The awards were part of the organization’s annual fundraiser for the Masons’ Christmas donations. Last year the organization distributed more than $3,000 during the holidays.

“We recovered about 95 percent of our tickets sold for this fundraiser,” TVSRM president Bob Arbogast told The Inter-Mountain. “We are going to have another great year for some organizations at Christmas time.

“We are going to be able to give what we projected to give out because of the success of this fundraiser. Now it’s just a matter of deciding what organization we will help out this year. We will be doing that here before too long, though.”

The grand prize this year was a custom mini chopper motorcycle that was restored by Siler Cycle and Automotive, along with several members of the organization. Cheri Sturm was the winner of the 2008 motorcycle that was valued at more than $3,000 when purchased new.

Submitted photo Tygart Valley Scottish Rite Masons president Bob Arbogast, right, presented Cris Siler with a wooden plaque to thank him for the work he did in restoring a mini-chopper motorcycle that the organization gave away as part of its annual fundraiser. All of the work was done at Siler Cycle and Automotive.

The mini chopper was donated by Beaver Stewart from Barbour County, where it had spent several years in storage before the Masons purchased and restored it.

The second prize was a three-night stay at Snowshoe Village, which was won by David Currence. The third prize was a 31 Bag, Scensty Burner and Paparazzi Jewelry. It was won by J.P. Phillips.

Over 100 guests attended the picnic and several TVSRM members were honored during the event, including Tom Petrice, George Plaugher and D.J. Vandevender. Petrice received the “Top Gun Award” for selling the most fundraiser tickets for a second year in a row. Plaugher and Vandevender received the “Above and Beyond” award for outstanding work on membership and fundraiser events.

The Masons also gave away a 65-inch television and had a 50-50 drawing during the picnic. Dana Arbogast won the TV, while the 50-50 money was won by Louise Hart, who donated half of it back to the organization.

Members of the Charleston Valley Scottish Rite Masons and the Clarksburg Valley Scottish Rite Masons were recognized during the event, along with Jack Yost of the Southern Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite Masons. Military veterans, first responders and widows of deceased Masons were also honored.

Contributing to the fundraising event were Stewart Sanitations, David Simmons (First Tracts Realty), LiAnn Vandevender, Cris Siler (Siler Cycle and Automotive), Mike Chisom (Mountain State Customs), Mike Thorne, Kyle Amodia, P&M Sports, Elkins Auto, Varner Equipment, Seneca Designs, Randolph County Senior Center, Shop N Save, El Toro Steak House, Northern Eagle Distributors, Hillbilly Woodworks, Colonial Court, Derek Hart, Pepsi and The Inter-Mountain.

“The picnic was absolutely awesome and we had a terrific crowd,” said Arbogast. “Everybody who was there got a door prize and the big prizes we had this year were fantastic. We had some great food and several visitors came to the picnic from other organizations. It was a fun day for everyone.”