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North Louisiana Oilfield Classic Sporting Clays was held on April 24, 2010, at Red T Farms in Emerson, AR. The event was set up as a fundraiser to help those of the oilfield community in times of catastrophic illness or needs.
The committee headed by Mr. John Cogar elected to donate all profits of this event to the Bright Light Foundation
Sporting Clay CommitteeOn Friday, June 11, 2010, the Society of Petroleum Engineers Gulf Coast Section (SPEGCS) held its annual Sporting Clays Tournament at the Rio Brazos Hunting Preserve in Simonton, TX. The tournament is limited to the first 700 shooters (140 five-man teams). Every year since 2005, the SPEGCS Sporting Clay Committee has chosen the Bright Light Foundation as its outside charity and donated a portion of the proceeds from the event to the Bright Light Foundation.
Boo Bonner was an oilfield communications salesman from Morgan City, La., and frequented Houston often. He met many special people and made many lasting friendships throughout his career.
He met an amazing young couple that he truly loved and admired. He spoke of Drew and Melanie Bright often. After getting to know them,, he learned that they were part of a wonderful organization that helped people in the oilfield industry that had been struck with a catastrophic illness.
So, when he was asked to cook a jambalaya for The Bright Light Foundation’s golf tournament, he agreed without hesitation. Shortly after, Bonner lost his job, but his grief did not end there. He was soon diagnosed with colon cancer and was scheduled to undergo surgery to remove the cancer.
Nearly a year later, the cancer found its way to his liver. During a second surgery, doctors removed 1/3 of his liver. After numerous rounds of chemotherapy, Bonner opted for alternative medicine. This became very costly and his retirement and savings were quickly running out. This is when God sent his angels to his rescue – he was chosen as a recipient of the Bright Light Foundation! His love for them was now with a recipient’s heart. His cancer eventually spread to his brain, his lungs and his bones. Boo died on March 3, 2008, wishing that he could’ve given back to the Foundation.
On August 22, 2008 – just 5 months after his death – Boo’s family and friends gathered together and gave Boo the best birthday present ever. They held a benefit in his hometown of Morgan City to raise money so they could fulfill his last wishes. On Oct. 3, Bonner’s wife and youngest daughter presented the Bright Light Foundation with $25,000. They’ll always remember everyone’s faces when they announced the total raised in such a small town.
Boo’s family celebrated his birthday the same way in 2009, when they raised over $17,000. The 3rd Annual Boo Bonner benefit was held on Aug. 20, and the Bonner family is soon excited to make their presentation in Houston. As you can see, their love for the Bright Light Foundation has spread. People continue to support the Boo Bonner Benefit, making it possible for them to be Diamond Sponsors!
The coordinators of the Boo Bonner Benefit are already planning their 4th annual benefit on Aug. 29, 2011. Thanks to his family and friends, Boo’s story did not end in 2008. His name will remain in the oilfield industry, as money is raised in his honor to help others like him.
