"And there we were all in one place,"... ... ...the grass roots people of the valley, in one place, 4-Eagle, under a tent like one huge teepee. The rain tapping gently on the roof top, then drumming fiercely, while wild wings of wind threw the ceiling above us in and out, while thunder pounded, as though the storm knew that Omaku Wamble, Coach Jackson, son of two pentacostal ministers, Lakota namesake of Swift Eagle, was speaking. Initiating a fledgling Swift Eagle. Speaking of charity, of giving, of responsibility. Everyone there seemed to feel it-a revival of spirit. The elements speaking to the elemental-take care of one another. The above words describe the biggest event of Swift Eagle's year, our fundraiser in September at the 4-Eagle Ranch, with Phil Jackson, coach of the L.A. Lakers, as guest speaker. It was an incredible success, with 350 people attending, and raised over $50,000.00 for the foundation. Sponsors were introduced to Phil at a private reception with complimentary hors d'oerves and beer and wine, and received autographed copies of Phil's latest book, The Last Season: A Team in Search of its Soul. Fifty student athletes and coaches were thrilled to be there as guests of one of our sponsors, Ginn Clubs & Resorts. Phil, impressive, and impressed with the warm feeling and sincerity he felt among the attendees, quipped in homage to this (and the storm), "The evening was truly electric!" Thank you thank you thank you to all who supported the event by their attendance, donations and sponsorhips. Swift Eagle Charitable Foundation would like to give a huge thanks to Phil Jackson, our honorary chairman, whose presence at our fundraiser made the evening so successful, and to everyone else who gave their support, especially our: Sponsors: Bald Eagle Sponsor (Coach & Athlete Sponsor)-Ginn Clubs and Resorts; White Tail Eagle Sponsor-Joe's Liquors, Jack and Sharon Leevers, John Donovan; Eagle Sponsor-Weststar Bank, Lisa Dillon and Jay Peterson; Eaglet Sponsor- Bob Sathe and Friends; Red Tail Sponsors- Booth Creek Holdings, Howard Head Sports Medicine Centers, Marty and Maggie Abel, David and Jan McNair, Firstbank, Main Street Grill, The Paint Bucket, American National Bank, Colorado Business Bank. Service Donors: 4-Eagle, Eves Print Shop, NCR Broadcasting, The Vail Daily, Orrison Distributing, Grand Vin, Riverwalk Hotel, Southern Wines, Rick Messmer, Karen Rinehart, THD Productions, Pat Hamilton. Financial Donors: Rocky Christopher, Gerald Gallegos, Thrivent Financial, Rich Mahoney, Craig Tuber, Jean Marie Hamilton, Slifer, Smith and Frampton. Silent Auction Donors: Shirley Wegert, Savory Inn, Balata's, Avon Rec Center, Choppers Sports Bar, Rocky Mountain Diner, Junipers, Minturn Saloon, Gotthelf's, Pine Furniture, Sonnenalp Spa, Cascade Hotel and Spa, Mountain Man Nut and Fruit, Ptarmigan Sports, City Market, Castle Cafe, Fiestas, Trinity Grill, Chris and John Boles, Mike Munsey, LA Lakers, Denver Nuggets, Squash Blossom. Our support from the community was incredible and we thank all of those who attended the fundraiser, as well. Swift Eagle President David Haakenson was interviewed by Don Rogers/Vail Daily newspaper, about his friendship with Phil Jackson and the qualities that have kept their childhood bond strong on into adulthood. Don wrote a second great editorial after the fundraiser and captures the ambience and feeling of the night perfectly. These two articles and the very first on Swift Eagle itself can be read on our website, www.swifteagle.org,or, or at www.vaildaily.com. Where dreams may land and Heavens open. Articles courtesy of the Vail Daily.