Summer 2009 Arabian Newsletter - Arabia Shrine Temple

TOMBALL AREA SHRINE CLUBBy: Robert Robertson, PresidentThe rains came, but so did the BBQ Cookoffteams. Thirty-one teams, in fact , braved thetorrential downpours (5 and one-half inches ofrain in two days) to compete in the eighth annualcook-off which is the primary fundraiser for theclub.This year the event was held at the formerExxon natural gas compressor facility on OldHumble Road just south of Tomball on SH 249.Joe Bullard, owner of the property and friend of theclub, donated the use of the facility for the event andwas a most gracious host. He even participated asone of the cook teams. Recognizing the difficultythat many of the teams would have in removingtheir cookers, campers and vehicles from the sitedue to the muddy conditions he offered all theopportunity to stay longer than planned to allowthe ground to dry out and ease their departure.The weather could not dampen the spirit nor theenthusiasm of the teams. We witnessed dancingin the mud, singing in the rain and many mindlessacts of frivolity as the wind blew and lighteningflashed. Those that braved the weather and thethree inches of rain in their tents produced someof the finest bar-b-que in Texas. In addition, thesecook teams opened their hearts and their walletsduring the live auction as we saw many items farexceed what we had hoped to earn.Between the raffle, liquor wagon, auction andregistrations the club took in over $15,000 andshould net approximately $10,000 after expenses.Though this is down from previous years we feelblessed to have done this well given the extremeconditions we faced.ARABIA & IHOP - WHAT A TEAM!!!!From the IHOP National Pancake DayNewsletter…IHOP franchise group, ACG, has over 50+locations in Texas and their Regional Director ofOperations, Steve Sula, met a company wide goalof raising more that $180,000.00 for the ShrinersHospitals for Children. That particular dollaramount equals the cost of operating one Shrinershospital for a single day. He put together a programfor the month leading up to National Pancake Daywhere any guest who donated $5 or more waspresented with a $5 “bounceback” coupon. Then,he shared his idea with other franchisees in theSW Region and they started doing it.IHOP 3008, located at 15444 Hwy 105 W inMontgomery, was the Top Donating Restaurantin the Southwest Region by raising $10,240. Oneof the servers, Denise Dean, was so moved bya Shriners video, she asked local businesses todonate goods and services and hosted a benefitauction at the restaurant. More that 30 businessesparticipated and more than $4800 was raised infour hours.More IHOP News…Donor Recognition Awards are beingpresented to 8 Top Franchisees in our area. Oneof the honorees is Noble Mitchell Wang, memberof NASA Shrine Club. He owns the IHOP in ClearLake Shores on FM 2094 and also the one inWebster on NASA Road 1. Congratulations!Receiving the IHOP newsletter from TomSmith, Area Shrine Coordinator, and reading allarticles about their successes in raising moneyfor our Shriners Hospital was great. I encourageeveryone to participate on National Pancake Dayin 2010.Dale DeFoorHigh Priest and Prophet10