Jim Johnson's bears shared their yard with 220 festively attired humans Aug. 22, and all for a good cause.

Instead of the black bears, frequently spotted scampering across streets and up trees in the area, Johnson's bruins - some adorable, some whimsical - are bronze or wood sculptures.

They were a lively topic of conversation for invitees to the 12th annual "An Enchanted Evening," Goodwill's premier fundraiser, which by evening's end had raised more than $160,000 for programs helping those with disabilities become independent.

Jim and Laura Johnson opened their spacious 1891 home near The Broadmoor hotel for the event. As guests strolled the grounds sipping POMtinis and wine, servers circulated with hors d'oeuvres, including one conversation-stopping snack offering, lamb chops.

After touring the historic estate made family-comfortable with Southwestern decor, exquisite art, early day photos and, yes, bears, guests were invited to the large tent outside for a Cravings meal of Colorado cuisine: wild greens with port-soaked apricots and diced beets drizzled with pomegranate vinaigrette, Colorado Niman Ranch Beef Tenderloin With Black Peppercorn Demi, vegetables from local farms and a killer stacked Chocolate Trilogy Torte with raspberry coulis and fresh mint.

Chairing his final "Enchanted Evening" before retiring in December, Goodwill's President/Chief Executive Bob Baker, who was honored later in the evening, thanked sponsors and donors.

"Tonight's about that, helping those programs where at the end of the day our people have the pride of work and they go home with a paycheck."

He said the evening was especially important because "a lot of our contract work went away, offshore to other countries."

He thanked the evening's presenting sponsor, Wells Fargo, and introduced the new regional president, Steve Helbing.

Auctioneer Kevin Patterson was the cheerleader, challenging everyone to grab their bid paddles to support Goodwill's new "Store within a Store," where program participants hand-craft items including flip flops, note cards and chalkboards sold in the North Retail Center.

Robin Hardie and Ron Bollenberghe were first up with the paddles, and altogether $42,000 was raised.

Patterson turned his attention to the live auction that included a Vail vacation at the Lodge Tower purchased by John and Kathy Norsworthy; a 20-person Mexican dinner purchased by Wendel and Marcy Torres; a stay in the Pebble Beach home of Outback Steakhouse cofounder Chris Sullivan purchased by the Norsworthys; and an 18-person dinner at High Valley Farm that went to Patterson and Kathie Leppard.

Wynne Palermo gave a personal touch to her auction donation, telling the audience that her late husband, Norm, loved Goodwill and fine wine. Included was a 1986 Vintage Chateau Mouton Rothschild, considered an extraordinary wine.

Receiving accolades were the organizers of the fundraiser, including chairwoman Elizabeth Spittler and her committee: Leslie Bent, Lynn Cool, Jenny Craddock, Jenny Erdossy, Mary Flemke, Karla Grazier, Robin Hardie, Kristel Hybl, Susie Jenkins, Mary Ellen McNally, Ginna Morgan, Teresa O'Connell, Wynne Palermo, Staci Spittler, Michelle Talarico, Christy Walsh, Kate Wilder and Elizabeth Youngquist.

Goodwill supporters who attended included: Carl De-Salvo and Judy Walker, Brian Wellens, John and Cathy Marta, Mike McGrath and his parents Joan and Tom, Becky and Jim Hurley, Joe and Bonnie Martinez, Jennifer and Jeff George, John and Karen Armstrong, Marta Erhard and Tom DeCotiis, Ann and Scott Blackmun, Ward Berlin, Becky and Jon Medved; Margot Lane, Karen and Jake Kunstle, Brad Bent, Ann and Mike League, Patty and Ray Deeny. Mike and Susan Quinlan and David, Chris and Sharon Jenkins.

As they drove away, attendees discovered gifts of handmade notecards created by Goodwill program participants left in the seats of their vehicles by Red Noland valet parkers.

SAVE THE DATES

Garden Party for the Friendship Bridge Program, micro-credit loans helping impoverished women in Guatemala and their families move above poverty, Rotary Club of Colorado Springs, 1700 N. Cascade Ave., 4-7 p.m. Sept. 14, $50 includes a meal and beverages; RSVP: 388-0247 or gnelson@sfp.us.

"Love Changes Everything" Benefit Concert for Susan G. Komen for the Cure Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region Peace Officers' Memorial, 7 p.m. Sept. 29, First United Methodist Church, 420 N. Nevada Ave., performers from The Country Dinner Playhouse, The Arvada Center, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, Denver Center for the Performing Arts and Opera Columbus, $10; RuLyn Trembly, 471-8522, ext. 245, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. weekdays; or Sunday mornings in the church Hospitality Center, or at the door.