Last Saturday while I was setting up the raffle table for our annual car show, my son spotted a nifty Nissan travel alarm clock donated by Motorsport Auto. His first question was how much it cost. So I explained that these were items that we were going to raffle to club members. He then asked how the raffle worked and of course...could he buy some tickets. I then explained that these items were for club members and that since he did not yet drive (he is 7) it would be a waste of his money to buy a raffle ticket to win any of these things, which are all car-related.

But as kids do, he persisted, asking me several more times if he could buy "5 dollars worth". I continued to dissuade him hoping that he would forget about the table and that travel clock. After three more requests, I sent him to his Mother to better explain the situation to him. She explained that even if his number was called, there was a big chance that the alarm clock would be picked by someone before him. She too was unsuccesful.

So I finally broke down and let him buy 10 tickets for $5.00.

Well if you were at the show, you know what happened. He gave his tickets to his Mom to hold and started pulling tickets out of the box to help with the raffle. About 10 picks went by before he picked his own number! I realize that this was a HUGE conflict of interest. But I hope you will forgive me for allowing him to pick that alarm clock from the remaining table of items. Brenda told me that he had a smile on his face the whole ride home as he craddled that item in his lap.

Graham will probably be telling this story to 60 strangers (to us) at the 2035 Z car show with his 1978 280Z, given to him by his Father. As Frank posted today, we need to encourage and support our children in carrying on the love of these great cars and Z people.

For those who were thinking "this isn't right" when he picked his own ticket - I agree with you and I'm sorry for any perception of impropriety.

_________________
Ross Williams
1978 280Z Black Pearl Edition 38k Original Miles

The word's "Time is not wasted on the youth" comes to mind.

I hope he enjoys the clock.

_________________


Also Known As Clayton Pace

See Frank's post in the Car Show Trhead about next generation Z lover's to carry the Z torch. I think you are grooming one with Graham.

As the raffle caller I can assure that I made Graham mix up the tix as we went along.

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Keith Hultmark
2009 370Z Touring - Sold (5 years owned)
1993 300ZX - Sold (5 years owned)
1976 Porsche 912E. #163 of 2200 - SOLD (3 years owned)
2018 BMW 330i GT xdrive daily driver
2004 BMW Z4 3.0i ….it is a Z

There is justice in this, and a quiet voice inside everyone should be cheering.

We all want to see young boys get their dreams.

(Unless it involves my daughter. )

As Brenda will attest, I became aware of the "travel clock" situation during the course of the day and was ecstatic when I found out he was able to pick it. There was no one in attendance more deserving.

As for integrity, Graham could not ask for a better role model then his Dad. I only wish I had gotten a picture of him selecting it from the table!

_________________
Phil
1981 280zxt - Now in the care my son!
2014 370Z Sports Touring Roadster

Too Funny ! I caught bits and parts of both Ross and Brenda trying to talk him out of it. Its Classic that not only did he persist but prevailed as well.

A great story Ross, thanks for sharing it. I'm sure time will prove this to be one of your better $5 investments.

Jim

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Jim Arnett
Richardson, Texas
HLS30-15320 12/1970 (original owner)
ZCON 2015 Gold Cup - Street Modified class

i had no problem with it. good for him! i agree Ross this will be a story he will share 25yrs from now.

I'm really sure that clock cover should have a picture of a Black Pearl inside it.

I wish I was there to see that.....well he has no excuse for getting up in time for school next season.

are you sure graham is not a member? i have seen him at the fall outings every year and the car shows the club has every year.i think i have seen him in a 280z and a 350z. i didn't see in the bylaws where there is a age restriction or you had to have a drivers license. i thought this club was all about the love of zcars!!! i think your mistaken mr. williams, graham is a member, just shorter than the rest of us. good find graham!!!!

.....Nor for arriving at Z Club meetings or functions late ....

Take another look at that picture. The young man is looking AWAY
from the box, so he is above reproach ALL ON HIS OWN, which is VERY
commendable for a youngster nowadays. I think that that speaks
well for the way Ross and Brenda are nurturing him and his sibs. But
just to be sure (and not detracting in the least from what I just said),
I also note that there are at least five adults in positions of authority,
monitoring his procedures very closely..............

~Rick~ (and Kathy, of course)

_________________
All Z Best,.......Kathy & Rick

1969 Z.CAR (#00013 10/69) 8/30/76
1969 ITSA.Z (#00171 11/69) 8/24/73
1970 OLD.Z (#06289 6/70) original owner
1971 510 2dr since 12/31/75
1969 1600 rdstr (our 160-Z)
1971 (#19851 1/71) sold
1975 75.Z (#01343 1/75)

How else do our kids learn the small lessons in life. A young boy saw something he wanted and took the proper steps to get it. What might have been worse would be the explanation on the way home if he did not win. I'm sure his smile said it all.