Charity Auction - Rainshadow XST1562-3 -

Fellow Anglers;

Several months ago, a fellow angler from Ohio was murdered. The gentleman and his family were without insurance and this tragedy has left behind three young children.
This Rainshadow XST1562-3 Float Rod is being auctioned to raise money to alleviate some of the financial burden that this family has experienced due to this unfortunate situation, and to make a difference in these kids’ lives.

What you are bidding on:
(Bidding starts today, 9/15/2009 and will end on 10/31/2009)

This rod is being handcrafted by a team of three area custom builders that have collaborated on the design and construction, with each adding their own unique touches. They have all asked to remain anonymous because it’s about the kid’s, not recognition.

Blank – Rainshadow XST1562-3 – 13ft, 3 piece, 6-10# line, Moderate Fast action.
Guides – Fuji TYSG guides – Titanium frames, SiC inserts.
Reel Seat – American Tackle AW13 – Woven graphite insert.
Handle – Super Grade Natural Cork with Dymondwood inlays

A custom build of this nature would easily run $750.
We’re asking that you keep this fact in mind when, and if, you decide to take part in the bidding process.

In addition to the float rod, three 6’0” Ultra Lite rods are also being built and are to be given to each of the children.
Their father had them all involved in fishing and the great outdoors, and these rods will serve as a gentle reminder of their father and how they got started in fishing.

Donations received by:
The Batson family – XST1562-3 blank.
Angler’s International – Fuji TYSG guide set.
American Tackle – AW13 reel seat.
Angler’s Workshop – Cork
Mudhole Supply – Cork
Decal Connection – Custom decals
Paine Falls Centerpin – Machining services
Anonymous forum member from TSS – Monetary generosity beyond measure
Local builders – Time, effort, and a great deal of compassion.

An enormous amount of gratitude goes to those individuals and companies that became involved, because without their efforts and willingness to get involved… this would not have been possible.

This forum is not the only place that this auction will be posted on!
In total it will be posted on ten (10) forums:

The Steelhead Site
Float Fishing Connection
Woodland Rivers
Shallow Water Outdoors
Bill Dance Outdoors (Fish Talk)
The Floatboard
Salmon Crazy
Quest Outdoors
Ohio Fish & Game
Outdoor Adventures (Keith Warren)

I personally will keep track of all bids and make everyone aware of the current highest bid price received as they are placed.
This will give those that wish to place a bid an idea of where they stand, and what they will have to spend to win the rod.

I wish you all the very best, and thank you for taking the time to read this.
I would hope that you all find it in your hearts to contribute to this worthy cause.

If you have any question, comments or concerns about this auction, or the rod, please feel free to contact me via PM or email – CharityRod@gmail.com

Please do not submit your bid by replying to this post.
Please submit all bids and questions to CharityRod@gmail.com

Here are some preliminary photos of the build in progress.
When the build is completed these will be replaced with updated photos.

Complete Handle


Foregrip & Reel Seat




Aftgrip




Hook Keeper & Decal area






32 inch Indicator Wrap


Unfinished - Stripper Guide Wrap

*Update*

As promised, here is a very recent photo of the decal area that was supplied to me by one of the builders.

Here are the most recent photos of the rod. It is nearing completion and will be ready to ship to the winner on October 31.

In addition to the XST float rod the winner of the auction will also be getting an assortment of items from First Bite Jigs.

An anonymous forum member decided to donate approximately $50 worth of jigs from First Bite Tackle. Mark Anderson, the owner of First Bite decided to donate some additional items when he heard what the situation was, and where the money was going. Mark doubled the amount of jigs and tossed in a DVD entitled “Steelhead fishing with Mark Anderson: The Art of the Jig”.

In total there are 30 jigs and the DVD; A total value of over $100.

Here are the items that I received:

Assortment


Jig Colors


DvD Cover


A special thank you to these two gentlemen for finding it in their hearts to get involved and make a difference.

Just a reminder to those involved with the auction, or thinking about bidding.
The auction ends on October 31, at 12:00am.
The highest bid received so far is $500.00.

Tight lines!

Another friendly reminder that this Saturday is the last day to bid on this rod. The auction ends at 12:00AM (Midnight).

Every penny of the money that is raised is going directly to the family.
The value of this rod is well over $500 - not to mention the $100 worth of items donated by FirstBite Jigs and an anonymous donor. The winner will received approximately $800 worth of items.

Thank you to those who have shown interest, or who have placed bid. The world is a better place because of people like you!

Thank you!
Brian

*UPDATE*

Current bid is $800

Make that $900

i'll be out of town this weekend, be sure to let us know the final outcome

i'll be out of town this weekend, be sure to let us know the final outcome

My bad - I apparently forgot to update the bid amount here the other day.

We went from 900, to 1000, to 1100 - straight up to $1,500 good old American dollars! The bidding has been between three people. When it hit the $800 mark one of them dropped out. It's now down to two - or has been for the past two days. The gentlemen that bid $1,500 said he's done playing the game until tomorrow (last day). Those of us that are involved are already beside ourselves with the $1,500 bid.

I'm tickled pink that someone with the financial ability stepped up and helped out. That amount of money will certainly have an impact on the three children who we're left without their Father (only parent btw).

I'm honored, proud and excited to be a part of it!
It's a great feeling to be able to do something that I view as being trival - that will make a difference in not one life, but three!
I've shed more than a few tears since this all started

Thanks fellas!

Bidding is Closed:

The winning bid was $1,500 and came from a forum member on the float board. The gentleman has asked to remain anonymous, so his wishes will be honored.

Thank you to those who placed bids along the way and offered their support.
Once the payment is received it will go directly to the children, and those who are supporting them.

Tight lines!

congratulations on a job well done.
i never met the father of these kids, but i met his brother last summer. i know the proceeds will have a very positive impact with this family.
congratulations to all involved in this very generous show of compassion.

floatboater

You know them far better than I did then Floatboater - because I have never met any of them.

I'm sure the family will do the right thing with the money that was raise.