Editor:

August 12-15 the Telluride Elks Lodge was proud to host our first group of Wounded Warriors for a weekend of outdoor activity. We received funding for this project from the Elks Veterans Service Commission, Elks National Foundation, and the Colorado Elks Association, but we truly could not have accomplished as much as we did without the full support of our community.

Seven veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and two aides visited our small corner of the world and had a fantastic time thanks to the following:

To Courtney Stuechli and Tim McGough of Telluride Adaptive Sports for their guidance during the grant writing and planning phases.

To Telluride Jazz Celebration, the Nugget Theatre, Sunglasses HQ, Between the Covers, The Butcher and the Baker, Picaya, Aspen Street Inn, Timberline Ace Hardware, Appaloosa Trading Co., and Diggity Doggs for donating items to our fundraising raffle.

To Maggie's Bakery, St. Patrick's Church, Brown Dog Pizza, Bumblebar, Hotel Telluride, Inn at Lost Creek, Black Bear Promotions, Montrose Elks Lodge #1053, Durango Elks Lodge #507, Ouray Elks Lodge #492, Ashley Boling, Heather George, and Telluride Sports for helping everyone stay fed, clothed, housed, and entertained.

To Wright Stuff Community Foundation for the use of their van.

To Dale and Michael Bellai, Kathleen Erie, Doug Miller, and Jon Renner for their generous individual donations.

To Telluride Flyfishers, Many Ponies, Rigs, Orvis Hot Springs, and Dave's Mountain Tours for taking them on trips they'll remember the rest of their lives.

And to all the wonderful volunteers of Telluride, Ouray, Montrose, and Durango Lodges who donated their time and shared a moment in the lives of the very special men and women who were here.

It was a truly worthwhile event, and we're truly thrilled our community was so supportive and giving.

Many Thanks,

– Cindy Bellai, Exalted Ruler, Telluride Elks Lodge #692