CHAMPIONS FOR THE CAUSE

Hunting trips in Texas are as common as the blowing wind to us, but for two boys it was the wish of a lifetime. Joe and Joel Swan, owners of Creative Homes and customers of FirstBank & Trust, recently played host to fulfill the wishes of two boys through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The first of the two boys was Eric Corey of Knox, IN, who is the youngest person ever to be diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease, the second was Corey Smith from Altamont, KS, Who has a rare blood disease.

According to Joel it started about a year ago when he and his father were in Reno, Nevada, at a Safari Club International convention (an organization whose mission is protecting the freedom to hunt and promoting wildlife conservation worldwide). Every year the SCI organization participates with the Make-A-Wish Foundation through their Safari Wish program. At the banquet the Swans, touched by the heart-felt stories, volunteered to host a hunting trip. This was a first-time experience for the Swans, and upon talking with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Joel was surprised to learn that a hunt in Texas is a difficult wish to make happen. According to Joel, if the kids asked to meet Nolan Ryan or go to Disneyland, then a week later the deal was done. However when it comes to hunting in Texas the task is much more of a challenge because people rarely want to donate their ranches or leases.

The Swans own and operate an exotic animal operation, Champion Ranch, in Colorado City where they have 18 different species of animals roaming the country side. Champion Ranch was the location for the three-day trip with the boys, where each was successful in obtaining a Corsican Ram, fulfilling their wish. Through this entire process, the Swans donated the ranch, animals, guides, transportation and their time. The local SCI chapter donated the food and the airfare. As a result Joel said, "We plan to make this an annual event. It has been such a rewarding experience to be able to give in this capacity, and we are thankful to be able to do so."

About Make-A-Wish Foundation: The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. With the help of generous donors an nearly 25,000 volunteers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants more than 12,500 wishes a year and has granted more than 135,000 wishes in the U.S. since its inception. For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, visit www.wish.org, and discover how you can share the power of a wish.