Editor:
 
The true spirit of the season shines in Aspen on Thanksgiving at the Hickory House. Everyone at The Buddy Program is truly grateful for the inspiring generosity that the entire community receives from the Hickory House each year at their annual Thanksgiving dinner.
 
This year we estimate the Hickory House served 500 people with a delicious, full-of-love Thanksgiving dinner — all of which was free. Many people made donations, which helped the Hickory House raise $4200. The most amazing part is that the Hickory House gives all of those funds to The Buddy Program. This ultimately means that through the spirit of friendship and kindness from the Hickory House, Thanksgiving Day itself helps to support the children in the Buddy Program and thereby strengthens our community. It also moved many community members to give of themselves to help out, including big buddies, little buddies, their families and several members of The Buddy Program staff. We wish there were words to express our gratitude. A very sincere thank you to Justin Hanson, Of Grape and Grain, and especially Paul Dioguardi and all of the staff at the Hickory House who make the best of the human spirit come alive on Thanksgiving. Thank you.

Sarah Evans, on behalf of Buddy Program staff
Basalt