FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Dina Horwedel, Public Education Director, 303-426-890

The Fund Honors American Indian Elders
at Annual Holiday Dinner

Denver, Colorado—The snow and cold weather didn't keep more than 200 American Indian elders from braving the elements to attend the annual Elders Dinner, hosted by the American Indian College Fund, at All Saints Church in Denver.

People from all nations converged to enjoy a hearty meal, including the elder's favorite, buffalo. John Gritts of the U.S. Department of Education was the evening's master of ceremonies. An Indian “Santa Claws,” sporting a Pendleton blanket for a sack and wearing a war bonnet, gave the Native elders lots of laughs as he danced around the room. He told stories of skirmishes with the Lakota while flying in his sleigh over Pine Ridge Reservation and getting off course and trying to corral his reindeer after mingling with the sheep on the Navajo Reservation. Santa hugged the elders and distributed gift bags, which included Wal-Mart gift cards, a ham, goodies, cards and books from the American Indian College Fund, and other surprises, while a group of youngsters entertained the audience with Christmas carols.

It takes more than Santa and his elves to plan and execute an event of this size. An army of dedicated volunteers from the Denver community turned out to decorate the hall, cook, dish up plates, serve as waiters for the assembled elders, and clean up for the event. In addition to volunteers, generous sponsors for the event included Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., UMB, the Native American Rights Fund, Native American Bank, Native Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver Indian Family Resource Center, Denver Indian Health and Family Services, Phyllis Bigpond, First Nations Development Institute, NAFWS, IMA of Colorado, Dr. Alan Wong, UBS Financial Services, Dale Curtis, CADDO, Raytheon, Intertribal Bison, Rocky Mountain Natural Meats, Baldoria Catering, Sam's Club, and King Soopers.     

A big wopila tanka (thank you very much) to everyone who helped the Fund honor its elders in the Denver community, bringing a smile to their faces and making this holiday a happy one.