OLD BILL'S FUN RUN

THIS LITTLE TOWN OF JACKSON WYOMING earns the most money via community contributions per capita than any other town or city in the country. I was told " perhaps in the world". We are a community that takes care of its own.

And this is how we do it.

OLD BILL'S FUN RUN, a project of The Community Foundation, is based on local individual and business contributions. $600,000 is given by one couple alone ( known as Mr and Mrs Ole Bill ) and another TWO MILLION is contributed by other "Co Challengers".

On this glorious September Saturday hundreds of runners and supporters, a large number of kids, some in strollers, a good representation of dogs, and even the elders from St Johns Living Center in their wheelchairs gathered at the square for the 10 o'clock start of the race.

There were balloons and flags, food, and music and about 70 booths, both in the Square and bordering it, representing some of the charities who benefit from the day's events. Then on Cache Street, which abuts the Square, the Saturday Farmers Market was a buzz with shoppers eager for local goods - fruit, veggies, breads, cheeses and flowers. On the far side of the Square , under a huge tent that took up the block, the Boy Scouts served free scrambled egg tortillas.

What a day and what a fabulous endeavor!

Last year Old Bills raised SEVEN MILLION DOLLARS for our charities. I have little doubt they will do so again.

NOTE : The elderly woman about seen pushing her chair is the oldest resident at the living center. She was the only one who insisted upon crossing the finish line ( albeit from the beginning ). She is 103.

The last shot is my neighbor Godiva in her Old Bill's tee shirt.