Rupert Howell column

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Rupert wears his Willis Wright autographed hat.

Volunteers make ‘roast’ a success; here’s another chance to help

Last Thursday’s “roasting” of retired football coach Willis Wright is an example of success happening when a lot of people contribute a little.

Not that a few people didn’t contribute a lot. Several members of Panola County Community Foundation and South Panola Athletic Foundation worked tirelessly to pull off the event which grossed approximately $16,000. The net of that amount is yet to be determined, but expenses were low because so many people donated time, skills, goods and services.

There were large contributors who purchased tables and other contributors who bought tickets. There were businesses and individuals who swapped merchandise and services for admission tickets and volunteers who just showed up to help.

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And the old coach was “roasted” pretty well—especially by his friend and coaching partner Ricky Woods whose voice had mysteriously been reduced to a whisper earlier in the day.

I think it was the work of the Lord.

When Coach Wright was given his time for rebuttal against roasters Johnny Jones, Becky Jones, Charlie Barton, Randy Boren and Woods, he first let those listening know of his belief and then mentioned the “light of his life,” his new grandson.

Wright would go on to re-butt and burn those who had just previously roasted him, but mysteriously forgot to burn his good friend Woods, who had shown no mercy during his turn at the podium.

Again, I think it was the work of the Lord.

This weekend another event is scheduled that appears to be bringing together the largest number and biggest cross-section of Christian volunteers that this town and county has ever seen.

It’s dubbed the Convoy of Hope and volunteers are still needed. A little help from a lot of us could go a long way.

Call 578-0052 to volunteer.