As the St Jude's Auction approaches, I thought it would be neat to start a thread that celebrated the rewards of the process. Of course the hundreds of thousands of dollars that the auction has generated on behalf of sick kids is the primary reward, but there are others as well. Friendships are forged, treasured items are added to your hunting kit, and a good time is had in the bidding/auction process.
I'll start this thread off with a few pictures of adventures that I have had and people that I have met through the auction as well as treasured keepsakes that have found their way into my possession.
A gorgeous Plains Style Quiver authentically crafted to represent one found at the Sand Creek Massacre. I have used this quiver in countless classroom presentations.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v611/dudleyg/archeryintheschools026.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/dudleyg/media/archeryintheschools026.jpg.html)
A hunt in Georgia that I was able to host and resulted in first trad bow kills for the Shue boys.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v611/dudleyg/PA021518.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/dudleyg/media/PA021518.jpg.html)
A hunt in West Texas that resulted in a first trad kill for my son, Reed.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v611/dudleyg/P1052180.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/dudleyg/media/P1052180.jpg.html)
Another Ga hunt that I was able to host that resulted in meeting new friends and killing my first longbow deer.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v611/dudleyg/CSC_0620.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/dudleyg/media/CSC_0620.jpg.html)
A fine Otter hat that is a conversation starter wherever it is worn.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v611/dudleyg/DSC_0113.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/dudleyg/media/DSC_0113.jpg.html)
A $100 pie that was worth every penny
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v611/dudleyg/Gamerdingerreunion020.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/dudleyg/media/Gamerdingerreunion020.jpg.html)
Sharing "MY" river with new friends
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v611/dudleyg/3-3_zpsc14adf25.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/dudleyg/media/3-3_zpsc14adf25.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v611/dudleyg/DSC_0220_zpszsbagyq9.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/dudleyg/media/DSC_0220_zpszsbagyq9.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v611/dudleyg/DSC_0419_zpsb96d0b83.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/dudleyg/media/DSC_0419_zpsb96d0b83.jpg.html)
What are YOUR St Jude's Auction memories?
A dual shelf longbow that Chad Holm donated to the auction. He offered the build to the winners specs and I was the lucky guy. Money well spent to help the kids.......no matter what the illness.
I have a dual shelf Maddog Prairie Predator from a St Jude auction from a few years ago that I love shooting.
I wish I could see some of the country my back quivers have seen.
Teaming up with some incredible crafts-people to help the kids...
Shell...
2007
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/St%20Judes%202007%20Knives/ShellStJudesSheath2.jpg)
2009
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/St%20Judes%202009%20Knives/StJudesKnive09007-1.jpg)
Tom Phillips...
2010
Bear Archery coin & Personal Letter from Henrietta Bear
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/St%20Judes%202010/StJudesKnife2010007.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/St%20Judes%202010/StJudesKnife2010008.jpg)
Scott Teaschner...
2011
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/St%20Judes%202011/StJudes2011014.jpg)
Then there were the trips...
Elk Hunting with Doug Campbell...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/St%20Judes%20Elk%20Hunt%2009/StJudesDougCampbellElkHuint09053.jpg)
St Judes Kayak Trip 2013 on Silver River with Greg Dudley...
(http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp83232%3Euqcshlukaxroqdfv38743%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D3%3A%3B537%3B86532%3Cnu0mrj)
Great Post Gregg.
I usually donate items more than I buy, but I do carry a CLS quiver donated by Skyler. I feel like i carry a little of his spirit each time I hunt.
It even has some blood specs on it. Hard to say how many critters were killed with that thing near its side but I remember a weekend of hog Hunting where he killed 9 and had the quiver.
NICE, guys! Cool stories! This is the second best part of the St. Jude'a auction!
Gregg,
I never get tired of reliving our hunt with you and Reed. What a great time! I see you've also hosted Fred. He's been hunting hunting on our farm 3 times over the years because of the auction. Everyone in the family loves him.
I carry a VPA head in my quiver that used to belong to Chris Surtees. TJ listed it a few years back and I knew I'd bid high enough to win after hunting with Chris and experiencing his hospitality right after leaving your lease.
I've won a few items and then given them as Christmas or birthday gifts to my sons. They are doubly appreciative when they know that the money spent on them was being given to St. Jude.
One of my biggest rewards is seeing son John (laxbowman) not only bid on items the last couple years, but now offering up a guided hunt with his bird dog.
Thanks for bringing this aspect of the St. Jude auction to light. Looking forward to our paths crossing again.
Great thread, Gregg!! Thanks for sharing your memories!
Great pics, thanks for sharing. :)
Cool to see you guys found and resurrected this thread. I've certainly enjoyed my adventures with you and look forward to more in the future.
Another auction draws near and it is time to shake the rafters and find a few items to post. I thought I'd send this thread to the top so that people who are new to the site can get some ideas. Virtually anything is a good donation except firearms.