"I thank God regularly for the gift of life that you have given me," wrote Billy Younger, the grandson of Skip and Cricket DiGangi of Buena Vista. Nearly four decades after he was born to teenage parents and adopted by a family in the Pacific Northwest, Billy, a Presbyterian pastor in Pennsylvania, began searching for his birth parents.

During the "Celebrate Life 2008" event, the DiGangis shared the amazing story of meeting their grandson and his family. "Celebrate Life" participants stood in awe as the story unfolded and then broke into heartfelt applause as Skip and Cricket stepped away from the microphone.

The "Celebrate Life 2008" event was held on Sunday October 5 in Buena Vista's McPhlemy Park. The weather forecast was bleak--possibly six inches of snow--but God provided sunshine and mild temperatures for the 276 walkers, runners, bikers (even two unicyclists!), and motorcyclists who earned more than $25,000 toward the support of the Buena Vista Pregnancy Center.

The Naylor Family Singers from Oklahoma entertained the assembled crowd and Karol Flowers, BVPC director, sent the participants on their way. Motorcyclists were led by Mike Sanderlin, bikers by Ray Steckman, runners by Joe DeMoor, and walkers by Karen Klugh.

The invigorated participants returned to a barbeque, complete with all the fixin's, hosted by the Knights of Columbus. Coleslaw, fruit trays, and desserts were provided by local church members. Prizes were given to the top earners in each event: Chad Prins (motorcyclist), Kim Myers (biker), Matthew Ruiter (runner), and Francie Roseen (walker).

Local businesses were generous in their wholehearted support of the yearly event, including the following: Noah's Ark, Flies by Guy, Young Life Trail West, V3 Homes,

Serendipity, Pleasant Avenue Nursery, Lakeside Motel, Hi-Valley, Pinon Real Estate Group, BV Drug Store, Young Life Frontier Ranch, Deer Valley, Hi-Rocky, City Market, Trail Head,

Mountain Tech Inc., Travel Colorado.com, Comfort Gas, Panchos, Punky's, Cottonwood Vet Service, and BV Automotive.