Slipstream - February 2008

A Hope Christmas
By Bill Middleton
As many of you know, the Maverick Region has
as it’s continuing charity the Hope Shelter, an
organization for women & children in need of
safe haven. Located in Mineral Wells, the Shelter receives
contributions of cash, needed items such as toiletries, clothing,
personal care items, furniture & appliances, and other
things that over the years generous Mavericks have provided
when the need arose.
Most recently, the Shelter
last year relocated into their
newly completed facility
which was conceived by
and spearheaded through
design and construction
through the hard work of a
dedicated group of Maverick
members. Last Christmas,
we celebrated the
first Christmas in the new
facility.
President James Shoffit presents Lisa
Huffaker with a check
This year, as in many years prior, a group of Mavericks
made the trip to Mineral Wells the weekend before Christmas
to help Shelter residents celebrate the holiday, and to
bring Christmas to some children who, without our help,
might have gone without this holiday.
Armed with all the wonderful donations made by all of
you who attended the Maverick Christmas Party and contributed,
and others who couldn’t make the party but made
sure their donations got delivered, the process began with
a stocking stuffing for the younger residents of Hope the
weekend before. Donated items were matched with a list
of residents, and preparations made to deliver the items the
weekend of the Party.
So, on a cold, windy, rainy Saturday; a plucky group
Photos both pages by Bob Lewis
of Porschephiles headed west to play Santa. Included in
the entourage were the Lewis’s, the Fricks, the Shoffits, Bill
Middleton, Ron Colbert, and Jan Mayo.
The residents and staff of the Shelter had waiting for
us a wonderful celebration, and the tables were overflowing
with all sorts of eats for everyone to enjoy. Once the
gifts were brought in and placed under the tree, everyone
began diving into the assembled goodies. With wrapping
paper flying everywhere and boxes, bags, and containers
opening in every corner, the celebration began. Amidst the
happy sounds and squeals of “look what I got!”, the adult
celebrants sampled the eats and socialized, renewing old acquaintances
and making new ones. Lisa Huffaker, director
of Hope, ‘worked the room’ like a pro, from residents to
kids to Maverick members, making sure that everyone was
taken care of.
One of the key events of the Christmas Party is giving
to Hope the funding derived from the Charity Autocross,
and other fundraisings for Hope. This year, we were able to
add nearly $5000 to the Hope coffers due to the wonderful
contributions of so many of YOU, our fellow Mavericks!
As is always the case, it seems that the most important
gifts shared at these settings are those without price – and
yet are free. A warm hug from one of the adult residents –
the gleeful noises of happy kids – that warm glow that stays
with you for days and days and days – giving to someone
else just because it’s the right thing to do.
The Hope Shelter is a year round operation with year
round needs. Many fellow Mavericks have over the years
been a part of this wonderful thing called Hope. If you
would like the opportunity to give a little of your time, talents,
and resources – and in return share in these gifts without
price on a year round basis, come join us.
10