Author Archive

Going to the Sun Rally Raffle Ticket Sales
July 1, 6:30
Bozeman Music on Main

Going to the Sun Rally Raffle Ticket Sales
June 25-26
Helena Blast from the Past
Bob
439-5548

Going to the Sun Rally Raffle Ticket Sales
June 18-19, 1:00
Butte Car Show
Teri
498-4959

Going to the Sun Rally Raffle Ticket Sales
June 11, 6:00
Bozeman Art Walk
Dave
209-0094

Going to the Sun Rally Raffle Ticket Sales
June 5
Roaring 20′s Car Show Billings
Craig
698-7930

Going to the Sun Rally Raffle Ticket Sales
May 31
Bozeman Memorial Day Parade

Going to the Sun Rally Raffle Ticket Sales
May 29, 10:30
Helena Ice Breakers Car Show
Vern
459-5209

Going to the Sun Rally Raffle Ticket Sales
May 22
Great Falls Frontier Run Show & Shine
Janet
727-4439

Going to the Sun Rally Raffle Ticket Sales
May 15, 11:00
Helena Armed Forces Parade
Lieanne Meyers
227-8824

Sometimes it happens unexpectedly – pure happenstance.  You do something and ask yourself “why did I DO that??”  Now we know why; it happened in 2007 when my partner, Jim, attended a car auction and bid on a 1982 Collector Edition Corvette.  He started bidding on the car when he thought it would be a good buy, normally purchasing Porsches only.  However, when the bidding got higher, he waved off to the bidding agent.  Now thinking he was out of the bidding,   he turned his back to talk to someone.  Then within a few minutes, he was handed a slip stating he was the owner of a corvette!  He was frustrated initially, but rather than getting into a confrontation with the auction committee, he pondered upon his new “purchase” and decided to turn this mistake into a positive win-win situation – (read on).

He has always had much respect and admiration for the Veterans of War and an idea popped into his head – “What if I donated my new found Vett to the Vets!?”  He envisioned the car filled with raffle tickets!  In the next weeks, he contacted a promoter for the Freedom Concerts and floated his idea about holding a raffle for the Corvette with all proceeds going to the Vets.  Much to his surprise and disappointment, he was turned down.  In the next few years, the car sat in a garage, although Jim still wanted to do something with it for the good of the Vets.

Fast forward now to January, 2010 and we’re at a Montana Rally meeting discussing what might bring the best charitable contributions for this year’s event.  For the past years, the Going to the Sun Rally has been helping the families of fallen or injured state troopers, as well as, other charities, such as the Madison Valley hospital.  This year the board thought it might introduce some other well deserved charity and that’s when Jim mentions that he has an ’82 Corvette that he would donate if the money could be donated to the Veterans.  He suggested doing a raffle and promoting this at every town that the rally attends in the course of their week ride.   The board’s response was an immediate “yes!”  One board member in particular was ready to take action on this idea.  In fact, he started making phone calls the next morning to the local Veteran’s Administration to get their input on our idea and to get more information on where the rally could help Veterans the most.  He told me that he too had a special place in his heart for our Veterans as many of his friends fought in Viet Nam.  Those that did make it back home, did not get the well-deserved respect and help that many needed.  It was a turbulent time in our country as you may recall, but putting aside political beliefs, he believed too, as do Jim and I, that everyone should honor and respect those that serve our country when called upon in war.

I have a personal interest in helping our Vets, as my son, Ryan, currently a Staff Sergeant in the Army, has served two one-year tours in Iraq as an Abrams tank gunner and commander.  He may have to serve yet another.  He has a wife and three children, ages 18 mos., 3 ½ and 8, but will be ready to go to war again if he is needed.  That is the thinking of most soldiers who serve – they go where their country has ordered them to be and go with pride.  They know they have to leave their wives, sons and daughters for months to years and will miss out on many of their children’s life experiences.  They endure extreme heat, cold, lack of sleep, being shot at or bombed on and the thought that everyday could be their last, knowing the enemy is out to get them.  As his mother, I am proud of his commitment to serve his country, which he takes very seriously.  But I am also very grateful that he has returned alive and with all his limbs. Many of our soldiers return injured or worse yet, have sacrificed their lives for keeping our country safe and too often leave young families behind.  Many returning soldiers are not getting the support and medical treatments they need.  Some can’t get to the VA hospitals for treatment because of distance and need help in their transportation costs.  Some need help in supporting their families or keeping their homes.

My wish is that this rally raffle will call attention to the much needed support of our Veterans and raise plenty of money to help them.  The lucky winner will get a Collectors Edition Corvette all for just a $5 ticket!  Wouldn’t it be great if this idea took off across our country?  I’m sure there are plenty of people that can donate a car to raffle off in support our troops!  I’ll be elated if just one person takes the same initiative as Jim and the rally board.

The Montana rally will be driving through many cities this year starting and finishing in Bozeman.  We will go through Jackson, WY and Sun Valley, ID and many other cities in between.  We plan on showing the Corvette in every town and filling it up with as many raffle tickets as possible.  Of course, the cars in the rally are always fun and interesting to see but this year we will have a new car on display and it’s just for our Vets!  If you can, come buy your ticket and help those that have already paid for your freedom!