Let’s see, how can I sum up this weekend? I’m exhausted, pleased to be a bit hungover, inspired and feeling like I am on the right track.

So here is the dealeo, I was involved in a fundraising event that took place in Vail, called Love Hope Strength- Vail Rocks. It was billed as a hike up Vail mountain, music celebrities, lunch and impromptu concerts. Ok, sounds good, but I was a bit skeptical. I have been involved in the past with a number of events that promised all kinds of things and when you’re actually there, it turns into a, us and them situation with private events for the “celebrities”, ten minutes of entertainment, a boxed lunch and a hike that is more like a scenic overlook off a highway.

NOT THIS ONE BABY! First of all, the event was organized and ran like a pro. It could of been for a 100 people or 10,000 people without missing a beat. Well done Shannon Foley Henn and crew!

The hike in short, kicked our asses, it was the real deal! Steep, long, difficult and beautiful. I would give you a time on how long it took us to summit, but I can’t, because of the amazing musicians playing sets halfway up the mountain.

Here is Brett Dennen and I, if you don’t know this dude, hit this link. To be honest, I didn’t have a clue and I have been missing out. This guy is a very talented song writer with an amazing singing style. I am now a big fan! Plus, he’s a Persol Fan, what’s not to like…

Then, The musical rock of Love Hope Strength is Cy Curnin of The Fixx. I have had the pleasure to get to know this guy, I like him a lot. Truth be told, any rocker wearing a kilt on a hike you know will be a friend of mine.

Then on top, a great lunch and the musical stylings of G. Love and Miles Zuniga of Fastball. Despite the rain, god know we need it, Garret and Miles were amazing as well, no one was complaining about being wet.

The best part is these musicians didn’t pussy out. They weathered the weather, hiked the shit out of that mountain and played liked they cared. Good on them

All of this happened before noon. Our day has just begun.

So, my beautiful bride to be Serena, Ryan Sutter of The Bachelor fame, James Chippendale, founder of LJS and I decided to hike back down the mountain instead of taking “ganja-la” down . Best idea ever. See, we went the extra mile for cancer bitches!

We hit the bottom of the hill in about an hour or so. Beat up and exhausted, we needed to get ready for the closing event that was happening in 2 hours. Serena and I headed back to home base to get ready. A 1 hour nap and my purple jeans ready to go dancing , we head out.

Not knowing what to expect- I wasn’t expecting what we walked into. LHS had a full on festival staging in the town center right outside of the Solaris Hotel with food provided by the Hard Rock, some very dangerous tea vodka company forcing me to drink this lemonade tea drink of trouble…(I will link you up to it when I remember the brands name. I am sure my brain and body are both intentionally forgetting that delicious evil beverage on purpose). The place, the venue and the look was ‘big time’..

An hour and half concert with the amazing kids of School Of Rock Denver, kicking ass and taking prisoners, then backing up Cy, Brett, G. Love and Miles, flawlessly. All I can say is “Man…Where was this program when I was a kid”.

All in all, This is how any non-profit should operate, no ego’s (well maybe a touch), professional, with focus. More importantly, LHS is an organization built on the joy of helping and getting results; Not pulling on my heart-strings and guilt trips.

Good going Love Hope Strength. You have set the bar. Glenn