Bowyer donates Christmas Trees
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Twenty area families got a boost in their Christmas spirits this month, courtesy of Emporia’s NASCAR driver and a local service club.
Clint Bowyer’s 79 Fund, operated through the Emporia Community Foundation, donated the money to purchase trees for 20 families involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Salvation Army. The Flint Hills Optimist Club furnished tree stands for all of them.
The Optimists for many years have sold fresh Christmas trees to raise money for youth-related service projects in the area.
“He donated $750 to provide trees to needy families,” said Optimist member Bob Glover, who spends considerable time at the club’s tree lot at Guion’s Showcase Furniture store parking lot near Sixth Avenue and Funston Street. “Then we threw in a tree stand, so for every tree that Clint provided, we provided a tree stand and delivered them for Big Brothers Big Sisters.”
Salvation Army provided its recipients with gift certificates so they could pick up the tree kits at the lot at their convenience, Glover said.
Glover credited Bowyer’s involvement to club president Bryan Douglas, Rich Jaggard, and several others, who decided to request a contribution from the 79 Fund.
“It was just something they formed their own little subcommittee and took the bull by the horns, as us Optimists do,” he said.
To read complete story see the print edition or the online print edition.
blulitespecial (anonymous) says...
Thanks Clint,and all involved! It doesn't take a lot to help make this a better time and place for someone.Whether here at home or overseas,even the smaller things things we can all do add up.
December 22, 2009 at 1:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
this is good
Thanks Clint and others!
R.
December 22, 2009 at 1:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mexicanamerican (anonymous) says...
i think clint is a very special person and it is nice to see some who is very successful come and help his community. you have a big heart Clint!
December 22, 2009 at 4:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
50miles (anonymous) says...
I hate to be the one to say it, but.......... How many of the good deeds done by Mr Bowyer are done because his mommy says so. I mean after all, who in this town does not associate Clint Bowyer with Flinthills Towing.
It just seems that if he donates money to the same community his parents own a bussiness in, that it would generate a good name and generate bussiness. I don't know just a thought.
December 22, 2009 at 5:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justaflushaway (anonymous) says...
50miles, your a loser, and yea he does donate money to the Emporia area, he has a big heart and most of the citizens of Emporia think highly of him and for what he has done with his life, In case you do not know there loser, Clint is a NASCAR driver and his car number is 33. just a few thing you probably don't know,
December 22, 2009 at 5:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
50miles (anonymous) says...
I'm a loser? Thanks. Nice for you to say. You have no clue who I am or what I do.
I know exactly who he is. I went to school with him. I know what car he drives. (I'm a Stewart fan)
I did not say as a matter of fact that's why I just wondered if maybe that is why.
I'm guessing you don't know Clint personally, you just have nothing better to do than call names.
I hope you have a wonderful Holiday.
Oh and I never said Clint was not a nice guy..............
December 23, 2009 at 9:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
50miles (anonymous) says...
Oh and I was not being negative.
I realize that "Clint" who I don't know who is apparently. Donated money for the kids to swim free for the last couple years, donated money for the "Clean sweep" Donates tones for auctions that benefit local kids and needy families. I am VERY well aware of what all his (money) goes to.
It's just hard to believe that he does it all just because he loves his home town.
Maybe I am jaded by all the negative in this town. It's hard to believe that anyone does anything anymore "just because". I am sorry if I offened anyone. I was just suggesting that maybe it's not as NICE as we all want to think.
Oh and loserboy, Ya wanna meet sometime and you can find out just who I AM!!!!!
December 23, 2009 at 9:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
THANK YOU Clint and the Optimist Club.
People like you help make it a Merry Christmas for all.
December 23, 2009 at 9:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Emporiafan (anonymous) says...
Thanks Clint! 50miles - really??? Who cares why he does it. He does a lot more for this community than most of us do so why question a good deed. Just say "Thank you".
December 23, 2009 at 9:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
50miles (anonymous) says...
You got it. "Thank You Clint" I do agree he does do alot more than most of us.
That's not to say that alot of us wouldn't if we (could).
December 23, 2009 at 9:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
My kids love the tree, Clint! We still don't have any food in the fridge, but at least we have a tree in our house... We’re Jewish, so we don’t have any real use for the tree, but I guess we’ll take what we can get.
$750 for 20 families...that's like $40 a family... OR 3 days worth of food at least...but I suppose a tree is more important.
This was for "needy families". What does that mean? Families in "need" of a tree or families in need of food and shelter? If it's the latter, the tree ain't gonna do much for 'em. What good is a tree without any gifts under it? Why do you HAVE to have a tree to celebrate xmas? Is tree disposal free in town? I sure hope so, otherwise these families just got a gift that they’ll have to pay to remove when all the needles start to fall off.
Don’t get me wrong. I think it’s great the Ol’ Bowyer is trying to help people. I just think it’s ironic when the xmas tree symbolizes materialism and these needy families can’t even afford the basic necessities. Next time, give them a $40 gift card to Walmart so they can buy food, TP, and toys. Sounds like a better deal than something you just get rid of in a month.
‘enry
December 23, 2009 at 9:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Emporiafan (anonymous) says...
People will always find a way to bash a good deed won't they. This is why people hesitate to dontate time and money at all. Don't have money for food Henry? But have money for the internet? Or maybe you are sitting at the Emporia Public Library...using the free internet....where Clint donated that computer you might be using......jeez
Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays........
December 23, 2009 at 10:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
Emporiafan,
I'm fine on money and food, thanks. I was speaking for the needy families with no voice as they can't afford Internet access to post here.
I didn't complain about Clint donating computers; I think that's actually useful. A dead tree? Useful? Not so much. At least buy artificial trees so they can use them more than once!
'enry
December 23, 2009 at 10:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
50miles (anonymous) says...
Henry- I agree with you. I have been hearing on the radio on my way to work each morning how the salvation army is not able to provide for all the family's this year.
I would think that $750.00 in food donated to the salvation army to hand out would have been more useful.
I don't know what it's like to ask others for money to buy for my kids Christmas and I don't want to know. I do feel for the parents who can't afford to go get gifts to light up their little faces.
I will bet that alot of unhappy people will find the tree in there back yard or ditch very annoying if the tree dump is not free. That is going so far as to say that the people will even be able to get it to the dump site or someones ditch.
I am not negative I just don't think the tree is useful and it certianly is NOT what Christmas is about.
December 23, 2009 at 10:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
krazykansan (anonymous) says...
Clint, you probably won't read this, but that is ok to. Folks just don't realize how much of your time is consumed.
It is a wonderful thing that you do for this community now that you have the means to do so. You have not forgot.
Those that bash your good deeds are only jelious of your accomplishments. To them I say, go play with the marbles that have fallen out of your head, and leave a good man alone.
Why bash a good deed? No matter what it is!
"Because his mommy say's so" come on 50miles. How old are you? you talk like a 3rd grader ! AND,, I think noone really give a rats ass who you are.
We sure don't!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dale & Pat
December 23, 2009 at 4:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gold66801 (anonymous) says...
why is it always bowyer we have have two other world champions in this town how soon we forget
December 23, 2009 at 4:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
giggles (anonymous) says...
I'm groaning at the posts on this thread. Perhaps some can figure out why...
December 23, 2009 at 4:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Beo_Saoirse (anonymous) says...
99 percent of this town is grateful for the things that Clint Bowyer and others do. He gets nothing in return except gratitude. For those of you who find fault with his gesture, keep it to yourself. The man has done a good deed. thank you, Clint.
December 23, 2009 at 5:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
50miles (anonymous) says...
HA!
December 23, 2009 at 5:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )