by John Earl, Colt 45 Historian of 1999-2000, 2011-?

Dedicated to our dear friend and past President of the Colt 45's, Norm Seguin

     In the spring of 1976, a group of men organized a club upholding the western image. The Colt 45’s was formed. Women are now a welcomed part of the club's membership. The Colt 45's soon ventured beyond the social aspect of just existing as a club, and saw a need in the community for a type of service utilizing and benefiting their community. It was the diversity of the membership that brought forth numerous ideas and local causes worth serving by way of donations.

     On June 13, 1977, Colt 45's, inc. was organized as a Texas non-profit corporation (charter no. 407565-1) for charitable and educational purposes. The central aim of the organization, at that time, was to promote pride in and understanding of our western heritage and the impact our ancestors had on the present day Texas. The effort was aimed principally at the citizens of Houston who shared a common love for the past, particularly as it related to the expansionism that is commonly called "the frontier days". The Colt 45's contributions of time and service has made a list of charities succeed that would otherwise not be possible, if not for it's many fund raising projects. Such projects have included beer busts, skate parties, garage sales, and bake sales. Moreover the Colt 45's main fundraiser had its birth in October of 1977 as an annual event culminating in the Country Carnival, today this event is known and the Fall Festival. This event has become a tradition, and preparations for it takes many months of collective efforts and generous donations from various businesses.

     The success of this club has been due to the many talents and the ingenuity of its members, which during pledgeship are examined as potential and useful tools. More than often, these talents are directly related to their professional careers. As varied and colorful as their personalities, their careers range from such titles as Teachers, CPAs, The Clergy, Machinists, Salesman, Computer Operators, and Business Owners. This spectrum has often made for interesting points of view and has allowed the club to forge forward regardless of their differences.

     The Club's monthly business and ideas have been discussed at our present home bar since August 14, 1978. The Colt 45's remain grateful to the owners for making us feel welcomed and being instrumental in helping carry on the western image. That bar is of course is THE BRAZOS RIVER BOTTOM which is located at 2400 Brazos Street. It is also interesting to note that the BRB was not the original home bar of Colt 45's. In 1976, shortly after the inception of this organization, The Levi Club (which is no longer in existence) was the club's first home, and thereafter The Silver Bullet, which lasted until the early part of 1978. The change in 1978 was due to the freak fire that destroyed most of The Silver Bullet. In the wake of the destructive fire, our original trophy case was entirely demolished. The large number of trophies and awards won by the club were burned beyond recognition. What remained were the metal plates that served as reminders of the club's potential for greatness. Though the fire was a minor deterrent, the Colt's continued business as usual in the home of two former members. It was not until later that year, that the BRB opened its doors and kind heart and welcomed us as a permanent member of its family.

     The objectives of the organization were more fully realized in 1978, when it was granted a federal tax exemption pursuant to the provisions of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It remains an exempt organization to date; however, the thrust of the organization has materially changed in recent years. While it is still important to recognize and promote our western heritage, pressing social needs have become the centerpiece of the group's current activities. These social needs have manifest themselves in the form of charities, principally, persons who have Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), support of medical organizations such as Stone Soup and other organizations such as the Persons With Aids Coalitions.

     Examples of the efforts of the Colt 45's, Inc. have manifest themselves in various ways. For example, continual fund raising efforts are conducted to provide the funds necessary to support the objectives of the Colt 45's. These efforts come not only from the work of the Colt 45's, but from other organizations. It is important to note that the Colt 45's do not make any direct financial contribution to any individual, but undertake to provide necessities of life to those who apply and are accepted as recipients of financial aid.

             The most noted effort of the Colt 45's is the Colt 45's AIDS Trouble Fund. This fund was started in June 1988. The purpose of this fund is to provide financial assistance to persons with AIDS. It must also be noted that this fund does not distribute discretionary dollars to any individual. The fund requires a formal application for assistance, accompanied by appropriate financial statements, medical releases, and a description of assistance required. The fund is designed to provide necessary life sustaining expenses of individuals, such as rent, utility bills, and eyeglasses. By way of example, the individual who is approved for assistance never personally receives any cash with which to pay the bill. Rent is paid directly to the landlord; telephone bills are paid direct to Southwestern Bell; eye exams and glasses are paid directly to the University of Houston.

     For an applicant to be eligible for assistance from the Colt 45's AIDS Trouble Fund, the applicant must have been diagnosed with AIDS, be unable to perform any work, and have applied for Social Security and other assistance. No payment will be made prior to application for Social Security benefits.

     Each application for assistance is carefully reviewed and the medical history confirmed with the attending physician. There will be no payment made if the attending physician does not confirm the diagnosis of AIDS. Restrictions on payments and the guidelines for payment are set out in the Rules attached hereto for the Colt 45's AIDS Trouble Fund.

     The foundation for the Colt 45's AIDS Trouble Fund came from an organization called Aid for AIDS, Inc. All of the tangible assets in Aid For AIDS were transferred to the Colt 45's Inc. in June, 1988. This consisted of a few collection boxes and two large "wishing wells". No cash was delivered with the transfer since Aid For AIDS had expended all of the cash it was able to collect. Subsequently, fund raising efforts have consisted of the placement of new collection boxes in numerous business establishments. We receive funding from a number of major fund raising events sponsored by the Colt 45's, Inc. as well as other community oriented organizations, such as the Executive and Professional Association of Houston, the Four Seasons, Texas Gay Rodeo Association, Empire of the Royal Sovereign and Imperial Court of the Single Star, various social organizations and other interested groups.

     As a service and charitable organization, all man hours necessary to conduct the operations of the various charities of the Colt 45's Inc. are donated. There is no paid staff and all funds collected are directly distributed to the causes for which they are collected. The only expenditures from the funds are costs such as printing, telephone expenses and minor office supplies. The majority of all printing and supplies are donated, so there is a minimal expenditure for these items. All administrative costs are donated by the Colt 45's themselves, so that all donations go 100% to our clients. The Colt 45's, Inc. are very fortunate to have a staff of professionals to assist them, free of charge, in their efforts. This team includes medical professionals, attorneys, accountants, and business persons. The effectiveness of this organization is enhanced by those who donate countless time and talent to affirm it's success. Likewise, the Citizens Advisory Board has been a valuable asset to the success of the Colt 45 AIDS Trouble Fund. In an effort to reach a broader sector of the economy, the Colt 45's Inc. has decided to expand the breadth of the Citizens Advisory Board and have started the process of asking prominent citizens of Houston to donate their expertise and prestige to the AIDS Trouble Fund. The need for funds continues to grow and in true frontier spirit, the Colt 45's Inc. feels it is in the best interest of Houston to provide the first line of support through its own citizens and their resources.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS OF INTEREST

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

OTHER INTERESTING FACTS

Original Charter Members of 1976

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Officers - Past To Present