The Old West of 150 or so years ago really never seems that far distant in East County. And members of the El Cajon Valley Host Lions Club and the Winchester Widows brought some of those thrilling Western days of yesteryear back to life, by re-creating a cowpokes and saloon gals gambling hall on May 19. The event, alias Gunsmoke VII, featured games of chance, Western background music, and some light appetizers. The Shirthouse Bluegrass Band set the background atmosphere with lively songs and tunes. The festive party was designed to raise money for local charitable endeavors.
The Old West of 150 or so years ago really never seems that far distant in East County. And members of the El Cajon Valley Host Lions Club and the Winchester Widows brought some of those thrilling Western days of yesteryear back to life, by re-creating a cowpokes and saloon gals gambling hall on May 19. The event, alias Gunsmoke VII, featured games of chance, Western background music, and some light appetizers. The Shirthouse Bluegrass Band set the background atmosphere with lively songs and tunes. The festive party was designed to raise money for local charitable endeavors. Besides casino games, attendees could also test their luck at a silent auction and a Chinese lottery.
The evening’s festivities were hosted by the El Cajon Lions and the Winchester Widows, partnering for a fourth consecutive year. The facsimile Old West gambling hall was set up in the El Cajon Elks Lodge #1812 for the first time.
Van Willsey, president of the El Cajon Lions, said, “This new venue is working out really, really great.”
Willsey went on, describing what this event means to charities that the El Cajon Lions support. “Last year, we raised $22,000, and this year we hope to at least match and perhaps exceed that figure. It’s important for people here in East County to know that 100 percent of the revenues we raise go straight back to serving the community.”
Several El Cajon Lions Club vision assistance projects were slated to receive event proceeds, including Guide Dogs of the Desert, providing service dogs for the blind, and the Student Eyeglass Program offering free eye examinations to needy East County children and youth, including free glasses for any youngsters who need them. Other Lions charitable recipients are Camp Jack offering two weeks of camping for economically disadvantaged youths in East County, and Christmas food baskets given to needy El Cajon families for the December holidays.
The Winchester Widows ran the silent auction. Lynn Spicer has been a member of the Winchester Widows since 2006, and she said that the group’s chosen charity for benefit from the event was Heart and Hooves Therapy, a Ramona-based nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people undergoing trauma and life difficulties through comforting interactions with miniature horses and other ranch animals.
The Winchester Widows dress in black garb circa 1880 to depict the strength of Western women who were often widowed early in life when their men met untimely ends. Spicer, for example, enacts the role of Bessie Ruth, daughter of a father who was half Indian and half German, a tracker and bounty hunter in Midland, Texas. Bessie Ruth was raised by her grandmothers, who married a rancher when she was 15 but lost him in a prairie fire and became a widow at the age of 45. Her character’s back story concludes, “Arriving in San Diego, I met two other widows and found a home among them. …We… find great comfort in knowing we do not have to rely on men for protection. We get along just fine.” Members of the Winchester Widows participate in several events throughout each year, including appearances in costume and in character for skits and at several area parades.
El Cajon Valley Host Lions Club members meet each Monday, except holidays, at noon at the El Cajon Elks Lodge, located at 1400 E. Washington Avenue. More information about the volunteer group can be found online at www.ecvlionsclub.com. Women who love horses and possess a sweet, adventurous spirit for volunteering can find contact information about the Winchester Widows at www.winchesterwidows.wix.com/winchesterwidows.
