TBOF Raffles or How to win a Manley Knife!
By Jim Zetwick

Thought the title would catch your eye. Hoping to learn the secret of winning a Manley Knife? If you find out let me know I still have not completed my collection. Actually, I wanted to take a few minutes and talk about the raffle at our shoots. As the ad manager for the Stickbow News, one of my responsibilities is to solicit our advertisers and the vendors at our shoots for donations to the raffle. During this solicitation process, I have the opportunity to meet many of the people who make donations to the TBOF and get to put a face with the donation.

First and foremost, I would like to thank the many vendors and Stickbow News advertisers who were able to donate items to our raffle. These folks have been kind enough over the years to donate many of the bigger items that make our raffles interesting and many provide donations to each and every one of our shoots. The next time you see these vendors, please stop by and thank them for being generous to the TBOF. Here is a list of vendors who have donated to our raffles: Buddy Manley, Nickie Roth of Archery Outfitters, Rogue River Archery, Cabelas, North American Archery, PAMS Archery of Lyons Michigan, Accurate Archery of Melbourne Florida, Silent Pond Shafts, Thom Rogers of Ace Archery, 3 Rivers Archery, Bitzenburger, Black Widow, Whitewater Creek, Traditional Archery Sales, George Weymouth of Weymouth Wildlife Art, Michael Treadway, Jack Hall of J&B Traders, Mike McGuire, Liz Wood of Blue Ribbon Marketing, Gordy Mickens of Selway Archery, Wolfe Archery, D.A.M. Outdoors, Traditional Bowhunter Magazine, Elk Ridge Archery, Acorns to Oaks, Bob "The Diamond Cutter" Carrier, and Hunter Distributing. Thanks to all.

In addition, I sent out over 40 letters to advertisers from Traditional Bowhunter Magazine to solicit donations for the Spring Shoot. I received only 1 response with a donation. A special thank you goes to Gene Wensel who was gracious enough to autograph and send a copy of his latest book, "Come November".

Last but not least, I would like to thank the members who have graciously donated to the raffles at many of our shoots. This includes not only the Spring and Fall Shoots, but the Charity Shoots as well. Many members have personally made their donations, which is always greatly appreciated. Some members have been willing to part with spare equipment or items they have while others have been able to purchase and donate items. How someone makes a donation is not crucial, but the fact that members are willing to provide a donation for the raffle is important. I believe this ability to share by members of the TBOF is one of the many reasons why the Traditional Bowhunters of Florida is a unique and successful club. Again, a heart felt thanks to you the club members who continue to donate and support the TBOF.