On Sept. 13, the Swift Eagle Charitable Foundation held “An Evening With Phil Jackson” to raise money for the purpose of helping Eagle Coun­ty residents in critical- needs situations.

It was an amazing evening, full of the natural beauty of the surroundings at 4 Eagle Ranch and the warmth of people gath­ering for a good cause. Phil Jack­son went beyond the expected talk about basketball and his coaching career. He spoke from the heart about his life and fam­ily and how important it is to apply the same care and com­passion to our community and the world that we do to those close to us.

We would like to offer a warm thanks to all who attended and contributed to this event. A spe­cial thanks goes to our generous sponsors: Jan and David McNair, 4 Eagle Ranch, Elm Family Foundation/ Mark and Linda Pancratz, Joe's Liquors/ Sharon and Jack Leevers, Alpine Bank, Bob Sathe, First Bank, Friends of China Cultural Adventures, KSKE Ski Country 101.7 FM, Gallegos Corp., EPS Print and Design, the Vail Daily, Plum TV, KZYR, the Vail Mountaineer, Orrison Distributing, The Inn at Riverwalk and Allen Knox. We are grateful for the kind dona­tions from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Edwards Building Center, Martha Head, Jean Marie Hamilton and Brian Osberg, Bill House and Michelle Hovey.

The following student-athlete sponsors allowed 26 students and four parents from local high schools to attend the event and meet with Jackson: Steadman­Hawkins Clinic, Larry and Jan Rigdon, Debby McClenahan, Jean Paradis, Zastrow Dentistry, East West Partners, Vail Valley Jet Center, Elizabeth Holland and 4 Eagle Ranch.

The generosity of these silent- auction participants added substantially to the fun of the evening and to the bot­tom line: The Golden Bear, Tes­sa Designs, Avon Rec Center, Minturn Anglers, Flyfishing Outfitters, Gallegos Corp., Beaver Creek, Kip Gates/ Gates Ranch, Gary and Judy Denker, Gary McCord, Zipline Adven­tures, Mike Munsey, Gerry Schmidt, Gladys Hamilton, All Mountain Sports Acupuncture, Sonnenalp Hotel, Ptarmigan Sports, American Furniture, Chris and John Boles, Minturn Saloon, Harriet Holmes, Vail Cascade Hotel and Spa, David Wolford, Peter Vavra, Pat Hamilton, National Velvet Drycleaners, The Inn at River­walk, Patty and Charlie Penwill, Debby McClenahan, Avalanche Ranch, Antlers Hotel, Oakville East/ Elliot Stern, Holly Cole, Billy's Island Grill, Riverwalk Wine and Spirits, The Shaggy Ram, Ruggs Benedict, Vail Lights, The Bookworm, L. A. Lakers and East West Partners.

We also would like to thank those who attended from Phil's alma mater, the University of North Dakota. In short, we were overwhelmed by the sup­port we have received, both in terms of attendance and spon­sorship. We promise to use the funds raised wisely and compassionately.

You can find more informa­tion on Swift Eagle at www.swifteagle.org.

Thank you.

— Pat and David Haakenson, Chris and John Boles, Lorraine and Fred Haslee, Jody Talbot, Sue and Stew Eves, Jean and Hawkeye Flaherty, Valerie and Darrel Wegert, Debby McClenahan, Cathy and Ralph Dockery, Ginny and Craig Snowdon and Doug Talbot Founders of Swift Eagle