Raffle, spaghetti feed set to help Carlson family
Updated August 28, 2012
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| On September 15, you could win an 870 Remington shotgun similar to the picture on top, or a Weatherby .300 Vanguard Series 2, similar to the bottom photo., and help the family of a man who gave much to his community. |
Last September, Carlson was given just three to six months to live, but never quit fighting, holding on well beyond even the most optimistic predictions. The tenacity, determination and faith he displayed throughout his ordeal is an inspiration to all who know him.
He and his wife, Nancy, both of whom have long been active in local Boy Scouting, made weekly trips to the coast for experimental treatments after all other treatments failed, and the costs depleted their savings. Even some of the mainstream treatments, including chemotherapy, were not covered by the family's insurance.
Before being stricken with cancer, Rich rarely ever took a sick day, and despite the severity of his illness, he refuses to quit serving the nation at his post in Eastport. Even with the difficult treatment regimen, even now his sick days are rare ... mostly taken to shake off the terrible effects of his treatments.
So moved by Carlson's tenacity and devotion to the people he served and those he worked with, two of his co-workers, who wish to remain anonymous, purchased the new firearms that will be given away September 15, with all proceeds going directly to the Carlson family.
It was a U.S. Customs officer who bought and donated the camouflage 870 Remington shotgun, a Border Patrol agent bought and donated the Weatherby .300 Vanguard Series 2 rifle.
Tickets for the firearms raffle drawings are $5 each or three for $10, and there's no limit to the number of tickets you can purchase.
In addition to the firearms raffles, enough generous local donors have given several other great items which will be given in a second raffle with multiple winners.
They'll be drawing for a half ton of hay, two half hogs, a three month membership at Iron Mike's Gym, a quilted wall hanging, a whole lamb, cut and wrapped, a unit of eight-foot 2x4 lumber, about 294 boards, from Riley Creek, and more.
Tickets for the second raffle drawing are $1 each or six for $5.
Those wishing to buy tickets should send cash or checks made out to Rich and Nancy Carlson to P.O. Box 1172, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805. Be sure to enclose a slip of paper with your name and phone number so you can be contacted if you win. Those who would just like to contribute without purchasing raffle tickets can send donations to the same address.
The winners will be drawn during the spaghetti feed and silent auction, taking place from 6 to 9 p.m. at the fairgrounds Memorial Hall. Even if you're tied up September 15, which is a Saturday, you can still buy raffle tickets, as you don't have to be present to win when the drawings are held at 7:30 p.m.
If you'd like to find out more, donate silent auction items or help with the benefit, you can call (208) 304-0397.