CHAPTER 8 RALLY CHARITY PROGRAM
Rally participants have always been extremely generous, not just with dollar donations, but with in-kind items as well. We hold a live auction on each Rally, and usually a silent auction, to raise more charity dollars. We ask Rally participants to bring items in new or very good condition, usable for RVers: wine, food baskets, liquor, famous products from your home state or province, jewelry, beads, handmade items, special crafts items including those made in Mexico and much more. Our auctions are always a lot of fun and we usually raise a good amount of money for charity purposes. On the 2017 Rally, our charity auctions raised over $4700, an amazing amount that was put to good use in the community! We gladly take pesos, dollars, checks in payment!
The Charity Committee makes sure that all monies are efficiently used in the local community. We invite Rally participants to go along with the Charity Committee as they make their visits to assess worthwhile organizations—it can be an eye-opening experience! We often go shopping at the local Walmart or other retail outlets to buy the items that recipients need. We have even paid the electric bills for an organization in need! We also make sure that all the in-kind donations go to worthy places that can distribute them to truly needy people. If possible each year, we also donate to Escapees CARE in Livingston, TX. Remember, as our late member Roger McFillen always said: “It’s for the kids!” Chapter 8’s Charity program is one of the most heartwarming activities in which you can participate!!
