'Making a bid' for the kids

Go Texan fundraiser largest ever

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GONZALES — Around 600 supporters of the Go Texan association showed up at the JB Wells Expo Center on Saturday night, Jan. 13, making it the largest crowd in the 10-year history of the event. The large crowd was thoroughly entertained, and tens of thousands of dollars was raised to benefit students of Gonzales County high schools in the form of scholarships.

Attendees were treated to a huge ribeye dinner with all the fixings, entertained by auctioneer J.D. Shelton during a live auction, and then serenaded by the country sounds of Can’t Hardly Play Boys, who rounded out the night.

“It was a fun night, and I think everyone enjoyed themselves,” said Sherri Hopper, District 11 Vice Chairman of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Area Go Texan extravaganza. “It was well worth all the effort, and we sure want to thank everyone who came out to support the event.”

Over 600 pounds of ribeye steaks were served, along with 36 gallons of beans, 165 pounds of potatoes and 50 pounds of mushrooms. The evening began with a social time, which allowed attendees to examine more than 50 items on display for the silent auction, followed by the ribeye steak dinner.

After the live auction began, the bids came fast and furious for items such as George Strait and Garth Brooks tickets, along with some donated hunts and a fishing charter.

But perhaps one of the most touching moments of the evening occurred when Gordon Brandenburg of Gonzales outbid everyone for the knife made by Cary Hackler of Grimes County. The knife, which was named in memory of Randale Eugene “Big Poochy” Kridler, was purchased by Brandenburg, who immediately turned around and gave the knife to Big Poochy’s son, Joseph “Poochy” Kridler. There weren’t a lot of dry eyes in the room when the presentation was made.

Representatives from the Moravia Winery in Praha were in attendance, as were officials from Shiner Beer. More than 10 Go Texan counties were represented as well, along with numerous Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo dignitaries.

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