Q&A
Jim Calaway of Carbondale spent much of his life making a fortune in the oil and gas industry in Texas. For decades he has been doing philanthropic work, but upon turning 75 this year, he pledged to devote the rest of his life to managing trusts he has set up for charities.
He set up a $5 million trust to benefit many organizations that include Colorado Mountain College, Colorado Animal Rescue, Valley View Hospital, the Aspen Institute, Habitat for Humanity and the Thunder River Theatre in Carbondale.
Beneficiaries of his largesse call him a “guardian angel” and the Roaring Fork Valley’s own version Warren Buffett, referring to the investor/philanthropist who recently gave away $37 billion to charities.
Calaway’s recent key investment interest has moved him far from the field where he made his fortune: He has been investing in a wind-farm business started by his son, John Calaway.
Q: When did you make the switch from businessman to philanthropist?
A: I have always had a concern for the underprivileged. But I got serious about it when I was about 40 and I’m now 75. In that time I still liked to make money, but I also liked to give it to the common good.
Q: How has your life changed since you began focusing on charities?
A: The more I do for others the happier I am. I tell other well-to-do folks – and I also tell hardscrabble students – that the key to a happy life is to live modestly and give to others.
Q: How do you choose which organizations to help?
A: There are many worthy charities. I give to the ones that touch my heart. Saving homeless animals, education, health care and the arts are some of those.
Q: Do you volunteer your time with organizations as well as donate money?
A: I do so intensely. I work almost full time for the charities I support.
Q: What is the key to being a good philanthropist?
A: Experiencing it and enjoying a good life.
– Nancy Lofholm, Denver Post staff writer
REGIONAL NOTES
AVON
Ski town to ring in ’07 with rides
New Year’s Eve revelers in this ski-resort town can take advantage of free “Tipsy Taxi” service from 9 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.
Revelers should call 970-390-2099 to request a driver, who will pick up patrons at any Avon establishment and drop them off at their home or hotel within town boundaries.
CENTENNIAL
National kudos for tennis program
South Suburban Parks and Recreation’s tennis program has been awarded the 2006 United States Tennis Association Organization Member of the Year for the Intermountain Section.
The association annually honors the organization in each section across the country that provides outstanding tennis facilities and programs to members and local residents.
The Colorado Tennis Association nominated South Suburban based on its customer service, facilities, a wide variety of programming for all ages and abilities and its league and tournament growth.
The award, started in 1981, puts South Suburban Parks and Recreation in the running for the association’s 2007 Member of the Year award.
