Hang in with me, folks. I have a good story for you.
About three weeks ago, I pulled our car in front of the University of Tennessee Medical Center as Helen came through the front door in a wheelchair. She had hip replacement surgery the day before and was now released to go home and continue her recovery. All had gone exceptionally well, but she was still a bit loopy from the pain medication. Nevertheless, I asked for one favor.
“Honey, I said, I need to make one stop at a remote broadcast of WNML (Sports Radio).
“Why?”
“Well, they’re giving away an RV, and I want to put my name in the hopper.”
“We already have an RV,” she says through her loopy-ness.
“I know, but this way we will have his and hers RVs. Besides, we’re not going to win anyway.”
She relented, then dozed off as I drove to Image Matters, a printing and copying business, and the site of the remote broadcast. I entered the lobby and found the announcers in the conference room. They continued their radio show while I filled out two entry slips—one for me and one for my loopy cutie in the car. As we drove home, I heard Eric Ainge, former Tennessee quarterback turned sports radio host, tell the audience that he was about to pull one name from the entry box and that the person who’s named he called would qualify for a reverse raffle on September 28 to win The Ultimate Tailgate Camper. Eric pulled out an entry slip with my name on it and announced it over the radio. I was in!
Being an avid sports fan in general, and a Tennessee football fan in particular, I listen to WNML, known as the “Sports Animal” almost every day. And, nearly every day, I would hear the names of additional qualifiers announced for the same drawing. About a week before the reverse raffle, I received a call from a producer at the radio station telling me that I needed to arrive at Buddy Gregg RV before 11:00 am on the 28th to register for the drawing. I asked how many entrants qualified for the raffle. He told me they expected about 225. No way would I ever get through that gauntlet.
On that Saturday morning, I let Helen know I was leaving. She said she wanted to come but was moving a little slow and would arrive later. “Ok,” I said, then picked up the keys to Butch, the truck we use to pull our fifth-wheel trailer. Before I drove away, I had the thought that maybe I should take our trailer hitch with me. At first, I felt that by taking the hitch, I would jinx the deal, but I threw it in the truck bed—we weren’t going to win anyway, but let’s think positive.
I arrived at Buddy Gregg RV around 10:15. The registration line was long and snaked around The Ultimate Tailgate Camper wrapped with pictures depicting game day activities for Tennessee football and logos for the sponsors—Buddy Gregg RV, WNML, and Hound Dogs, a very popular retailer of Tennessee clothing and merchandise. Finally, I reached the registration table where a lady from the station pulled a pre-printed slip with my name on it to place in a capsule. Just before she closed the capsule, she dropped the slip.
“Uh-Oh, I said, that’s not a great sign.”
“I don’t know; it may be a good one, she replied, that’s the only one I’ve dropped so far.”
While I waited for the drawing to begin at 11:00, I stuck my head in The Ultimate Tailgate Camper to get a feel for it. It is a 2020 Heartland Prowler 180rb, measuring 22 feet long with dual wheels, a plus. There is a queen bed in the front, a very nice refrigerator, microwave, and a large oven by camper standards. A bathroom, complete with a tub shower and plenty of storage filled the rear of the trailer. The entire camper has excellent storage. The dinette is roomy and has a custom-made table-top that many former football players have personally autographed. Also, the winner would receive Tennessee tailgate gear such as pop-up shelters, tables, chairs, cornhole games, serving dishes, stadium cushions, stadium blankets, and $400 worth of gift certificates—all from Hound Dogs! I walked away, very impressed. The value of the camper and the goodies totaled well over $20,000!
Finally, the time for the drawing arrived at about the same time Helen walked onto the lot. Jeff Jarnagin, a long-time Knoxville radio personality and PA announcer for Tennessee football games, gave an overview of the process. One hundred and sixty-three contestants had shown up to register that morning. Every name called is no longer eligible to win the camper, Jeff said, until we get to the last two contestants. Then, they would pull those two capsules and announce only one name—the winner.
If you’re getting bored by now, bear with me a little bit longer.
Jeff, and fellow announcers Heather Harrington and Josh Ward, read the names one at a time. Groans, mumbles, and other forms of disappointment filled the air with each name called, and the unsuccessful entrants came forward to receive a “Goody Bag” as a consolation prize. At one point, Josh told the crowd that forty names remained and, a few minutes later, twenty. Heather asked the remaining contestants to move closer. Helen and I looked at each other somewhat stunned because we were among that group of twenty. We’re both pretty superstitious, and neither of us wanted to move from our lucky spots. We had no choice and inched closer to the hopper bearing the last twenty names. Suddenly we’re down to ten, and we haven’t been asked to leave yet.
With four names remaining, I would not look up and into the eye of anyone pulling names. I just held on to my cane (bad knee) to keep from falling over. Now, we’re down to two—a gentleman named Virgil and me. Heather and Josh prolonged the suspense, and I shook Virgil’s hand, wishing him luck.
There was another pause in the activity until the radio broadcast returned from a break and prepare for the winner’s name to be announced on the air. Jeff walked over and introduced himself to Virgil, then turned to Helen and me to ask which of us had our name in the hopper. I replied that I was the entrant and I had brought my good luck charm with me. Helen got a hug, and I got good luck wishes from Jeff.
Finally, Josh reached for the last two capsules and pulled a name from one of them, then looked at Virgil. My heart sank. He announced the winner’s name.
Virgil got sent home, and I was the last man standing.
During the next half hour, Helen’s faced almost cracked; she smiled so broadly. We completed a stack of paperwork and tax forms. I had time to give The Ultimate Tailgate Camper a new name…Smokey, in honor of the Tennessee mascot, a Blue Tick hound of the same name. I pulled out the trailer hitch I thought I wouldn’t need and hooked up the camper to Butch. Smokey followed me home. By now, I was whistling a chorus of Rocky Top, and joyfully, Easin’ Along.
WOW!!!
YOU TWO DESERVE THIS …..ROAD WARRIORS AND VOL FANS OF THE FIRST ORDER. enjoy
Hi, Joe,
Biggest surprise ever! Can’t wait to show it to you. Perfect Camp II camper!
Wow! What a great story and so deserving. Congratulations!
Hi, Gail,
I don’t know if I deserved it, but this event ranks right up there in big surprises! Thanks for stopping by!
WOW!! What a perfect surprise for you two. You’re running with the big dogs🐾
Hey, Jack,
Well, Smokey is a big dog…cute too! Helen almost lost it when we got down to the last two standing.
Congrats! Great tale Joe! Sounds like you two are going to be having some more traveling days ahead!
Hi, Jeanne,
Thanks! Smokey will probably go on a long road trip next spring! Say “hi” to Bill for me.
Wow! Very happy for ya’ll.
See what happens when you listen to your wife💖.
Good morning, Tandy,
I always listen…happy wife, happy life! Hope you’re doing well!
Congratulations!! That is awesome!!!
Hi, LuAnne,
Thanks! Great camper for Camp II.
Hi Joe,
What a great story! Well, we will all recognize you on the road when you are pulling Smokey…what are you going to do with 2 trailers?
Road trip to NE?
Good morning, Nancy,
Smokey is more like a rolling billboard for the U of Tennessee Volunteers so, yes, you would easily recognize it. Not sure what we’re going to do with it. I would love to keep it and take it on trips to sites in our mountains that are too small for the fifth wheel, but that’s not very practical. Will probably take it on a long road trip to California (by way of Vegas) and give it to our son and his family so that our grandchildren can have a better camping experience when they outgrow the tent. BTW, loved your latest blog post!
That’s an awesome idea, Joe! What a great vehicle for your son and grandkids to experience the outdoors and visit new places and see new things! How wonderful that this opportunity arose for your to be able to do this!
Congratulations Joe and Hellen:
What a fun story. Is this new RV bigger and better than the one you have?
Keep those retirement tidbits coming. Like you previously wrote: All in all retirement is the BEST gig going.
Bill Griffith from Pittsburgh
Hi, Bill,
Smokey is 22 feet long and our fifth wheel is 32 feet. We love the fifth wheel, but Smokey is the perfect size for camping alongside the mountain streams nearby. This was one of my biggest surprises ever! Stay in touch.
I’m still amazed by this, how fabulous!! I can see Helen smiling til her face almost cracks!!!!
Hi, Anne,
We’re floored by it all. Helen had to ice her jaws after she got home, she grinned so much! Wouldn’t Smokey be a great Camper for Abram’s Creek!
Congratulations! That’s awesome. Now you have a rig for short jaunts and a bigger one for longer excursions. How perfect!
Thanks, Ingrid,
I’ve always lived to have options 😜. Have a great weekend settling in to your winter home. Talk soon.
I always say “I’d rather be lucky than good anytime, You can be lucky at everything”. Congratulations to you guys and enjoy “Smokey”
Hi, Max,
Prior to this event, I was never very lucky at winning things. I guess I’m caught up for a while. Thanks for stopping by. Please come back.
Congratulations, Joe & Helen!! That was quite a story. Can’t wait to see where Smokey goes with you and your adventures!!!
Hello, Arlene,
We think Smokey needs a long road trip. With that “All Vol” paint job, I want to advertise. We need recruits! Say hi to Wayne.
WoW! That’s amazing! Have fun, Joe and Helen!
Good morning, Eddie,
This event wasn’t supposed to happen…the odds were long but, when all the votes were in, we took Smokey home. Never been more shocked in my life. Wow!
I have read this “mystery” several times. Like Helen…I have a “face cracking” smile on my face each time. I will keep your story for the future..especially when I reminisce about all our good times @UT. Where has fifty years gone?
CONGRATULATIONS!
Good morning, Dynamo,
Left you a message yesterday, will try again today.
Watching Helen was almost as much fun as winning Smokey. I thought we were going to have to ice her down at one point, but she finally recovered. The odds against us winning were very long and I expected to be an early loser because I never win anything. Nevertheless, luck was with me on that day and, when we got down to me and Virgil, I was feelin’ pretty good. Please come up sometime and I’ll show her off. P.S. Are there any campsites around Lake Burton? All our best, Joe and Helen
You bet there is! Moccasin Creek campground is right beside the lake. Smokey would be a big hit! Sorry I missed your call. When will y’all be returning home?
David,
We will be at Edisto until 10/12, then home. Knee replacement is scheduled for 10/22–can’t wait! I will do some checking on Moccasin Creek for future trips. Would love to spend some time in the GA mountains. I’ll try to call again in a day or so, Helen has gone back to Charleston to stay with the granddaughters for one night, and she would be mad if she missed time on the phone with you!
What a wonderful story. I like your priorities and I’m so glad Helen did not insist on just heading straight home from her surgery. We were on a two week cruise several years ago and I played Bingo and won an upgrade to a Celebrity Suite around day 4. The value was about $10,000 at that time. I was so stunned to be one of two people standing, and when they called the winning # my husband actually had to yell BINGO for me. Like you, I have never won anything, so it was quite a thrill. I read in a comment that you will be gifting it to your son. I am sure they are very excited about that. Well done!
Hi, Suzanne,
Helen would probably have opted for the Celebrity Suite and been just as thrilled as she was for a second RV. Nevertheless, we won a really nice trailer—something that never happens to us. Thanks for checking in. Please stay in touch.
Omigosh, Joe! This is the best story I’ve read in a long time! Love your idea of passing Smokey on to your son and his family. That way the story will belong to them, too, and will become a Bruner family legend that will be passed on from one generation to the next. Can you imagine your grandchildren in the years ahead answering the question, “So, how did you get into RVing?!” Congratulations to you and Helen!!!
Hi, Mary,
I was hoping you would stop by because I knew you would appreciate the story. Smokey is a very nice trailer and is certainly better than the one we started with, although I have some great memories of trips in Bertha (first trailer – 16 ft Coleman). Our weather may finally be turning cooler. We are loving the breeze off of the beach at Edisto. Are the leaves turning yet? We’re so dry in the South, we may not get much color. Take care!
The leaves in our neck of the woods are starting to turn, and the cooler, sunny days have been perfect for bike riding. (I do have to admit that I’m not looking forward to the winter days that are drawing closer.) If you mentioned it, I don’t recall the date of your surgery. Just know that you (and Helen!) remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Good morning, Mary,
I’m jealous of anyone who is enjoying cooler weather and can ride a bicycle. So looking forward to both. Knee replacement scheduled for 10/22. Can’t say I’m looking forward to the surgery, but praying for a good outcome. Joe
Congratulations, Joe and Helen – This is so exciting!! And….it makes an incredible story!!
Thanks, Donna,
We both are still a bit gobsmacked by the experience. It was a fun day.
P.S. Thanks for helping Easin’ Along and doing me a big favor.
Congratulations! It couldn’t have happened to better people! I’m so happy for you two! Thanks for sharing your stories with us. 🙂
Hello, Carol Ann,
Thanks so much for the nice words and for stopping by Easin’ Along. This event took us completely by surprise, but it is one story we have loved sharing.
Just now getting caught up with your big win! Great story and pictures Joe and I reckon you and Helen will enjoy it. If you get the chance to take a picture or two when you go to Big South Fork, please post! Congrats again on Smokey and it just goes to show that you should never say never, even when the odds are small! Dan….
Hi, Dan,
Great to hear from you. We’re in Edisto Beach this week, but in the fifth wheel. Smokey had to stay back and watch the Vols! We’re looking forward to Big South Fork next week and I will be sure and load a few pictures for you…it’s always a lot of fun. Give Nancy a big hug from us. See you soon!
Your story reminded me of the pitcher with the no hitter in the 8th inning. Don’t talk to anyone or look them in the eye. LOL! I’m superstitious too. Congrats to you and Helen.
Hello, Mike,
Great to hear from you! You should know, you were a helluva pitcher. I didn’t know I could stand that still, but I was afraid to do anything else. Thanks for checking in. Hope you’re doing well.
Best story ever, Joe, congrats and thanks for sharing! Smokey was lucky to have you and will be happy with his new family! That is a great size and we’ve thought about having a second, smaller one for travel and quick trips!
Terri,
I would love to have a smaller second trailer to take into our mountains. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is about thirty minutes from our home and Lucy is too big for most campsites. I thought long and hard about keeping Smoky, but the practical side of me prevailed. Winning Smoky was a thrill however, and something that never happens to me. Enjoy your week! Joe