FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Arc Pikes Peak Region Announces Get In The Mix Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration; Early Bird Tickets Now on Sale

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado, July 22, 2026 — The Arc Pikes Peak Region is excited to announce that tickets are now on sale for its Get In The Mix Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration, the organization’s signature annual event recognizing the individuals, families, professionals, employers, and community partners who are making the Pikes Peak Region a more inclusive place for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The celebration will take place on Saturday, September 26, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Colorado Springs, bringing together community members for an evening of inspiration, recognition, and celebration. The evening will begin with a cocktail hour at 5:00 PM, followed by welcome and dinner at 6:00 PM, with the awards program beginning at 7:00 PM. Guests are encouraged to attend in cocktail or semi-formal attire.

This year’s celebration will feature Ben Kjar as the keynote speaker. Kjar is the star of the award-winning documentary STANDOUT: The Ben Kjar Story and an NCAA All-American wrestler whose remarkable journey has inspired audiences across the country. Born with Crouzon syndrome, a rare craniofacial condition, Kjar overcame tremendous adversity to compete at the highest level of collegiate wrestling and now shares a powerful message of resilience, perseverance, and embracing what makes each person unique.

Throughout the evening, The Arc Pikes Peak Region will recognize outstanding individuals and organizations whose leadership, advocacy, and commitment have helped create greater opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Annual Awards celebrate those who are breaking down barriers, building inclusive communities, and empowering people with disabilities to live, learn, work, and thrive.

“This celebration is one of our favorite nights of the year because it shines a spotlight on the incredible people who are making inclusion possible throughout our community,” said Wilfred Romero, Chief Executive Officer of The Arc Pikes Peak Region. “We’re honored to welcome Ben Kjar to share his inspiring story while celebrating the champions whose dedication is creating meaningful opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities every day.”

Early bird tickets are available for $65 through September 1. Community members are encouraged to purchase tickets early and join The Arc Pikes Peak Region for an unforgettable evening celebrating inclusion, perseverance, and the power of community.

Tickets can be purchased online at:

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/get-in-the-mix-annual-dinner-and-awards-celebration

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The Arc Pikes Peak Region is a non-profit organization with a mission to promote and protect the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively support their full inclusion and participation in the communities of the Pikes Peak Region throughout their lifetimes. For more information or to get involved, visit us at 10 N Meade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80909 or visit https://thearcppr.org/.

Media Contact:

Morgan Wiese

Communications Manager

719-434-4120