6th Annual Sportsmans Raffle

WOW, WOW, WOW!!!!!!!!!!!! When everything was said and done, we passed out 1630 wristbands, 36 1/2 barrels of camel's milk, over 1500 hamburgers, 1500 hot dogs, fries, corn, pop and water. There was over a 2 hour stretch where no chairs were available under the tents, which was set up for over 1400 people. The weather was amazing and the entire event was FEZTASTIC!!!!!!

Beyond my wildest dream, I could not imagine the success of the event. The 2010 Shrine Sportsmans Raffle Chairman and his entire staff changed some things this year, concentrating on those items that would attract more public exposure, leading to more ticket sales. RESULT: I am so proud of him and his staff.

Of course it helped that there was no rain, the Supreme Architect provided us with further light, and we are all thankful and grateful for perfect circumstances that provided a wonderful backdrop to the day's activities.

I beleive that we had over 150 Nobles and Ladies volunteering their time and efforts and they all worked so well together without any major issues. It is truly amazing to see us come together as a team, as a FAMILY!!!! You all should be very proud of your efforts.

Immediately following the raffle, we had the honor of conducting a short form initiation for two new Shriners, including a very special Noble who has overcome severe adversity earlier this year, and with so much courage not only survived a devasting accident in the line of duty, but is healing faster than one should be expected to heal. This was a very special moment of my year serving as the Potentate, one that I will cherish forever. I try to always put the Shrine above any personal motives, however, presiding over the Shrine during this initiation filled me with personal pride.

What better way to celebrate the day but by going down to the Americans and Director Staff Unit rooms, where dozens and dozens of Nobles, Ladies, and guests enjoyed each others company for several hours.

Carrie and I decided to finally take off around 7:30 P.M. picked up some dinner and I was passed out from exhaustion by 10:30 P.M.

Sunday: The Supreme Architecht designated this to be a day of rest, and I followed that directive.