Pineland day revelers really put their money where their mouths are. One generous resident kept his promise to 2015 Miss Pineland Klarissa Matlock, who received a $10,000 surprise with her crown.
Civic Pride Every other year since 1957, groups in Pineland nominate candidates and raise funds for months leading up to the first Saturday in October. The Pineland Day celebration serves as a combination homecoming, display of civic pride and festival of fundraising for community projects. The candidate, male or female, who represents the group that raises the largest amount each year is crowned Pineland royalty.
The Promise Keith Johnson, a Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative member, bought two $100 raffle tickets, one from Matlock and one from another candidate, for the chance to win $10,000 cash. He promised both girls that if he won the raffle, he would give the prize money to the one who sold him the winning ticket.
True to His Word Matlock’s ticket was drawn, and Johnson, as promised, gave the money to her. “I have known Klarissa since she was a little girl,” Johnson says.
“I try to help people the best I can. I was certainly lucky that day and was happy to give back to Pineland and Klarissa’s education.”
