Hog hunt organized to benefit Wells youth

by By Cristin Parker cristin@thecherokeean.com
Courtesy photo
Jesse and Randal Grimes bag a feral hog in a hunt this time last year. Jesse is now battling liver cancer. Courtesy photo
Jesse and Randal Grimes bag a feral hog in a hunt this time last year. Jesse is now battling liver cancer.

Hog hunters have the chance to eliminate a nuisance and help a local family at the same time.

Family and friends of Wells youth Jesse Grimes have organized a benefit hog hunt, March 27-29 to help raise funds for the Grimes family. Jesse, 11, has been diagnosed with liver cancer.

“We’re not too worried about the Coronavirus,” event organizer Holli Pounds said. “Nobody’s going to be that close to one another while out on the hunt. Jesse loves hog hunting, so we’re inviting everyone to come participate for a great cause.”

All proceeds will go to help the Grimes family with the costs incurred while he’s undergoing treatment in Houston.

“I want to tell everyone that has said a prayer or helped us in these trouble times we appreciate everything y’all have done,” Jesse’s dad, Randal Grimes posted on his Facebook page. “Poor fellow had his world turned upside down over the last few weeks -- it’s the hardest thing I’ve had go through watching him hurting like he does. But on a good note, doctors say the meds they are giving him should help with that. On top of everything the Coronavirus got the hospital on lock down, but all we can do is put our faith and troubles in God’s hands.”

Registration for the hunt will be held from noon to 7 p.m., Friday, March 27, at 3275 FM 1819, Pollock. Registration fee is $200 per team and can be paid via PayPal or with cash – no checks will be accepted. The hunt is limited to dogs only – no thermals, night vision or trapping allowed.

Prizes include a 50 percent payout to the three heaviest hog stringers. For $25, participants can get in on a side pot awarding 100 percent payout for Heavy Hog and Biggest Cutter will also be awarded.

Every team member will also be entered into a drawing for a Ruger American .350 Legend rifle.

Another rifle raffle is offering a Diamondback BD15 5.56 NATO rifle to help raise funds for the family’s medical and living expenses. Raffle tickets are $5 each and are available at the Cherokeean Herald office, 595 N. Main St., Rusk; and from raffle organizers, Whittney Arriola and Logan Wise.

The drawing will be held on Easter Sunday, April 12 at 5 p.m. via Randal Grimes’ Facebook page.

Must be 18 years of age and able to pass a background requirements to receive the prize. East Texas Pawn of Lufkin will award the firearm to the winner.

Jesse’s grandmother, Stephanie McMullen of Huntington, has started a Gofundme account for Jesse as well.

“We are asking for everyone’s prayers,” McMullen stated on the fundraiser’s page. “And we are very thankful for everyone’s love and support this far. There will be lots of expenses over the next few months. Please keep Jesse and all of us in your prayers. Thank y’all so much.”