DAV gun raffle tickets still on sale
By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com
Giving area veterans a much needed lift can't be done for free - it takes the contributions of "Everyday Heroes" who are now looking for the public's support.

Everyday Heroes is the non-profit organization created by the El Campo chapter of the Disabled American Veterans to provide a funding mechanism for their van transportation service.

The free daily shuttle service to and from the Houston Veterans Affairs Hospital is for any former servicemen or women in Wharton County.

To cover the expenses of that service, the DAV is in the midst of their annual 100-gun raffle.

"Ticket sales going very well," DAV Commander Jack Fisk said Monday.

"At Prasek's (Hillje Smokehouse), we've raised probably about $5,000 selling tickets with $4,000 in Colorado County and about $4,000 in Wharton (among other sales)."

That's a good start, but the organization still hasn't exceeded its cost for the drawing, Fisk said.

"We have to have $27,480 to pay for the guns," he said, "I don't think we're quite there, but we're clsose to it. Last year, most of the profit came at the door."

The raffle will be held at the VFW Hall in El Campo starting at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 3.

Debbie Chappell will be providing music.

Scott Charbula and a crew of volunteer cookers will be serving stew starting at 6 p.m.

The auxiliary will have a silent auction starting at 7:30 p.m. with the raffle drawing starting at 9 p.m.

The purchase of a raffle ticket - available in El Campo at R&R Printing, Ryan Services, D-A-M Services, Farmers Coop, and Rice Farmers Coop - covers admission.

Tickets can also be obtained from Fisk by calling 979-637- 0362 or Williams at 713-898- 1941.

Those in Wharton can visit Zarsky Lumber Co. or Wharton County Tire to pick up a ticket while East Bernard residents can go to Vinceks.

Last year the raffle earned $24,000 for the DAV, Fisk said.

"Remember those veterans who stood up for you," he added, "Be sure to stand up for them."