Fellow Hunters, as you may have heard one of our long time friends and PH John Greeff as well as his stepson Dustin were seriously injured in a leopard mauling in Tanzania recently. In an effort to support the family we have created two methods of fundraising. We are hopeful that all hunters will support our efforts and the Greeff family. It is highly unfortunate that two members of the same hunting family have been injured and your support is appreciated. All funding will be managed through "Something More Safaris" which is an organization designed to "give something back" in the hunting industry. A component of Something More Safaris is the Boddingon Fund established to provide need to anyone regardless of their role in the industry.

Simply stated, the Boddingon fund has as the sole purpose of which is to provide assistance to hunting professionals who are injured “in the line of duty.” Each fund is required to be managed in and of itself so 100% of contributions for the John Greeff fund will go to the Greeff family. In effect we are starting at zero but the great people at "Something More Safaris" have established the fund as a 501.c.3 charitable contribution fund so all contributions are tax deductible if you live in the US.

We will have two elements of the John Greeff fundraising effort .

The first will be a raffle with first prize a Butch Searcy custom double rifle. This rifle will be Butch's Field grade and can be built in either 450/400, 450NE, 470NE, or 500NE. The rifle will be stocked to fit the lucky winner to their dimensions. This rifle has a value for $12,000 so the lucky winner can arrange with Butch to build their rifle and discuss and particular requirements. Approximate time from order to completion is 6 months.

As a special bonus Aaron Neilson of Global Hunting Resources has offered an Eastern Colorado Mule Deer Hunt to be taken in 2010 or 2011 as a second prize. It will depend on your schedule if you can get in for 2010 or not but Aaron guarantees the tag for 2011 if this year is not possible. We will draw two tickets, the first being the winner of the Searcy Field Grade Double Rifle and the second ticket winning the Mule Deer Hunt from Global Hunting Resources. This raffle will consist of 150 tickets with a price of $100 each. We are hopeful to manage the raffle through Something More Safaris and will know more details early next week. Also, we will clearly define how to get your raffle tickets.

The second effort will be an open donation opportunity to the "John Greeff relief fund" that will continue well beyond the raffle. Any contributions are tax deductible as this is a 503.c.3 fund and the sky is the limit on what you may donate. 100% of all donations will go to the Greeff family.We will distribute the funds on a monthly basis.

Here is website for links to "Something More Safaris" http://somethingmoresafaris.com/boddington.php. More directions to follow based on a special tab for the John Greeff Relief Fund as well as if we use "Something More Safaris" to manage our raffle through
and to Butch Searcy at http://www.searcyent.com/

and to Global Hunting Resources http://www.globalhuntingresources.com/deer.htm ; for information on the mule deer hunt.

EASTERN COLORADO TROPHY DEER HUNT:
6-Day (1on1 guided) Archery Deer hunt in eastern Colorado. The license will be valid for either Mule Deer or Whitetail with multiple dates available to choose from, throughout November & December. The winner will be able to choose from a hunt in either 2010 or 2011 based on available dates and schedules for both parties, but the hunt is GUARANTEED to take place. Hunt value is $5,000.00. Winner will be required to pay for non-resident hunting license of $334.00, but the necessary Landowner voucher will be provided at no additional charge. Winner will also be able to use the $5,000.00 value towards up-grading to a muzzleloader or rifle hunt if available, and based on license availability/draw as well. The winner of this hunt will have a reasonable chance of shooting a 170" - 200" mule deer, or a 150" - 180" whitetail. In 2009 this hunt produced 12 muleys over 180" B&C, and 9 whitetails over 160" B&C. Please see the link below for additional info and photos from 2009 hunts.http://www.globalhuntingresources.com/deer.htm

It is important to give a brief explanation of the incident and John's injuries in order to understand the impact this has on the family. On July 6th John was the PH on a Safari in Tanzania and had to sort out a wounded a leopard. In the follow up the leopard made his stand in some tall grass and unexpectedly attacked the group singling out Dustin, Johns stepson . Even though mortally wounded by this time the Leopard attacked Dustin and John Greeff physically grappled it from Dustin. The leopard then proceeded to bite John around the head and neck creating severe injuries to his optic nerve, facial nerves, and breaking his jaw. There is a likelihood that John will lose the use of his eye and will require extensive facial plastic and nerve reconstruction as well as simply healing. Not only does this result in tremendous physical pain and discomfort but it puts quite a financial burden on the family. In spite of insurance coverage, the family both deserves and needs our support. The Greeff family has a long history in the Safari industry, has been a staunch supporter of Zimbabwe Professional Hunters, and has three family members making their livelihood from the Safari hunting industry. Simply stated, they really need our help. Whatever you can do to support them is greatly appreciated no matter how large or small.

I would like to thank you on behalf of the family for your support.

Also, a special thanks to Butch Searcy, Craig Boddington, Aaron Neilson, Dave Dunn, Steve Robinson, and of course Saeed. There has been lots of support from all of these guys in logistics, etc.

Last comment as to the raffle is that needs a few days to refine. Many of you that I know hopefully can take some batches of tickets and sell them to your friends. I will send to you in 10's, 20's, however you wish and then you can send me consolidated checks, etc. This will help get these sold quick as well as draw the winners. Please PM me for now with how many you would like. Unfortunately, I am in Zurich until Thursday so no mailing will go out until then.

Keep watching for more posts on this topic as it will continue to expand. Comments and suggestions are welcome.

Regards,

Larry

Great to read the support from everyone and seeing John getting help. Thank you for organizing this. I am not a rich man but I will give something and If I ever get a double it will be from Butch Searcy. I hope this effort can lift their spirits and help mend this tragedy. John's bravery in rescuing his son from a leopard leaves me for lack of words to describe my respect and admiration. Thanks to everyone involved.

Guys, Larry Burgin (BigBBear) jumped through some incredible hoops getting this organized for his friend and PH John Greeff...he was in the middle of leaving the country on business, and got it done anyway. Can't tell you how impressed I am by the effort he put in making this happen. As you know, this was (another) terrible incident with really bad injuries, and this family can use all the help they can get. After our own disaster last year, it seemed fairly obvious that some kind of permanent situation was needed to provide assistance when (unfortunately, not "if") things like this happen. Brittany and I worked with Something More Safaris to create the "Boddington Fund" with the sole purpose of providing relief to safari industry workers (any job/status) who are injured in the line of duty. Something More Safaris is a 501.c.3 charitable foundation, and this is just one of the cool things they do for hunters and for local people. All contributions are fully tax deductible, and contributions marked for John Greeff will go directly to him and his family. Really appreciate all of your help on this!
Regards, Craig

I have a suggestion for payment of donations. What do you think of PayPal accounts? Paypal can help out with all the distance and might save time as well. In the notes you could add if it was for a straight donation or for raffle tickets. Just a thought. Paypal is quick and easy IMHO but I know most will want to write a check.

Boom Stick, thanks for the thought...there is a Pay Pal account, you can just follow the link in BigBBear's post, that takes you straight to the explanation of the fund, and on the heading above there is a push-tab that says "Donate." It will allow use of Pay Pal, or (for anachronistic dinosaurs approaching obsolescence like me) provide an address to handle it the old-fashioned way.
Thanks again, Craig

Great! Will do.

Kudos to all who made this happen!

I'm only playing a very minor role in this and am flattered I was mentioned in the thanks and I'd like to say my thanks and admiration goes to all those others mentioned who have all done far more that I have.

Guys - Please contact me if you have any questions regarding the Colorado deer hunt. I will happily provide all the info necessary, and plenty of pictures from 2008 & 2009 bucks that were taken on these hunts. You can email me at globalhunts@aol.com or aaron@globalhuntingresources.com

Obviously we hope to sell out the tickets fast, and we all thank you for your support.


Sincerely,

Aaron,

What sort of weather would one expect on these mule deer hunts?

Please let us know how and where to get the tickets, I would like to purchase some. My prayers are with John and his family.

Alan and l know exactly what the Greeff family are going through and l just want to say how amazing you all are. Your ability to open your hearts to people faced with situations like the Greeff family (and like we had in November of 2009) is truly overwhelming. Thank you to you one and all from another Zimbabwean who appreciates your kindness and generosity more than you will ever know. God Bless you all. Rosy Shearing

Yep, I'd like to purchase some tickets as well.

Bake

Steve - Weather is pretty good for the most part, the hunter can expect temps from 30's - 60's. More importantly, the hunter can expect to see some great bucks, and hopefully take one home too!!!

Guys - If you are interested in tickets asap, email me at globalhunts@aol.com and I'll give you some instructions.

I stuffed several bucks in the Get Well Card I sent John via Wes who left today and will visit with John soon. Wes and I are both interested in tickets on the Double Rifle. Hopefully he will see the post and let you know. I am presently emailing you.
BTW, sent Dusty a card too. Anyone know how his surgery went?

Thanks Aaron.... is there a season or best time of year?

Tom,

Your home town has a great name....... I'd love to know how that one came about!

quote:

Originally posted by shakari:
Thanks Aaron.... is there a season or best time of year?

Tom,

Your home town has a great name....... I'd love to know how that one came about!

Steve - The season runs Oct. 1 - Dec. 31 on the bow hunts. Best time is normally Nov & Dec. Helps when the crops are down, weather gets a little colder, and the deer become a bit more active. We have over 200,000 acres of leased, private property, so hunting stays pretty consistent throughout the season.

Thanks for the opportunity to help out.
My condolences to some good people.

Best Regards to the Greef Family,
"Rip"
Ron In Person

Folks are starting to order tickets, we greatly appreciate it. If you need ordering info, please email me at globalhunts@aol.com Remember, you've got a chance to win a couple of great prizes, and the proceeds are going to a much needed cause!

Thanks,

Back on line for a little bit.
Tom, question on Dustys surgery they have been able to keep him to only one toe lost, the others were reattached hopefully for good. He is doing well now and probably will go to Zim this week. They are only keeping him longer to ensure no infection.

John getting stronger daily. Tomorrow they will do some more surgery on nerve damage to face and to his ear. He still has the right eye but sight will not be the same if he is lucky enough to keep it.

Once again, Vicki said to thank all of you for your kind words and support. I am assuming later this week I can actually get a few minutes with John on the phone. I will certainly express all of your sentiments. I did talk to Wes yesterday afternoon as he was leaving and he did have our care package to deliver. He promised to email me once he saw John and I can let you know what he thinks.

We are officially managing the raffle through Something more Safaris however my understanding is that the physical raffle itself must be handled independantly. To that end, please PM me for address to send request to for tickets as to quantity or payment. Also, Aaron Neilson has been tremendously helpful in relaying information. We will consolidate all funds and then send to Something More Safaris which can and will disburse all raffle funding to John. We still have a few technicalities to go through. Dave Dunn of Something More Safaris and I are in regular contact. Until that is all final PM me or Aaron Nielson for Raffle ticket info. Please note that on the Raffle the value of the ticket is not tax deductible per IRS guidelines but I doubt that matters to many of you. Your other alternative is a straight out donation to the John Greeff Relief Fund sent directly to Something More Safaris for benefit of John Greeff. All links are in my original post.

Thank you all for your support of the Family. I am travelling off and on for next 9 days but hopefully will have good comms. While gone will have final printing of all raffle tickets and get mailing out to you with ticket ASAP.


Regards,

Larry

Thanks for the update Larry.

Please send everyone involved all the best for an early and full recovery.

To those of you that have contacted me about getting tickets, I think I have emailed all of you back. If you have not received a message from me, please try me again at globalhunts@aol.com

Thank you,

Larry,
Once again... kudos on a spectacular job my friend! And many thanks to Aaron, Craig and Steve. I know John reallly appreciates the help he is getting from all of you and a big hats off to Saeed as well. This forum is able to do some really great things for professionals hurt in their line of work. Well done all! You make all sportsmen and women proud! And of course, put me down for a couple of tickets!

It's time for me to thin the 'herd' at home. I have several good laying hens to be sold. I will donate the proceeds to John's fund. My birds go for $25 a piece and up. While it isn't a lot it is something!

You guys need to no that this rifle will be more than just a field grade. This is going to be much better than just a field grade. Get off your butts if you want good double.
Butch

Check inbound for 2 tickets, thanks Butch, Joe

Good work Butch!!

Can I give you my measurements now, so you can get a head start??

Butch, I like the way you think and thanks for the support on working with me on the rifle.

To all, Raffle Ticket sales steady but as Butch says to get off our butts and get this one behind us. There are still plenty left and remember we are limiting it to 150. Also, some very generous AR members have offered some additional items for 3rd and 4th prizes so be ready for more winners beyone the rifle and the deer hunt.

If you are not aware, I am travelling most of this week, home tomorrow, and then travelling the next week. Electronic comms have been pretty good so those that PM me, please be patient if it takes a couple of days to respond.

Also, my hat is off to Aaron Neilson who is doing a great job networking and using his web connections to help me sell tickets. Thanks Aaron, you have an E-system to be envied.

Larry

Larry,

Damn but you must rack up the air miles like they're going out of fashion!

Check for two tickets en route.

David

Thanks guys for setting this up - check for two in the mail.

Aaron..PM sent.

Thank you.

Larry, you're a class act. Good talking to you.

Steve, yes unfortunately I put in a lot of miles. I would prefer to put them in chasing ele but for now this is how I make my living so getting around a lot is just part of it. I hope to get tickets printed tomorrow but none should worry. You will get your ticket and chance at the rifle, etc. Response has been great but we still have plenty to sell.

Scott, good talking to you as well. Thanks for your support.

Update on John, I got a text from Vickie when I landed. She said John was in for 6 hours today on plastic surgery and facial nerve reconstruction. Surgery went great and they feel they have been able to repair the damage in this area. He also had some ear damage that needed fixed. They also told her to not expect any near term change as this may take a couple of months to really show results. Eye survival looks more promising but likely not to have much sight. Still in Johns mind I have to imagine having his own eye is important. It would be to me. As I am a lefty and Craig is a lefty we will welcome John as a new addition to the team. Many of you are as well. As to Dustin and as Tom Waller said in an earlier post the one toe they reattached looks more risky daily. They are working hard to keep infection down and try to keep this toe intact. Lets hope they do.

Thanks again all for your support.

Larry

Larry,
Enjpyed our phone visit even tho you are again halfway round the world! Thanks for the great job on organizing for our friend, comrade and brother!
Tom

Larry,

Thanks for the update and here's another lefty to join the club.

Here's wishing both John and Dustin an early recovery!!

Steve, do I read correctly that you are a lefty as well?

All, thanks for support on raffle but still lots of tickets to sell. We even have prizes now further down the chain from the main two due to a generous AR poster so there will be multiple winners.

Please PM me with any requests on raffle tickets.

Thanks,

Larry

For those that shoot south paw. Don't let that stop you from getting a ticket. A full third of my production per year is left handed.

Another southpaw here..

Larry, in the mail this AM.