Perhaps we can honor the memory of fallen soldiers by making life a little better for the soldiers and family members who are with us.
I was thinking of a financial donation to the Disabled Veterans of America until I read this.
http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=13287#.UzaBL6hdUnI
I was going to suggest the donation of a WSM to a veterans rehab facility but there would not be anyone to maintain it and it could be easily stolen by anyone passing through.
There could be a drawing for the twvbb members who participate in Smoke Day, including Chris, with a financial donation going to the rehab facility of their choice. Recreational fund preferred. I'll volunteer to do the drawing so Chris can participate, or pick someone who is more active on the forum and is not participating in Smoke Day. No hurt feelings.
Perhaps a financial donation to a group that supports widows and children of fallen soldiers. Same method of selecting the organization as a donation going to a rehab facility. A family in dire need may be more appropriate than a rec fund?
A drawing to be held at a veterans rehab facility. Approved by the administrator with assistance in coordinating from the social services dept. Any patient of the facility can enter.
- 1st prize a WSM to be shipped to the winners home. Maybe Weber would join in by donating the smoker and getting a local dealer to deliver it assembled or assist the recipient with assembly so (s)he can begin learning about the WSM. The more Weber donates the more we can give. Cookers could be added to the 2nd - 10th place winners to keep it 10 prize winners for the 10th anniversary, or there could be more prize places.
- 2nd prize several items from Thermoworks. They seem like a generous company and a lot of us have spent a bit of change with them.
- 3rd prize a Thermapen.
- 4th prize a Maverick ET-733. I haven't noticed Maverick donating anywhere so do not know if they would participate. Maybe to get their name out there among the public?
- 5th prize a set of Weber BBQ tools.
- 6th prize a Thermopop.
- 7th prize a Weber or other smoking book.
- 8th prize Peace, Love, & Barbecue if we can get one donated or someone will purchase. People seem to like this book.
- 9th prize Slap Yo' Daddy rubs.
- 10th prize Tatonka dust.
If any of the "actors" on Pitmasters have written a book an autographed copy might be nice. Wonder if Harry Soo has any of the orange Thermapens that were made especially for him that he would donate or sell at a reduced price? I was thinking rubs from Oakridge BBQ. Their packaging looks upscale and are reportedly good. I don't know if Secret Weapon and Black Ops would be appropriate. The admin or social worker should be able to let us know. A TVWBB cap for each of the 10 winners?
Then, a final drawing that is limited to these 10 winners. That person would receive the money we donate. Or smaller amounts could just be included for each prize level.