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Hike, Wine & Dine celebrates 15 years

Annual event raises funds for Jack’s Place and Spirit of Survival programs at Shaw Cancer Center

Nicole and Jason Rosener hike along the 5-mile loop during Sunday’s Hike, Wine & Dine event on Beaver Creek Mountain.
HIke, Wine & DIne/courtesy photo

Hundreds gathered on Beaver Creek Mountain over the weekend to take part in Hike, Wine & Dine, a fundraiser that celebrates fall, fitness and food. Participants enjoyed the peak of the autumn colors during a 5-mile loop with goodies along the way and a pre-and post-hike party filled with food and drinks.

During registration, coffee and beignets were served by Vail Mountain Coffee & Tea Company along with breakfast biscuits from the Park Hyatt’s 8100 Mountain Grill. Mimosas were being poured by Vail Brewing Company.

Stoke & Rye at the Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa served mushroom ravioli on the trail during Hike, Wine & Dine at Beaver Creek on Sunday.
Dominique Taylor/Courtesy photo

Once hikers left the base area near the Centennial Express (No.6), they traveled up to the eastern hillside where Dang Sweets served crepes before another uphill climb awaited the hikers. Then a traverse would take them across Beaver Creek Mountain where Stoke & Rye presented mushroom ravioli. Near the base of the Birds of Prey area of Beaver Creek Mountain, Grouse Mountain Grill was serving up arancini balls made with risotto, crispy pork belly and Parmesan cheese. On the downhill stretch, The Osprey handed out caprese skewers that could easily be eaten on the go.



Grouse Mountain Grill serves arancini balls along the route during Hike, Wine & Dine. Food stations were set up all along the hiking trails on Beaver Creek Mountain.
Dominique Taylor/Courtesy photo

Once everyone returned to the base, the Beaver Creek Chophouse treated everyone to smoked salmon wonton tacos with vegetable ratatouille. Blue Moose celebrated fall with pizzas that had an autumn influence and Rimini served gelato to finish things up.

After an exhilarating hike and amazing bites along the way, participants could celebrate during the after party with music by Turntable Review. Vail Health Foundation president, Dan Pennington thanked everyone for their support and fundraising efforts. So far, over $232,000 was raised, which exceeded the goal of $175,000.  

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This event funds operations at Jack’s Place, the cancer caring house that is adjacent to the Shaw Cancer Center in Edwards. Jack’s Place came about when Dr. Patti Hardenbergh found out that one of her patients was sleeping in his vehicle while receiving chemotherapy treatments. Lodging in the Vail Valley can be very expensive, especially during the busier seasons. Dr. Hardenbergh reached out to some locals about it and the Shaw Outreach Team was formed. In 2007, after four years of raising money and getting contractors and construction teams and other supporters on board, Jack’s Place was dedicated in March of 2007.

Jack’s Place is a 10,825-square-foot lodge with 12 rooms where patients and family or caregivers can stay on a “pay what you can” basis. Since its opening, Jack’s Place has provided more than 18,000-night stays for its patients. This year alone, it has housed 1,448 nights’ lodging.

The money raised also supports the Spirit of Survival programs which provide free services to cancer patients and survivors including massage and acupuncture treatments, nutrition counseling, group outings and more.

Hike, Wine & Dine is now in its 15th year. For many, it is a reunion or a celebration and a remembrance of loved ones lost to the disease, many of whom received treatment from the Shaw Cancer Center. Dr. Jack Eck was in attendance with his wife Kathleen and said he is still so moved by the generosity of others. Jack’s Place was named in honor of this doctor who came to Vail in the early 1970s when it was a small ski area.

Anne Walters, left, senior director of development and major gifts for Vail Health Foundation poses with Dr. Jack Eck and his wife, Kathleen Eck at Hike, Wine & Dine.
Dominique Taylor/Courtesy photo

“To tell you the truth, I’m just blown away because there are people that you wouldn’t even think would care about these sensitive issues and everyone just jumps on board for this event,” Dr. Eck said.

“As our valley grew, we had more and more people getting cancer and we had to send them to Denver or the Mayo Clinic, and once we built the Shaw, we were able to provide more care and then to have Jack’s Place, we were able to help even more people who didn’t live as close,” Dr. Eck said. “We’re lucky to have the community of Vail get behind this and our outcomes are unbelievably better than people could imagine they could be.”


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