Arizona Dart players showed why they have the biggest hearts around last month at Sixshooters on Peoria.

Many know, our great friend, Eric Johnson, developed some medical problems the last few months that have taken Big "E" in and out of the hospital.

As the bills continue to mount, we decided to help out. But, with basically one week to plan, get raffle prizes, secure a location and get the word out, it wouldn't be easy. I would like to share with you some of the heroes that made it happen.

For starters, there was Kurt and Barbie Gonzalez, two of Big "E's" biggest fans. Kurt was like a kid in a candy store. Every day he would call and tell me about someone donating another great item or two. He brought his sound system and played DJ all night.

Kurt was relentless in his mission to make this a success. Both Kurt and Barbie are class acts. It couldn't have happened without them.

Then there's Dave Wahlers from Desert Sports Center, who came through big time. He donated items and spent $500 on raffle tickets. He won lots of stuff and donated most of it back to be raffled again.

Let's not fail to mention Troy Vending. Kris and the gang did awesome. Not only were they helpful selling tickets and donating prizes, but they gave Big "E" a special gift to help with his recovery - His very own stand up Valley Cougar Dart Board. Tobin, with a little help, took over things and ran the 94-player tournament to perfection.

Of course, Pam Johnson helped as well. Eric's aunt gave us more raffle prizes than we knew what to do with. Vicky Usery, Eric's mom, rounded up gifts, sold lots of raffle tickets and got the family behind the whole thing. All of Eric's family were there in force.

Julie Bates made 100 lbs. of her famous beef jerky, sold tickets and worked the whole week on various things. Scott Calcagni is always there for our benefits. He donates items, helps with anything he can and spends a lot on raffles.

The list goes on and on, so here are some others who did more than their fair share: Tim and Claudine Price, Dan Wilson, Brad and Marci Halley, Brent Cederholm, Ted Martinez, Michelle Street (Castles and Coasters), Kenny Wright, Brian Osika, JR Castillo (Sixshooters), Daryl Chester (Sixshooters), Karen (Kalil), Tony (30th Century Graphics), Jane Archer, Maryanne and the gang at Ming's and many more people who bought tickets and helped out.

The final tally was unbelievably over $6,000! Even more important is the support that everyone showed Big "E". This will definitely speed up his recovery. See Eric, I told you, "You are the Man!"

Mike Bates

Tourney facts: Payout $1100 with 94 players at $5. Sixshooters and Dart Master added the extra money. Pretty cool, huh?Here are the top four winners in the BIG E Shoot:

1st - Victor Kravitz and Bob Castillo
2nd - Dean Sitzler and Rick Pujdak
3rd - Ted Martinez and Chris
4th - Art Cederholm and Ron Merrill