Last week, on March 29, 2007, we all lost a good friend when Russ (RSCAR) passed away suddenly. Russ was a really good man. He helped out many on these forums with advice and wisdom.

However, what many did not know was the kindness he showed outside of these forums, to the children of some of the members. Russ gave to these kids, not to get a pat on the back, but because he cared about the future.

You see, Russ was smart enough to realize that being kind to a child was an investment in all of our futures, not just the child’s. He always gave quietly and without expectations of anything in return. He was that kind of guy.

As I was reading the forum the other day, a thought came to mind. After reading yet another comment about the good things Russ did for the young folks, I began to wonder what we could do to pay our deepest respect for Russ. It seemed simple enough so I called Mike (Red) and Glen to get their thoughts. They believed like I did, that Russ would probably get a kick out of this. So, a couple of phone calls and some brainstorming later, we have come up with something we think would carry on Russ’s tradition of giving back to the young folk out there.

Of course the details will have to be worked out over the next few days, but here is what we have in mind.

We propose that the members of the Varminter Forums begin a yearly tradition of donating a memorial rifle to one deserving forum member’s child or grandchild, in Russ’s name.

Here are the requirements in order to qualify for this gift.

1) The forum member (whose child/children/grandchildren/niece/nephew enters the drawing) must be an active, participating part of the Varminter community.
2) The child must be between the ages of 7 and 17 when the entry is submitted.
3) The forum member accepting the firearm on behalf of the child must be legally allowed to possess the firearm.
4) The child must write an essay on his/her favorite day in the field while hunting/shooting.
5) The child must be doing well in school and be respectful towards his/her parents.

Once the cut-off date for entries is reached, the essays will be made available for the forum members to read. The names of the children who participated will be entered into a raffle drawing for that year’s memorial rifle. The name will be drawn and announced two weeks after the cut-off date.

The only question to be answered is how will this be funded? I am doing something I have never done before. I am asking for yearly donations to go into a fund that will purchase the firearm for the yearly memorial rifle. I am going to start the donations with $100.00 towards this year’s rifle. In order for this not to be about how much you donated, but that you gave something. Please do not post the amount you are giving, instead just let me know if you can donate.

Once the amount is reached for this year’s memorial rifle, any leftover monies will go towards next year’s gift.

I will post on how to donate in the next few days.

Please let me know your thoughts.

Sincerely,

Eric A. Mayer

I think its a spectacular idea eric! Im a strong believer in continuing traditions, and bringing our children along with us. I also believe that this is just the thing dreams are made of for a child. I still remember the first gun i was given, and very vividly.

That is a great idea. Count me in.

Great idea, count me in.

Mike

The Skypilot is on board with this.

Miss ya, Russ

I' like to contribute if possible. I dont understand: "I am going to start the donations with $100.00 towards this year’s rifle." If this refers to a minimum donation amount I dont know if I can, but if I can I will. If I can donate less than 100, to make it possible for me to it with my income, definately put me down.

Being in that age bracket (18), I see many kids my age and younger who are great people, but never have any goals set for them; they do not apply themselves to the best of their abilities, because they see no reward for their efforts. We all know(yes, even I), that school success at this age is THE most important thing above all at this point in our lives. It's hard to see how the future will pan out at this age as you all know, and an incentive like this for success in the near future is a great thing to do. Limiting it to children of forum members makes certain that it will be a good investment put to good use, and bring another person into this great community, if not yet involved already.

I di not know him at all, but from how he is spoken of I'm sure RSCAR would be proud.

Even us old airgunners think it's a great idea. I'm in too.

Count on me also, just let me know where to send it.
Geno

Jerry-- Donations are however much $$ you want to make. Eric was just getting the ball rolling with his $100. $5 is as good as $100 if thats what a member can afford. Trust me,, ALL donations are Welcome & will be accepted graciously. So give what you can!!

Ooooh, ok. I should have read more carefully . Thanks.

Sounds good!

Has the rig been defined (i.e. brand, model, caliber, scope (if any), etc.)? What might be nice is the winner be able to pick the caliber of his/her choice.

After we talked today, I went back and read a bunch of RSCAR's posts. From what you told me, and from his amazing attitude throughout these boards, and his "Wow" attitude toward the sport in general. I'm eager to give money to a good cause like this.

Actually, the rifle has been chosen and is what got me to thinking about this. Just before he passed-away, Red offered a rifle up for sale to the moderators (before posting it elsewhere). Russ wanted to purchase it from him, but never got the chance...

This gun, a Ruger 77/17 Mach II is the first gun to be given away. I will also be including some ammunition and Steve Boelter will include a signed copy of his book, "The Rifleman's Guide To Rimfire Ammunition". I am also trying to get a hold of a small rimfire scope I have somewhere to add to the package.

After this year, we may be able to offer a choice, but I felt this year should include this rifle.

Thanks to everyone who has pledged to help. I will give more info on how to donate tomorrow night.

Sincerely,

Eric A. Mayer

I will be sending a new predator call also. I'm not sure if I will just pick one or wait until the winner is announced & give them a choice tho. It will be an easy to use 1st hand call for a youngster that will be durable & last a very long time. I posted a few in the Photo Forum here under the "My new toy" thread.

Great ideal. Count me in.

GREAT IDEA IM IN

Count me in Eric, let me know where to send a donation. jj

Thanks to Glen for this. Here is the information to send donations:

It will be called the "RSCAR for KIDS" account.

-------------------------------

1)--Checks & Money Orders will be made out to "RSCAR for KIDS".

2)--The check/MO should have the members screen name so we can send a PM Thanking each donator personally.

3)--If a "Recieved" receipt is requested we will mail one out. Either PM your address or leave a note in the envelope.

Donations can be sent to;

Citizens Savings Bank
141 N Broadway
New Philadelphia, Ohio
44663

I am sending my donation out next week!!

Thanks everyone!!

Eric

Being a Shriner, I think it is a wonderful idea. Just made the check out and it will be in the mail tomorrow.
Click to view attachment P.S You forgot the I in New Philadelphia. AL

So much for having my wife proofread it huh??

DOH!

My check's in the mail. Sorry for the delay.

Eric

Not a problem kind Sir!!

There will be an update posted on this, along with information on how the child can submit their essay, by this weekend. Looks like we are ready to roll on it.

btw, if you have not gotten your pledge in, or if you want to donate, please do. It is for a great cause and any left-over monies will be carried over to next year's memorial gift.

Thanks!

Eric