Updated 2/18/11
As you all know Monte Mitts has been seriously ill, needing very expensive medical care and has been unable to work.
At one time, last year, he was totally paralyzed. He still has difficulty with moving his arms, but he is making improvements daily!
Monte and Nancy have given so much to OCER and Central Region, that we all decided to give back.
Two fund raisers were held this year. All were quite successful in raising money to help Nancy and Monte defray some of the ever mounting bills.
I don't want to focus on the amount of money brought in, but the PEOPLE who made this happen.
The Saddle Raffle was begun by Kimberly Grant who donated an Abetta Saddle and the cost of shipping. She got the Saddle Raffle going and followed it through to the end. The Saddle was won by an Arkansas rider who bought a ticket at the Ozark Trail ride. I'm sorry I don't remember his name, but he's not an OCER member.
A December Benefit ride was started by Louise Burton. Louise who came up with the idea and brought everyone on board. She found ride managers, Maria and Bobby Wallis who then gathered all of the necessary people.
Maria and Bobby suffered a tragedy in the loss of their daughter, just a short time before the ride. No one would have blamed them if they had said, "we just can't do this" but they didn't, they kept their committment and pushed through. Maria was able to ride the 50, even tho' I believe she had planned on riding with her daughter.. I'm sure it was such a sad day for her. So even through tragedy, they were able to give to others.
There were 4 Vets who donated their time. Yes, all 4 of them. Other OCER members donated food for the ride management and Vets.
Mary Mosshammer and I worked on gathering donated awards, (Mary did all the work) She had some pretty neat things.. The donated left over Tshirts from previous rides went over really BIG!
I decided we needed to have an auction, so I managed the auction which turned into a silent auction..
I'd never seen so many folks hang around chatting for an hour after the ride meeting! Some of those gals looked like Roller Derby Queens, trying to be the last one to get their name on the line of that "oh so special" item.
Many thanks to the folks who donated all the items, ride entries and premium parking spots. We had some really cool stuff. I came home with a handmade purse with an Appaloosa on it. I wasn't the only bidder on it either!
The Forestry Service Staff even reduced their fees once they heard it was a benefit ride for someone. The Land Manager/Supervisor was actually able to meet and chat with Monte.
There were nearly 100 riders, nearly 50 each in LD and in Endurance. It was a big ride, everyone seemed to have a great time. The OCER folks who could, were there, with the majority of the folks being from Texas.
Thanks again, so much to our OCER/Central Region Family. (Kimberly and Louise especially) Nancy and Monte are so appreciative. It's been one of the few times I've seen Monte speechless!
Lucie Hess
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