contender
Ruger Guru
- Joined
- Sep 18, 2002
- Messages
- 21,022
Last night,, we had our annual FoNRA fundraising banquet. We have a new field rep,, and he hasn't been on the job but a few weeks,, and this was his first event. We had glitches in some things for our event,, that put a lot of stress on several folks. But we pulled off another good event. The numbers aren't fully worked out,, but it looks like we'll net between $60,000 & $65,000 for the Foundation.
But the highlight of the evening,, the absolute best thing I've seen in a long time,, which brought a standing ovation, as well as many wet eyes last night truly made all of it worth every minute of my 20+ years of doing this.
A super good donor, attendee & friend,, who's supported us for almost all 30 years of the FoNRA events,, and who owns a gun & pawn shop was able to attend. George has not been anywhere in public since October,, and has spent much of Nov, Dec, & Jan in the hospital. His age, pneumonia, infections, etc have all taken their toll. Yet,, he insisted to his family that he attend.
He's also a serious gun collector,, (Colts & Rugers,) and even brought in an engraved Single-Six for me to evaluate. George & I were able to visit & discuss Rugers.
Our event has qualified for many years as a "High Caliber" event, and as such, we get a special gun. The 2022 FoNRA High Caliber gun was a 30th anniv marked Colt Python. This is the kind of gun George likes to own.
It was on the live auction, and George wanted it.
As the bidding started,, it quickly went to $1800,, then George stepped in. it paused,, then another bidder,,, a competitive pawn & gun shop owner started bidding against George. The Python escalated to beyond $4000 kinda quickly. George & his wife figured out who was bidding against them,, and it went even higher. At $5600.00 the other bidder,, Alan,,, looked at me,, & held up 6 fingers,, for $6000.00. As I nodded, calling it out,, Alan went over to George & said; "Stop bidding,, Da** it,, I'm buying that as a gift for you!"
George stopped,, and pleasant words were exchanged,, and then the auctioneer told the crowd what was going on. A standing ovation, and George got our microphone and thanked his friend. Many folks always thought the two of them were fierce competitors,, yet,, last night,, it was shown to all, that was NOT the truth. While their stores are 2 miles apart,, they have actually been friends & helped each other over many, many years.
So with many wet eyes,, and hugs & all,, we had a truly great moment last night. Many of us feel it may have been George's last FoNRA event due to his health. God Bless Alan Shepard.
So, with all that happened,, this shows what type of people are gun people.
But the highlight of the evening,, the absolute best thing I've seen in a long time,, which brought a standing ovation, as well as many wet eyes last night truly made all of it worth every minute of my 20+ years of doing this.
A super good donor, attendee & friend,, who's supported us for almost all 30 years of the FoNRA events,, and who owns a gun & pawn shop was able to attend. George has not been anywhere in public since October,, and has spent much of Nov, Dec, & Jan in the hospital. His age, pneumonia, infections, etc have all taken their toll. Yet,, he insisted to his family that he attend.
He's also a serious gun collector,, (Colts & Rugers,) and even brought in an engraved Single-Six for me to evaluate. George & I were able to visit & discuss Rugers.
Our event has qualified for many years as a "High Caliber" event, and as such, we get a special gun. The 2022 FoNRA High Caliber gun was a 30th anniv marked Colt Python. This is the kind of gun George likes to own.
It was on the live auction, and George wanted it.
As the bidding started,, it quickly went to $1800,, then George stepped in. it paused,, then another bidder,,, a competitive pawn & gun shop owner started bidding against George. The Python escalated to beyond $4000 kinda quickly. George & his wife figured out who was bidding against them,, and it went even higher. At $5600.00 the other bidder,, Alan,,, looked at me,, & held up 6 fingers,, for $6000.00. As I nodded, calling it out,, Alan went over to George & said; "Stop bidding,, Da** it,, I'm buying that as a gift for you!"
George stopped,, and pleasant words were exchanged,, and then the auctioneer told the crowd what was going on. A standing ovation, and George got our microphone and thanked his friend. Many folks always thought the two of them were fierce competitors,, yet,, last night,, it was shown to all, that was NOT the truth. While their stores are 2 miles apart,, they have actually been friends & helped each other over many, many years.
So with many wet eyes,, and hugs & all,, we had a truly great moment last night. Many of us feel it may have been George's last FoNRA event due to his health. God Bless Alan Shepard.
So, with all that happened,, this shows what type of people are gun people.
