Beautiful Ladies & Big Boats
by Debra Heater

As soon as we walked on the scene we were greeted by two things, gorgeous women and brand new boats.  The bar was open and the ladies were primed to sell - raffle tickets, that is.  And let me tell you, everyone was buying.  With record turn-out, the Palmer Events Center was buzzing and CCA Austin banquet raised more than $315,000, due in large part to the exceptional raffle and auction items offered.

Can you imagine winning a Shallow Sport 18FT Bay Boat or a Camouflage Duck Boat for the price of a raffle ticket?  How about a classic 1977 Jeep, a sea kayak, or one of the 100 coolers with unknown treasures?  These were just some of the great prizes offered during the banquet.  They also held a silent auction and a 41 item Live Auction with some fantastic trips, artwork, and even a puppy.  The night included a full, open bar, fajitas, tamales, and delicious shrimp cocktail. Scott McGuire and all of the board members did an excellent job putting together a great line-up.  

It's hard to say what people liked the most, because there was so much to take in, however, the blue and white cooler giveaway (a blind purchase for $50) seemed to be the talk of the night.  A gentleman at our table, Ric Olivares explained the whole deal to us (the guys put goodies, gift certificates, TexasHuntFish.com t-shirts, stickers, reels, quality gear and merchandise inside the numbered coolers) and was very excited to pull out the TexasHuntFish.com t-shirt. 

He also scored several gift certificates totaling over $300.  It was money well spent; he also said even if he only received a small amount of merchandise, he knew his money was going to a great cause.  Mr. Olivares is very passionate about CCA and their conservation efforts.  He is an avid fisherman and fishes in his own backyard everyday.  Life is good in Austin.

We also spent some time with the newly elected CCA Texas President, Bill Schwarzlose, who happens also to be the Uncle of our own TexasHuntFish.com Wildlife Biologist, John Schwarzlose.  Bill Schwarzlose has been a CCA Texas member for over two decades and a key leader on the Management Committee.  "I am humbled by the opportunity to help lead such a fine organization,” said Schwarzlose.  John did a short interview with Mr. Schwarzlose which will be available for viewing very soon.

Our table was next to Patrick Meadows of Live Oak Outfitters and Brett Valdez, former UT Football National Champion, who is now working with RAM Financial.  We had a great time with these guys as our neighbors for the evening.  If you would like more information about Patrick and Live Oak Outfitters CLICK HERE to read the Field Report written by Brett Valdez.  

With so many enthusiastic guests in attendance it was hard to shake hands with everyone, but we managed to share some time with the inventor of the Feeder Meter (patent pending), Konrad Besch and his business partner.  They are very excited about their new product design and moving forward with the patent.  We also met with the owner of Falcon Point Lodge, Bill Ball and Mark Kalish of Commerce Bank, who won the camo duck boat.  Bill and Falcon Point donated the last trip of the night, auction item #41, The CCA 7th Annual Blowout at Falcon Point Lodge.  Austin CCA board members will host 8 anglers to a full weekend of fishing, fabulous gourmet dining and full bar service at the Falcon Point Lodge overlooking the remote San Antonio Bay.  What a donation!  According to some of the CCA board members this trip is legendary and I hope to see some pictures, if cameras are allowed.  

The night wrapped up with the announcement of the two boat winners.  Mark Kalish and Bill Ball won the Camo Duck Boat and Logan Owens won the Shallow Sport Bay Boat.  And would you believe that TexasHuntFish.com’s John Schwarzlose happened to know Logan, who happened to need his brand new boat towed out of the Palmer Events Center.  That Camo-wrapped Hummer came in handy, thanks Jason!  Wouldn’t you know that the TexasHuntFish.com team closed that place down.  I only wish we had enough energy to meet the CCA board members at their annual after-party hang out, The Star Bar.  Great party guys, see you next year!

CCA Texas "A Tradition in Texas Conservation"

If you would like more information about CCA Austin or would like to contact them, CLICK HERE to visit their listing. 

Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas.

~ Debra Heater

debra@texashuntfish.com

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