genuinely thrilled to announce that the Annual Heldman King Scholarship (HKS) Foundation of the Aspen Board of Realtors (ABOR) has kicked off scholarship activities. The scholarship committee met last month, read numerous applications and interviewed 25 students from Aspen, Basalt and Roaring Fork High Schools.  The HKS Foundation and committee voted to award $84,000 to 20 students, upholding this long-lasting tradition of helping to launch some remarkable students in need of a boost to get to college. Scholarship recipients will be announced at the end of school year awards programs at each high school.

Please save the date for the 2026 Annual Golf Tournament at the Snowmass Club on September 8th, and keep an eye out for an online auction leading up to this event to support the HKS Foundation scholarship program.

Along with the annual Heldman King Scholarships, ABOR gives back to local communities by supporting multiple local organizations each year:

• Habitat for Humanity, (home building organization)
• Lift Up (annual food drive)
• Salvation Army (annual coat, hat & mittens drive)
• Lucky Chances (advocating for Aspen Out, Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program, Lift Up, Hospice of the Valley and Mountain Family Health Centers).

On the state and national levels, ABOR supports the Realtor Foundation and the Realtor Relief Foundation, offering funding and assistance to individuals and homeowners impacted by unforeseen disaster situations. These charitable arms of the REALTOR organization would not be possible without the generosity and collaborative spirit of our membership.

Worth noting, April is Fair Housing Month. You are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities listed below to enhance your understanding of this crucial topic. Here are three live events, plus one interactive training experience, designed to strengthen your knowledge, sharpen your judgment, and reinforce the standards that protect both your clients and your business:

History and Risk Management (April 7, 2 CE) 

The People Behind Diversity (April 15, free) 

Fair Housing Trivia (April 22, free) 

Plus, the Fairhaven interactive training experience 

Now more than ever, I urge you to seek out opportunities to give back to our communities, network with Realtor and Affiliate members and to sharpen your skills as a real estate professional.

Sincerely,

Kristen Maley, 2026 ABOR President