FUNDRAISER FOR HERSCHELL BULLARD A SMASHING SUCCESS
By
Minda Painter

Temperatures last Saturday afternoon started plummeting to the low 30’s but the people kept flowing into the area around the Cotton Pickin’ Theatre in Point, Texas for an event to benefit Herschell “Junior” Bullard. Despite the cold weather on the outside, where a scrumptious hot stew was being served, a cheery-hearted crowd from the community and from the big church family of the Bull Creek Cowboy Church gathered to show their unity and support.

Numerous items were donated for a silent auction. Things like: 12 yards of white rock, numerous pieces of steel artworks, cases of motor oil, lots of cakes, a huge decorative clock and many other wares were donated for the special event. Many said the occasion was extremely successful.

At show time, the theater was packed. The Shindig Show was opened with great enthusiasm to the invigorating sound of the “Orange Blossom Special”.  Rousing a positive outlook for this special event, Joe Ben Cason’s song, “The Winning Side”, reflected the general stance of everyone in the crowd.

The Shindig Band was all heart in their performance for this special show.  Adding a special flair to the evening was the participation by several members of the Bull Creek Cowboy Church. Dean Lasater (R) and Joy Phillips brilliantly rendered a country gospel song with the tune of “San Antonio Rose”. Patsy Mayville joined the duo for a joyful song “Feet on the Rock” which received an ecstatic approval from the audience. Bill Howard added a personal touch to the segment presentation of the Cowboy Church. The song “I’m Ready”, which is said to be a favorite of Junior Bullard, was performed by Bill Howard with heartfelt emotions.

A 13-year old lad, Landon Moser (L) of Greenville, gave an impressive show of his proficiency with his guitar as he sang some old tunes, namely, “Poke Salad Annie” and “House of the Rising Sun”,  during the first half of the show. As the evening progressed, he started to develop a fever. But like a trooper, he went on with the show. He continued to impress the crowd with “Pride and Joy” and the rock n’ roll song “Johnny B. Goode”.

Another young performer, Devon Jade (below R) of Celeste, playing his mandolin, kicked off his act with his bluegrass style version of “Blue Moon of Kentucky” and “I Wonder Where You Are Tonight”. As though performing a serenade, the dimpled-cheek lad cheerfully rendered “Be My Baby Tonight”.  As a statement of why people were gathered that evening, he opted to end his act with a gospel song “Will the Circle Be Broken”.   

The appearance of an evangelist from West Monroe, Louisiana, Rev. Kelvin Clark (L) was most providential. The astonishing music resonating from his guitar delivered clear and crisp notes in an elegant style, a delivery of a virtuoso. As he start to play his first song, “Meeting in the Air”, a sense of serenity settled in the air. After each of his numbers, including “Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho”, the audience showered him with thunderous applause in appreciation of his great talent. The magnificent sound he creates from his guitar playing, echoes his spirit of evangelization.

An affectionate dedication to Junior Bullard was made by Geary Cason with his signature song “The Lighthouse”.  God’s love was asserted in a song “When God Dips His Love” by Ken and Anne Cason.

Taking a different turn from his usual song selections, Lone Oak Preacher Danny Calk (below R) presented “Mohair Sam”, a fun song popularized by Charlie Rich in the hippie days of the mid 60’s. The beat on the drums, to the tune of “The Wipe Out” was enthusiastically played by Jimmie Rodgers. Adding a big-band sound to the Shindig Band were the sounds from Joe Mac Ivy’s saxophone.

In the continuing interplay of humor between Darrell Fitch and Freddie York, Fitch smartly outwitted York in a hilarious exchange of fishing stories. Highly spirited with his win, his silliness went on with his comedic song “Just a Bowl of Butter Beans”. Taking on a serious vein, he sang a song of the 60’s titled “I Can’t Help It”.  On his instrumental rendition of “The Great Speckled Bird”, each member of the Shindig Band masterfully added their part, creating a wonderful orchestration of the song.

The closing of each segment of the program by the Cason Family Quartet with their Southern and traditional old gospel songs was a heartwarming finish to an evening of family entertainment. On the occasion of this special event, dedicated to Herschell “Junior” Bullard, a prayerful hope and assurance was the theme.

During the evening, Jayme Bullard, wife of Junior, came on stage to address everyone in the crowd. She gave an update Junior’s condition and his inability to attend. In a very emotional statement, she stated “Words are not enough to give our thanks to you all. It is very humbling to see the many, many people from this community and our church family, the Bull Creek Cowboy Church, for their overwhelming support, love and concern.”  As she ended her statement, the packed theater came up on their feet with a thunderous applause, signaling great hope and prayer for Herschell “Junior” Bullard.

During the entire afternoon and evening, the many volunteers from the Bull Creek Cowboy Church were tireless in their effort to have a successful event. At the end of the evening, it was announced that the grand total of funds raised amounted to $7,400.

The overwhelming support from the community is a great asset we cherish and lovingly give to one of our own. Needless to say, it is one of the elements that unite us and strengthens our faith in people and of each other.

The fund-raiser was held to help “Junior” pay for his COBRA healthcare benefits. COBRA is a program in which an individual may keep his health insurance when he leaves a job; however, the individual is responsible for the monthly payments for the insurance. The government guarantees this benefit to all employees with company paid insurance. Bullard had 7-1/2 years employment with Rains County; about 6 months short of a retirement goal.

Junior Bullard ended his 4 year term as a Rains County Commissioner at the end of 2008. He started his tenure with the County as a road hand with the Road and Bridge Department. He lost his bid for re-election in the March, 2008 Democratic Primary. Bullard went into the private sector on January 1, 2009, and the new commissioner took over.
In a telephone conversation with Bullard, after the fundraiser, it was obvious the ex-commissioner was touched by the turn-out of the citizenry and the outpouring support for his predicament. Doing his darndest to keep the “choked” words flowing, he did his “Cowboy Best” to say, “Thanks!!” to all that helped. You see, “Cowboys ain’t supposed to cry.”