As many of you know from a previous newsletter article of mine, I was one of
five chapter members who were invited to participate on a turkey hunt in Miami, Okla. last April. As mentioned also
in that article the hunt I attended was about more than just trying to bag a turkey. That event was covered by
several different news media outlets and was filmed by the Wild Oklahoma TV show hosted by Ron Black. All the
publicity that hunt generated set several wheels in motion, one being a fund raiser spear headed and hosted by Wild
Oklahoma. Ron had called me after the turkey hunt and asked if we would mind if they organized a fund raising event
benefiting MAPVA. I told him we would be honored, but at the time I didn’t realize everything that Ron and the Wild
Oklahoma crew was planning. The date for the fund raiser, which had became known as "The 1st Annual Wild
Oklahoma MAPVA Celebration Event" was set for August 23, giving Ron and the Wild Oklahoma crew less than 120 days to
organize everything. What they organized was nothing short of a miracle, from securing the Del City VFW Post to
organizing volunteers to inviting guest speakers to arranging for the food and entertainment to gathering the
auction items the Wild Oklahoma crew never missed a step. I watched in amazement as this event unfolded right before
my eyes.
The morning of August 23 started with the Wild Oklahoma crew taking eight
MAPVA members on a morning fishing trip on Lake Arcadia in Edmond, OK. Arriving at the lake shortly after 5:00 a.m.,
we are greeted by no less than ten volunteers from Wild Oklahoma, volunteers from The Edmond Visitors Bureau and the
University of Central Oklahoma. As the sun starts to lighten the morning the Edmond fire department arrives at the
lake, wondering, "Where’s the fire?" I find these men have taken their time to come help us get loaded in our boats.
All aboard and the fishing begins. Wild Oklahoma provided enough volunteers and videographers to have a video camera
on each boat giving all the anglers their fifteen minutes of fame. Having only a few hours to fish limited our
anglers in trying to find that honey hole, but when you’re hot you’re hot. Doug Moore, who is leading in the PVA
Bass Tournament point’s race, was hot on this trip as well. Doug was able to land a six pound bass to take first in
our bass category. Alphonso Lopez took first in our trash fish category by landing a drum. Off the lake and with a
few hours to kill before the big event this evening, some retire back to their rooms for some rest.
The Evening of August 23 started with guest speakers alternating between
entertainment and food. The guest speakers included Congresswoman Mary Fallin, Radio Legend Mike McCarville, Lt.
Governor Jeri Askins, Representative Joe Dorman, Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornet, Del City vice Mayor,
Representative Richard Morrissette and Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater. Recognized guests and
supporters in attendance were Former Representative Al Lindley, Representative Randy Terrill, State Senator Kenneth
Corn, The Iron Horsemen Motorcycle Club, The AVMC Motorcycle Club and the AFGE Union Local 916.
The Entertainment and Food. Entertainment was provided by Mean Machine DJ
services and the food, what can I say about the food. Wild Oklahoma Pro Staff member Brandon Arrington, Ron and
Suzanne Black furnished wild hog quarters they had saved from earlier hunts. The quarters were seasoned and smoked
to perfection by JT’s Bar-B-Q and with grilled hot dogs from Bar S Foods and side from Vaughn Foods no one went away
hungry. After everyone had a chance to eat we settled back for the auction.
The auction items ranged from autographed OU and OSU footballs to an
autographed guitar from Garth Brooks to hunts, a two man bass boat, shotguns, bows, bows cases, horseback riding
lessons and many, many more items. Our guest pulled out their bidding cards and checkbooks and our auctioneer Mike
Dain went to work rattling the auctioneers rhythmic chant and taking bids, who’ll bid 5, who’ll make it 10 I’ve got
10 do I hear 20. The bids kept coming and before to the night was through with auction items and donations the Wild
Oklahoma crew had raised nearly $13,000.00 for the Mid-America Chapter PVA. What an incredible event, thank you goes
out to everyone who supported this great event. 00225
How does one begin to thank everyone involved in this great event? I think one
way is to assure you that your donation is greatly appreciated and will be used to expand our programs here within
this chapter’s service area. Another way would be to have you watch the Wild Oklahoma TV show, support them and
their sponsors. Check our website www.mapva.com and follow the link to the Wild Oklahoma website and see who all was
involved in making the event one that I will never forget.
Ron and Suzanne Black, Dr. and Suzi Rouse, Brandon Arrington, Braylon
Arrington, Greg and Aimee Merrick, Kenny Bradsha, Mike Dain and I know I am missing many but I want you and everyone
to know that your support to this chapter and its members was and is nothing short of extraordinary. I for one am
looking forward to next year’s event and many more after that.
