GENEROUS 2013 SPONSORS Much of what we are able to do as an Association is possible because of those who help sponsor special events.  Our ability to help fellow alumni, support our former home and hold reunions would not be possible without the generous contributions of these companies and individuals.  Please express your gratitude and support Sponsor of the Annual Meeting Jimmie Boatwright in Memory of Laura Sponsor of the Legendary Picnic WTXU Energy Thank you David Rattan Hole-In-One Sponsor - Fifth Year FIRST UNITED BANK OF AMARILLO Thank You Rodney Ruthart  Long Drive Contest Sponsor  - Second Year AdPow, INC  Thank You Greg Adams and Barry Powell Tiger Hole Sponsor - Third Year THE WAGGONERS TRUCKING Thank you Daniel Scroggs Sixth Year  WESTERN LEATHERCRAFT  Hand Made Boots for Auction Fourth Year JAMES AVERY CRAFTSMEN Silent Auction Gift  ____________________________________ HOLE SPONSORS Cross Pointe Auto Auto Connection Brinlee's Automotive Chuck Farrell - Memory of Lamont Frances Waldrip Bobby & Cindy Sarpalius Cam Lindsey Michael Rogers Amy Brasher - Memory of Lefty Adams David and Debra Rodgers Guy & Geneva Finstad Robert Leming Mark & Kathleen Embry Chis Bawcom Ricky Smith Jim Canada Bobby Shaw Bill Sarpalius Tom Maynard  2013-14 Alumni Gatherings Southern Calif - Sept 28, 13 Portland, OR - Oct 2, 13 Northern Calif - Oct 5, 13 Kent Island, MD - Postponed Dallas - Feb 8, 14 Houston, Mar 1, 14 Memphis - Mar 14-16, 14 San Antonio - Apr 12, 14 Florida DFW Golf Tournament-May 17,14 Oklahoma City - May 24, 13 West Texas/Girlstown - Jun 14, 14 Albuquerque -  Annual Reunion - Aug 29-31, 14    CURRENT NEWSLETTER ACTIVE MEMBERS	MEMPHIS GATHERING HOLLYWOOD CASINO March 14-16 The Fourth Annual Memphis Gathering is scheduled for, as usual, the third Saturday in March, March 15th.  This gathering is different in that a number of alumni choose to make this a vacation weekend.  The Hollywood Casion is actually in Tunica, Miss, across the river from Memphis.  Those who don't drive fly in to Memphis, and they come from all over the country.  Ronnie Crouch set this up several years ago and the alumni simply added it to the list of gatherings. The Hollywood Casion gives us very good rates.  Let them know you are with Ronnie Crouch and the Boys Ranch Alumni Association when you call.  Call Joann Hicks for reservations (662) 613-0675.  Book for the day or the weekend, or whatever.   The gathering will be at the Casino on Saturday evening.  However, we will use the weekend to visitMemphis sites, dine together, play at the casino, etc.  This is a fun time for all who would like to enjoy it.  See you in Memphis! HOUSTON GATHERING Family being Family What makes a "good gathering?"  There are a number of things by which we evaluate the success or lack thereof in a gathering:  the venue, the number of people, the activities associated with it, the atmoshere and response of the people.  Another measure of success is the number of people who pay their dues and become active members, or who sign up as Legacy Partners or contribute to the Veteran's Memorial or Special Needs or Scholarships.   Another way of measuring success and value of a gathering is the impact the event has on those attending.  As I looked around at the folks gathered at the table I say a lot of immediate or very recent heartaches and needs:  cancer, death of a son, need for a transplant, foreclosure, unemployment, heart surgery and other permanent disabilities. Not many people, but just about all, people who really valued and needed family.  We were there for over 4 hours, and this was a really successful gathering.   This Association recognizes that most who went to BR & GT did not have strong family support when we went there, and when we left, we didn't suddenly have it.  The need for and value of  CFBRAA has rarely been more evident that at the 2014 Houston Gathering. Those of you who are actively supporters of CFBRAA...all alumni are gratefuly to you.  Thank you for making Family possible. Pictures from the Houston Gathering are posted on the "Photo Gallery" link above.  Thank you very much Cal Calhoun for taking pics of most of our gatherings.	NEWS & NOTES BR & GT ALUMNI We will use this column to keep you informed about news, as we get it in Bobby's office (cfbraa@sarpserv.com), on what's going on with the alumni of Boys Ranch and Girlstown as well as happenings at Cal Farley's  If you have news to share, send it in.   Jack Bebout (56)  passed away March 2nd in Dumas, TX.  Graveside services will be Friday, Mar. 7th, 2 p.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery on I-40 E in Amarillo.  Jack was at BR in the 50's and left to serve in the military.  His sister, Jody, is married to Bob Granger, Jack's best friend.  The obituary can be found at www.morrisonfuneraldirectors.com .  Condolences can be left online. NEW ASSOCIATION MEMBERS  The following recently paid their dues and either became members of the Alumni Association or renewed their active membership: Sherry Clark,  Stewart Richardson, Billy Hanson,  Chris Rattan,  Gary Simon, Jess Vizcaino,  Doug Larson,  Ron Brightwell, Dean Andrews,  Shari Doidge, Bill Baron,   Paul Stuart, Billy Dawson,  Marlin Rogers, Jim Canada,  Sean Bryant,  Eugene Boger, Dean Thompson,  Pat Steele,  Troy Shuping, Don Novak,  Stuart Gurley,  Issac Holland, Greg Goree,  Dan Thomas,  Wayne Beardsley,  Tate Casey,  Ty Lightfoot Remember it's not simply being an alumnus of BR or GT that makes you an active participant in the work the Association does to help one another.  It involves support and commitment.  Thank you to those who actively support the Good Work CFBRAA is doing.  THANK YOU LETTER  CFBRAA just received the following thankyou letter from a family you recently helped:   “Big Thank You to Cal Farley’ Boys Ranch Alumni.  K and I were at the end of our rope when I asked for help and you were there for us.  The special needs fund helped out more than you can imagine.  Helping to pay for some of my medical bills and more.  Thank you for helping so quickly. May God bless you always."   Active Members of CFBRAA - You do good work! Photo Galleries & CFBRAA Calendar   View pictures of alumni events, including the 2013 Annual Reunion, on the new Photo Gallery Site.  Also stay up with scheduled gatherings, board and committee meetings and CFBRAA events on the CFBRAA Calendar page. Click on "Photo Gallery" or "Calendar" in the menu bar to go to these sites.  Must be registered and login to get to the Photo Gallery & Calendar. BR Veterans Memorial The Alumni Association is going to build a memorial at BR to honor those who served in the military and, in particular, those who gave their lives in service to our country. Click on "Veterans Memorial" on the menu bar above for full information and how you can participate.