Amador County – Region 12 members of the Wally Byam Caravan Club International will be holding a raffle and party to raise funds for the Interfaith Food Bank and have already raised $3,000.

The recreation vehicle owners group’s fall rally for Oct. 13-17 at the Jackson Rancheria Casino & Hotel is being hosted by the Region 12’s San Jose Unit.

Amador County Chamber of Commerce office manager Dianne Sherbourne said the Airstream owners will have a group of more than 90 rigs staying at Jackson Rancheria’s RV park, which has 100 full-service sites, a large heated pool and two spas. Sherbourne said “while in town this group wanted to do something for our county. The organization is holding a big raffle to raise funds for our Interfaith Foodbank” and will present a check to Food Bank director Kathleen Harmon at a celebration at the Jackson Rancheria Ballroom Oct. 16. Sherbourne said “that’s what I call a real pay it forward.”

She said the Chamber would like to help raise some additional funds and asked county residents to “join in on this kindness” with a tax deductible donation, by check or people can come by the Chamber office with a credit card.

Sherbourne said Monday the Chamber and WBCCI have raised almost $3,000 for Interfaith Food Bank. She said people can get their business name on the card with a check, or bring a raffle prize to the Chamber Office on or before October 14.

The rally theme is “Flamingos in the Foothills,” and the caravans “will be decorated with pink flamingos and other tropical trinkets,” Sherbourne said, adding that “they plan to spend a lot of money in our stores, restaurants and gas stations while they are here.” They are having a golf tournament at Mace Meadow Golf Course, touring fall foliage in Hope Valley and wineries in Shenandoah Valley, seeing a play in Volcano and having a shotgun shoot in Buena Vista.

They have hired local talent – Todd Paul, The Speakeazy Jazz Orchestra and Over the Edge – to perform for them in the Grand Oak Ballroom at the hotel.

Sherbourne said: “This group never comes for a visit without leaving a little of themselves behind. One of their members made a special quilt to raffle and many Chamber members have come forward with additional raffle prizes.”

They will be selling raffle tickets with all the proceeds being donated to the Interfaith Food Bank along with donations collected by the Amador County Chamber of Commerce.

Sherbourne asked people to donate because “no one should have to face the day hungry.”

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.