A Bandera-based non-profit organization, Ride & Rise Above, is ramping up efforts to ensure that Christmas is a magical time for children in need throughout the community. The organization, led by local resident Scott Kaufmann, is aiming to assist at least 25 families this holiday season.
For the past eight years, Kaufmann and his friends have quietly supported about five families each year.
“There are a lot of well-deserving families in our community that struggle around the holidays, and I like helping them out,” Kaufmann said. “This year, I’d like to help at least 25 families.”
Kaufmann shared stories of some of the families he has met, including a widowed father, an older couple fostering infants, a single mother working multiple jobs and a parent with a special needs child.
“Christmas is always the hardest for them, and it’s the one time of year it should be magical for every child,” he said. “I like helping make that magic happen, at least for a few of them.”
Inspired by his friend Wild Bill, Kaufmann has organized a fundraising campaign to provide $400 checks to each selected family. The funds will be distributed through Ride & Rise Above, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
“100% of the money we raise will be donated to them,” Kaufmann emphasized.
To reach this year’s goal, Kaufmann is seeking support from the community through monetary donations and a raffle. The raffle features a pair of Old West-themed firearms: a Henry Big Boy rifle and a Cimarron Angel Eyes revolver. Both firearms are chambered in .45 Long Colt, with octagon barrels and color case-hardened finishes.
Raffle tickets are $20 each, and one ticket includes both the rifle and revolver. A total of 500 tickets are available, with the winning ticket to be announced on November 23rd at 5 p.m. at Kickback Korner.
“You don’t need to be present to win,” Kaufmann noted, adding that an FFL dealer will be on-site to facilitate the transfer for local winners, or to arrange transfers to an FFL dealer near the winner’s location.
Tickets are currently available for purchase at Southern Sass Salon, Tripp’s Tires and 4R Salon & Boutique.
Kaufmann also offers tickets directly and is accepting payments via cash, checks, and various mobile payment services.
“If you believe in this mission, I could sure use y’all’s help,” Kaufmann said. “Any donation you could offer would be tax-deductible.”
For more information or to purchase tickets, community members can contact Scott Kaufmann at 847-942-7543, visit the Ride & Rise Above Facebook page, or go to rideandriseabove. org.
