Community partner supports White Sulphur Springs Ranch
By John Lullo
Gumba’s Family Pizza sponsored a fundraiser at their restaurant in Blairsden on Sept. 21. Gumba’s donated 20 percent of all food purchases made between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. on that day, to benefit the restoration of White Sulphur Springs Ranch (WSSR).
The event was organized by Mohawk Valley Stewardship Council (MVSC) volunteer Tim Buckhout. Community members have seen him outside the Graeagle Market selling raffle tickets for this and other events. He is dedicated to make WSSR accessible to children, disabled veterans and the community in general. His Porta-Saloon can be seen at Summerfest at WSSR and at craft fairs in Graeagle. All beer sales are donated. Drivers on Highway 89 with keen vision can see him moving dirt at the WSSR site. He and his helpers Robert Ware, Bob Hermsmeyer and Jim Maul are transforming the landscape to achieve the vision that MVSC members have for this historic property. Tim is a specialist in getting businesses to donate goods and services. The grand prize at the Gumba event was a Weber BBQ smoker donated by Big R Supply in Sparks, Nevada. It was won by Ronnie Gedatus from Sacramento. Tim delivered the prize personally.
Matt and Elizabeth Cruz are the owners of Gumba’s. The event on Sept. 21 was the fourth annual fundraiser to benefit WSSR. The restaurant was crowded with patrons the whole day. Eighteen prizes were raffled off and two custom carvings were auctioned. It is this kind of community support that the MVSC depends on. Big thanks go to the owners and staff of Gumba’s Family Pizza
Tim Buckhout, in Sacramento, helping the grand prize winner Ronnie Gedatus load the barbeque in her car. Photo submitted
