Yesterday, we (the River City 3 Railer Modular Group) concluded our fund-raising raffle. Last night, modular group member Chuck, shared this great story......Today as I was standing at the Raffle Table a lady came over and said how much she loved looking at this "beautiful train layout." She asked me several questions about it and then said she came into the GBGH because she had to replace a bush in her yard. She told me that when she saw the train layout and all the trains and all the people young and old, smiling and having so much fun it really put her in the Christmas Spirit. She said she walked around the entire layout and was so impressed about the beauty of it all.
While we were talking a young family bought $5.00 of raffle tickets.
When the woman and I started talking again, she asked about the raffle and said she wanted to make a donation. I pointed to the donation box and said she could put a donation in that box if she wished. She said, "No what I mean is I want to buy some raffle tickets." I said that is fine and I asked how many would she like. She said, "What I want you to do is take my tickets and give them to the families here who can't afford to buy tickets." I said "OK" how many tickets do you want to buy; she handed me a $50.00 bill and said, "As many tickets as this will buy." I asked "Do you want change?" She said, "No, I want you to use it all." I thanked her for her kindness and asked for her name and she said she just wanted to make this an anonymous donation and to help people enjoy the holidays a little more. As I passed out the free tickets to the families I could find, I told them these came from someone who wants you to have a some fun while you are here."
I have been thinking about that act of kindness since I left the GHBG today. I always tell my friends that RC3C is about people who love trains and sharing that love and enjoyment with thousands of others and bringing smiles to their faces and a little happiness to their hearts. But today, I saw another level, we gave a lady who started out not having a very good day the opportunity to start her day over by watching some beautiful trains and watching the children and families smile and feel the Christmas spirit, and she had the opportunity to participate in giving that Holiday Spirit to others. This is the most amazing club I have ever seen. I am so proud to be a colleague with such amazing rail fans.
I thank each of you for making the Christmas Spirit come alive in people we will never know by name. I am sure they will be talking about the amazing trains that saw at the GBGH well past this beautiful season.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to each of you.
ChuckA great little story which really warmed my heart....Peter
Original Post
I guess it is a bag full of coal for that husband this Christmas.
