Volume 36, Sept/Oct 2005 Issue
 This editorial varies a little from my usual. Many of you know that we run a cowboy charity benefit raffle each year. These raffles are designed to help a cowboy/cowgirl or their family who may have medical and financial problems and is in need of help. Normally, we select only one person. This year, I determined that there were actually three people, a primary person, William Towery, who suffers from cancer and is a cowboy shooter (see update on page 78), and two secondary people: The Paloduro Kid who was one of the beneficiaries in the past (see article by the Paloduro Kid on page 80), and Bill Falk. Bill is an excellent engraver who you may have seen at many of the CAS events. What you may not know is that when Cecil Brock, our first beneficiary, was paralyzed from the neck down in a car accident, Bill stepped in to help him. Bill, suffering from the loss of a spleen and short-term memory loss from the same accident, opened his home to Cecil, installed a ramp for a wheel chair, and supported him in many ways even though he couldn't afford it. It took many months for their insurance claims to come through. Bill still suffers from short-term memory loss, but can still produce an outstanding piece of engraved art, so if you see him, give him some business or call him and talk to him about an engraving project you might have in mind. You can reach him at Bill Falk Engraving, 10210 E. Laurel Rd. , Chattaroy , WA 99003 or by phone at (509) 292-8552.
Well, where am I going with this you ask? This year's raffle has not gone quite as well as those in the past and I am not sure why. Maybe it is that we haven't given it enough press, maybe its because we do have three beneficiaries, maybe it is that the economy is still recovering, I am not sure. There are certainly some great prizes (see our ad on page 53). We have many sponsors this year that are providing a lot of prizes, with the main prize being a Ruger Vaquero .45 Colt provided and customized by Bill Olgesby of Olgesby & Olgesby with beautiful engraving by Kelly Laster. This is a one-of-a-kind sixgun that is accompanied by a $1,000 custom two-gun rig that will be made by Mike Kirkpatrick of Kirkpatrick Leather.
I am asking for your support. You may not understand how our charity benefit raffle works, skipped the ad, or have been concerned about how much of the money received goes to the beneficiaries, or maybe not understood what great prizes are given out. First of all, all of the money taken in (and sometimes more) is given to the beneficiaries. Yes, that is 100 percent or more! There are many times we send checks out when we have hardly received anything and are in a poor cash flow position ourselves. I'd like to see a regular non-profit charity beat that! This may surprise you or fill you with disbelief. If that is the case you definitely need to read the Paloduro Kid's article.
Each of our beneficiaries needs your help regardless if you buy one, 10, or 100 tickets. Every little bit helps. We are committed to continue this process but need your support. If any of you feel you need specific information on our cowboy charity benefit raffles please feel free to call me directly at the office (800) 342-0904 or email me at editor@shootmagazine.com.
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