Come on boys & girls, still some tickets left! I have received a lot of emails, and we have sold a bunch of tickets to AR members. Thanks to all of you that have pitched in to help. Its been nice to see all the support from this site!!!

Thanks,

Aaron/John,

Been away from the forum for a bit. Put me down for one ticket. Just sent a PM on the way to Larry.

Thank you to everyone who has made this happen

Thanks
Paul

I sent in a check for two tickets today after exchanging a couple of emails with Aaron (who BTW is a fine gentleman). Since I know more tickets need to get moved to help out on this i contacted my Doctor who is a lurker here and knowing him several more tickets will be paid for shortly.

Is there anything else we can do for JOhn or his family. I bet a lot of us have a long reach and strings that can be pulled and favours owed called in.

Larry or anyone else who speaks to John,

Could you please do me the favour of telling him I spoke to our mutual friend Wikus Groenawald who's now operating in Mozambique and he asked me to pass on his best wishes for an early recovery.

Vickie sent an update around 22h00 JoBurg time last night.
John's spirits are high in spite of quite a bit of pain and the family is very thankful for everyone's thoughts, prayers and support. John was in surgery for only an hour yesterday as some infection has set in and they must await clearing it before proceeding. The facial nerve damage is quite severe. Doctors have advised that some is likely not repairable and John will show some signs of palsy. Outer ear reconstruction went well. The eye has not been removed as they wait to see if any vision is recovered but the specialist gives little hope.
Dusty is to have some skin grafting and other work on his other toes soon. To my knowledge he so far only lost the one. His Mom says he is quite anxious to get on with it and go home!

Steve, it would appear the threads of hunting connections spread widely. While I do not know Wikus, I believe he is a good friend of my very good friend from Bloemfontein, Kruger Human.

Steve, will pass the good wishes of the Moz crowd along.

Will be home Friday afternoon and hopefully will get tickets mailed out for weekend.

Thanks,

Larry

Paul - I just sent you a PM, let me know if you have problems?

Thanks,

Tom,

It's a small world huh.... I also know Kruger and in fact, we sell his taxidermy video on our site here: http://www.shakariconnection.c...ng-trophies-dvd.html

I skinned my first African animal over 30 years ago and have been doing it regularly ever since and even I learned a few things from that DVD.... I reckon it should be compulsory viewing for every appy PH and also any hunter who really cares about their trophies.

Has he told you about his planned bowhunt by any chance?

Check in the mail today.

Ditto here.

BTW, those that know Wikus will be pleased to hear he's about to become a Father again!

Just scanned thiis string and not to P*ss on anyones parade I am sure the people operating the fund and the raffle are aware the tickets are not contributions to a 501c3 but gambling and they should be issuing the 1099 for gamling proceeds to the winners.

Larry,

Also from Jason & Michelle van Aarde and Tony T.

DOJ, I do not think anyone participating in the raffle are doing so for a tax deduction but I will make this clear as I attempted to do in the post.

If you want to donate to the Greeff family via a 501.c.3 tax deductible entity you may do so at Something More Safaris-The Boddington Fund. This will be 100% Tax Deductible.

If you want to participate in the raffle it is not tax deductible and was never intended to be. That being said if anyone did get a raffle ticket under the impressio of a tax deduction I will gladly refund (or not cash) your check. If we have refunds requested and are short on overall tickets sold I will put in the rest of the money out of my pocket. Is that straight enough? And just so all know I am not purchasing a raffle ticket even under this consideration nor are any of my family.

There is simply an effort here to help a fellow in the Safari industry, that is all.

Anyone is open to PM me if they have specific questions.

Larry

quote:

Originally posted by Die Ou Jagter:
Just scanned thiis string and not to P*ss on anyones parade I am sure the people operating the fund and the raffle are aware the tickets are not contributions to a 501c3 but gambling and they should be issuing the 1099 for gamling proceeds to the winners.

Is there a REASON you just have to piss in everyone's Krispies? Did your mother nto hug you enough?

I mean every thread I read with you involved is you peeing in someone's cornflakes.

Seriously you need therapy. Or a new home on the web.

Now let teh adults get on with trying to do something for someone.

I would just like to make a request to the sincere posters on this thread. Lets not allow it to get off topic and instead stay focused on Johns situation and what we can do to help.

I would have ignored the comment except that there is no point in anyone being mislead although I do not think they have.

I will get you all an update over the weekend on how we have done. As well, tickets will be mailed this weekend.

Thanks again,

Larry

Hasher, after over 40 years of Tax practice I have seen too many people believe the purchase of a raffle ticket with proceeds going to a charitable org. is tax deductable.

I am sorry facts offend you.

quote:

I am sorry facts offend you.

Not sure its the "facts" that offend, more likely the crude way that they were presented JMHO

Thanks for clearing the Tax info. up for us

To get back on topic, I believe Larry said there are some tickets left, are you going to be helping Mr. John?

Tact is not my strong point but I have a good heart, ask those that know me, not just posters on AR. on me.

Getting back on subject, can anyone give us an update please?

Thanks Steve, if you mean regarding John I have been unable to have opp to call since Tuesday when I spoke with him. Will probably have some info tomorrow.

Steve and everyone,

I am JHB between hunts seeing my son Keegan. I went to visit John and Dusty yesterday - Dusty was a classmate of my son's 2 years ago. I would say the report from Vickie through "Tom in Tennessee" is pretty accurate. John is agitated and irritable being tied to hospital for a while longer. He pointedly said he is pretty handy shooting "lefty" so all is not lost! Otherwise, he is good, sore, but is in awe of the huge support he knows is out there for him and said to thank everyone. Andre Van Rooyen, the guy who lost an eye in the lion attack a few months ago, has been visiting John (was there with me) and has been a major source of comfort and support for him.
Dustin I believe told me he has lost 2 toes, or a good part of second one - may be I'm wrong. As Vickie says, he just wants to get out there in the woods but will have to accept a while longer in hospital.

Ade Langley

Does anyone know how far it is between the hospital & Jo'burg airport?

I'm passing through Jo'burg on monday and have 2 or 3 hours to waste and if there's time, might be able to scoot over there and drop off a bag of grapes or a bottle of medicinal herbal tonic or something.

Ade,

If you're gonna be around I'll be happy to buy you a beer if you have time.... feel free to call me on 0832777114.

Don't know how far to Mill Park. Boetie, John's father arranged to pick Wes Hixon up but I can't ask him as I think Wes is now with George in Namibia.
Ade, thanks for update.
Wes is preparing a report for Hunting Report based on his visit with John that will provide all details of the incident and lay rumors to rest.

As far as the tax deduct discussion, I hope it is dead! That was and is the least of my concerns as I stuffed Benjamins in the get well card Wes delivered for me to John! Whatever!!

Steve, thanks for the beer offer, 'fraid I cannot take you up on that as I go home tomorrow. Milpark is about a 30 minute drive (R400 taxi ride one way) from ORT Airport. On a good day.

Ade

Ade,

No worries!

Can someone tell me the name/number of the ward please?

OK, check is in the mail as of today to Larry!

How are the ticket sales going?

Brett

Can anyone tell me which ward(s) they're in please?

Brett, just got home and will start with those involved doing a reconcile. My best guess would be around 100 sold with 50 to go. Lots of correspondence with people saying they are buying but I going by positive receipts. I will have something tonight I hope.

Steve, I will PM you contact info. Sounds like you may be near next few days.

Info from Vicki is that John still has infections so this is problematic for surgeries. They are working to clear up. He is likely to be there a minimum of 2-3 more weeks. Dustin, skin grafts in place and 1 more week. All in all things are improving. Sight in Right eye now confirmed as lost. John will be an effective lefty within a few weeks I am certain. Afterall, he joins the elite, eh? Sorry to you righties.

Larry

Larry

As per our conversation earlier today, count me in for 2 raffle tickets.

Thanks
Graeme
AKA "Nitro450exp"

Graeme - Thank you, everyone appreciates your help.

Update on Raffle

Guys, here is where we are and please understand I just got off an 18 hour flight from Shanghai so maybe I missed something in my recon. What I will not miss is when your check goes in, we will make sure your ticket is filled out and mailed to you. Understand there will only be 150 tickets sold so,,,, There is money in hand for 75 Tickets and email committments for another 65 which could leave us 10 short. That is if all the email committments come through. If you want in please PM me. I have a couple of offers from some great AR guys to buy up all the rest so i am not worried about a sell out. Please understand it will be filled up when the checks arrive so if checks are late, etc. i will mail them back to you. I see this as the only way to be fair to all. If you have committed via email to either Aaron or me we are counting on your folllow through so please do so. Many of you I have talked to personally and I know your money is coming so no worries at this time.

If we can get all done by the next weekend July 31st, we are going to have our first DRSS in Michigan hosted by Bill73 at his club. Here are some things we would like to do if there is general consensus.

1)Conclude the drawing at this inagurial DRSS shoot as we will have several known AR members present. Remember there are 4 main prizes with prize 3 and 4 being very nice Kodak Cameras. Nitro45exp, Bill73, myself, maybe Gdog, maybe Ron Vella will be there.

3)Winners names will not be posted by me,,, but the people at the conclusion of the raffle, the winners and Butch Searcy will know who they are. The winner can chose to make it public if they wish. Based on some earlier posts I think this element of privacy is important. I assume the winner will post but we will let it be their decision. If not having a public winner posted offends anyone that has bought tickts, please PM me and I will mail your check back. I hope this does not bother Saeed but to let the winner decide to announce.

Anyway, we are very close to being done and thanks to all of you for your help and support.

I think we will know by mid week if we are all sold and if for sure the raffle is concluded July 31st.

Thanks again,

Larry

Thanks for the update buddy.

Do we know when the draw will take place yet?
(or did I miss that!)

Steve, if the "still money to come that is committed" arrives early next week and given the fact that a few guys agreed to buy remaining tickets but wanted all to have a chance happens I feel pretty solid about drawing at the DRSS shoot in Michigan on July 31st. As soon as we draw I will post and notify via email or PM the winners. I cannot see doing it before that as I want to make sure that all money is in hand before a name goes on a ticket and also to have people around that many of you know. I forgot to mention that Chris Lozano does not live that far from where our shoot will be and may be there as well. Still firming up.

Thanks for the help,

Larry

Guys - It sounds like Larry will have most of the details sorted out this weekend, and hopefully the drawing will be July 31.

I bought two tickets myself. With my luck, I'll probably win my OWN deer hunt!!

We just mailed out 80 tickets for funds received with majority of remaining 70 asked for. I will not say we are done yet until the remainder flow in so if you want in please PM me. When I have all funds in hand, we are done so if someone is late, it will be over. I have talked to several of you about your special issues such as living on islands, africa, etc. so those are covered. No worries. I am confident we will get it done next Saturday at our inagurual DRSS shoot in Michigan. You guys are welcome to come to the drawing if you are near. Just PM me.

I want to take the time again to thank you for your support. When we are done I will make sure and recognize all of those that went beyond the call to help. I spoke with John this morning and he again reitterated his appreciation. He sounds great and positive and just struggling with the pain and infection. Another surgery to go. He is way anxious to get back to Bullawayo and will try to leave the hospital for a short time and stay with his father who lives in Jburg visting the hospital for checkups and surgeries only. He is also planning to write the story of events and the aftermath. It is an unbelivable story and I will just have to leave it as a "trailer" with you until he can tell his story. It will be soon.

Again, thanks and as a side note, I mentioned I would not post names but as most of you have your numbers we will post the winning numbers. As well, you will be contacted directly.

Thanks,

Larry

Good luck to all concerned!

BB -------just returned from vaca -- sent you a pm
G

Come on guys we are down the stretch! One more week for daydreaming about the double and what flavor you are going to choose, what upgrades you will add and what hunts you will take it on.

Also, if your me, how the heck you will master a bow by 2011 so I don't embarass myself in front of Aaron!