LIKE many wonderful Hawthorn members, Walter Bounds purchased tickets in last year’s annual club raffle. This simple show of support provided him with a Hawks Holiday of a Lifetime. Walter and his wife Robyn took out the raffle's major prize and jetted off overseas to visit the happiest place in the world, Disneyland.

Originally from Dallas, Texas, Walter made the big move to Melbourne in 1976 with little knowledge of Australian rules football, let alone the Hawthorn Football Club. But in a life-changing event Walter explains that, “the company I worked for offered me a place to stay as long as I became a Hawks supporter.”

And so Walter’s love of the brown and gold began. A loyal Hawks supporter since, he has ensured that his family will continue the tradition; already spoiling his granddaughter with a Hawks suit for her first birthday.

Unfortunately, Walter’s health has suffered in the last couple of years and he has been unable to attend as many games as he would have liked. Despite this, Walter never misses out on watching the mighty Hawks, tuning in to each game on Foxtel.

The magic of this story doesn’t end with Disneyland though. Like a script straight out of a Hollywood studio, Walter’s raffle win couldn’t have been any more of a fairy tale.

Walter and Robyn were enjoying a birthday lunch at their local RSL when his phone rang. It was the Hawthorn Football Club calling to congratulate him on winning first prize. Full of disbelief, Walter describes the phone call as “the best birthday present I have ever had.”

Had Walter received this phone call a year earlier, he may not have been able to take the trip. Given his health concerns, Walter has been unable to travel for some time. As such, he hasn’t been able to return home for a number of years. Not only did the holiday provide a much needed break after some tough times, but the icing on the cake manifested in a surprise family reunion. Unbeknown to Walter, his mother and sister flew from Texas to California and proudly joined him showcasing the brown and gold throughout Disneyland.

Hawthorn Football Club is fortunate to have so many members like Walter and Robyn Bounds. We’re thrilled that they were able to enjoy their American adventure and that they had the opportunity to spend time with their loved ones.

We would like to thank all members for their ongoing support of the club and our annual raffle.