"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. The monies raised from An Evening With Phil Jackson, along with donations from all our friends and supporters, have gone to help over 25 people in just this first year of our existence. Some of our cases come as referrals from other organizations; others come directly to us from people in need. Recent grants have been given to: • a family who lost their home in a fire • a young woman losing her eyesight to glaucoma • a local musician in his thirties who had two heart attacks • parents of a year old baby who was diagonosed with glaucoma at 7 months • help fund a family trip as a last wish for a dying woman • a benefit fundraiser for a cancer victim 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. If you would like to receive information, be on our mailing list or have any questions about Swift Eagle, please e-mail us at info@swifteagle.org.