To rake or not to rake. The weather was the critical element. Rain was predicted on the morning of November 23rd 2024 and 34 motivated Rotarians from the Sunrise Rotary Club were signed up for the project. Was it going to be a bust because of the weather? Friday night, I received several frantic calls from our elderly recipients. They had heard that Rake Up Boise was canceled. Was there any truth to that? I calmed and reassured them that everything was going to work out. But that nagging question persisted: Was the weather going to cooperate?
I was up at 4:30 AM, concerned but cautiously optimistic. It was raining all over town. I was gathering things at the last minute and brewing a strong mix of coffee for myself. By 6:30, I got several texts asking whether we were a go or no-go. Being a half-full guy, I encouraged everyone to show up at our first house, pray for clear blue skies, and use a wait-and-see approach.
Although it had been raining for at least 3 hours, the moment I stepped out of my truck, I did not have a drop of rain fall on me. Karl and I must have spoken 10 times about the first house location. Could I have goofed up and given the club members the wrong address? As I arrived, I saw that the Gages had a refreshment table set up with hot beverages and treats, and the gang was already busy getting after the first house. All was going well so far.
Next, we split up into two groups. Tim VanZant and Betty lead a small but mighty group of fellow Rotarians to do several smaller yards with a plan to meet later at our final location of Stan Voshell’s house. Sightings that morning included a raking panda and numerous small humans working like an army of ants. Thank you, Laura and Taner, for bringing your kids and Dan your little (who is not so little anymore).
Despite having transposed the address, Larry went ahead and figured it out and got the team going. This leap-frogging happened all morning until we arrived at Stan’s house, where we used up the balance of the 150 bags that I brought with me. Karl saved the day and brought a few more bags and Lisa refreshed us with amazing snacks while we circled the table and shared stories about camaraderie and Linda Gossett.
We raked and picked up 215 bags this year. We left 10 filled bags on the curb at each home, and I took the rest to the landfill, where they welcomed us with open arms and allowed us to dump for free. Thanks to everyone who participated and helped make this day wonderful. It was like a Rake Up Miricle. The clouds parted long enough for us to do our thing. I am sure Linda had something to do with that. Later in the day, it poured rain with booming thunder. I smiled and assumed it was a rousing round of applause from the heavens.
