Paint Daily Texas: Help Deliver Christmas - an auction and golf tournament fundraiser

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Help Deliver Christmas - an auction and golf tournament fundraiser

In a week that's been full of bombs and explosions and general unhappiness in our country, it's good to remember that there are still ordinary, everyday people doing incredible and wonderful things for others.

Twenty years ago some friends from a local bar in Beaumont, Texas got together and decided they should do something nice for Christmas. They put a little money together and gave some less fortunate folks a decent holiday. They had no agenda or ideology other than doing something nice for someone in need. I doubt they put much thought into a lasting legacy or anything, but twenty years later the tight knit group of regulars and employees at The Pacesetter Lounge are still continuing the tradition.

Each year they raise money in a variety of ways, everything from a golf tournament and charity auction to a bikini car wash. What started twenty years ago with the money a few people at the bar had in their pockets has grown to about $40,000 a year in donations. The money is used to provide Christmas for around forty families and to help support other local charities like the food bank and Boys Haven. For Christmas each child gets a few very nice items from their own wishlist along with some clothes and shoes. They even have Santa Claus deliver the presents to the families at their home!

I found out about this event this past Christmas when my friend who manages the bar invited me to their present wrapping party. A few dozen of us sat around the bar wrapping each present and loading up the truck that would serve as Santa's sleigh. It's a very inspiring thing to be part of, and this year I'm adding my talents, such that they are, to their auction to try to help raise money.

I'm donating the paintings below along with a coupon for a free portrait. The golf tournament and live auction takes place this weekend at the Idylwild Golf Club in Sour Lake, Tx. The auction takes place after the tournament and has lots of unique items including artwork from several area artists, vouchers for a performance from a popular local band, and plenty of sports paraphernalia and even some golf clubs. If you'd like to find out more about the golf tournament and auction or even just like to donate to this wonderful cause contact Shirley Reece at 409-835-3768.