82R12242 MGR-D
By: Chisum H.R. No. 877
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Horace Puckett and Bruce Hlesko have made
significant contributions in behalf of hospitalized children in
Texas through the charitable organization they founded known as
Fireball; and
WHEREAS, Formed in 1993, Fireball got its start when
"Gorilla" Puckett, Bruce Hlesko, and others came together to serve
a meal and raise some funds after a friend suffered severe burns;
soon they decided to create a nonprofit organization and to donate
any proceeds they made from events to the Shriners Hospital for
Children in Galveston, a pediatric burn facility; and
WHEREAS, The group now hosts two functions a year, a barbeque
in the fall and a crawfish boil in the spring; events feature such
activities as live music, raffles, auctions, door prizes, and
motorcycle rides, and over the years Fireball has raised more than
$70,000 for the hospital; and
WHEREAS, In addition to founding the organization, Mr.
Puckett and Mr. Hlesko have served as president and vice president
of Fireball for 14 years; a member of the 100 Million Dollar Club,
an association that encourages donations to the Shriners Hospitals
for Children, Mr. Puckett is also a founding member and former
president of the Ben Hur Motorcycle Club and a former president of
its Trailblazers unit, a life member of the Lockhart Shrine Club,
and a member of the Onion Creek Masonic Lodge No. 220; Mr. Hlesko is
a master electrician and business owner; and
WHEREAS, Gorilla Puckett and Bruce Hlesko have long given
generously of their time, energy, and financial resources to
benefit others, and their tireless efforts are truly worthy of
commendation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby honor Horace "Gorilla" Puckett and Bruce Hlesko
for their humanitarian endeavors as the founders of Fireball and
extend to them sincere best wishes for continued success with their
important work; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That official copies of this resolution be prepared
for Mr. Puckett and Mr. Hlesko as an expression of high regard by
the Texas House of Representatives.