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Fully aware that gambling was using Ray and Ray was not using
gambling...a vague idea sagpite about 'God r which was mentioned in part of the
Steps. While denoting Ray looked to the sky and said, “Dear God, if you will
help me to stop gambling, I will spend the rest of my life helping other

Compulisve gamblers." This pact would serve Ray for the rest of his life.

SHARING

Rays awakening and renewed desire to stop gambling had a possitive
effect on one member of the GA group. On the second Friday Jim was joined by
four compulsive gamblers. But Ed T came to the meeting with the sole purpose
to announce his resignation from GA. Urges to gamble during the week produced the
feeling that stopping gambling forever was impossible. With this thought in
mind, Eds' courtesy to the group was admirable.

Ray M was offered an opportunity to speak during this meeting. Before
the — and Ann, Ray admitted to the weekend gambling experience.
There had been hope after the 1st meeting, but as the sun rose...so dida
desire to gamble. Then, Monday evening developed a strange hopelessness.

Rays presence at this meeting cheered Ed T. To hear that a member gambled!
And directly after the meeting! At least Ed held out one week. The to return to the
next meeting and rise to admit failure. Ed T was struck by the honest of this
reunion. He took credit for non-gambjing. He vowed to remain in Gamblers
Anonymous and made a commitment to Jim and Ray. It is sad that Ed T did not
build on this hope. Ray M would not make a similar demonstration.
REUNION

The 3rd Gambless Anonymous meeting was rewarding. The entire group

returned to the room totally intact. It was helpful to observe each nmember "making

it" through the six day wait until 8pm on Friday. The fellowship of the group
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«

was demonstrated by "Hi Jim...!" currently offered as each member rose to
speak. In some areas of the GA fellowship the process of recovery is ewilea
"combat." A fair definition for many phases of recovery. Faith is born or
restored as we watch fellow members return from the battle each week , often
injured and shaken, but still willing.

It was after this early GA meeting when Jim, Ray and Sam began to meet
regularly in the all night cafe. "We kicked around ideas.. -mostly bad." An
age difference existed betweén Jim and Ray, with Ray being the senior party , but
thankfully a curious harmony increased for some time between these men. Their
effort and dedication, often unrelated, insured the growth of the GA fellowship.

The survival of the small band became a paramount thought in the mind
of early members. New customer were re eded. Jim did not view the growth
of GA in areas other than los Angelos, yet he did feel a need to offer contact
and Sig Sinem to additional problem gamblers.

Jim suggested the group obtain a local Post Office box number to recieve
potential inquires about the new meeting. Publicity and literature could be
Started once a base for the fellowship was established. The use of a particular member
home address was immediately rejected by the group. Tie Aabulity of a Post Office
box guaranteed continuity and protected the members erg |

Jim felt that interested persons would write for information rather than call.
His telephone number was included on the original invitations to those parties
who — from the Paul Coates Show. No one called during the six day wait
to the lst meeting. |

Ray worked in dowtown Los Angelos so he was as«iuned the job to obtain

the first Gamblers Anonymous Box #17173. This small vehicle became the original
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Stabilation of the feldowship and means for initital contacts. The lowly Box

soon recieved the lives, suffering and hope of thousands of individuals from around the >
weed. A trickle of correspondence began, but in time af «od followed. All GA

aid began through Box 17173. Writers, editors and clergy =cuested information

about the new "gamblers program." Eventually , a volume >f mail developed

from families of problem gamblers, asking for a solution to a little understood

dilemma within their home.

It will be seen how Box 17173 became a center for oricinal contact between
problem qmamblers throughout the country. Isolated indivicuals writing from the same tow:
area or city were joined through Box 17173. The decisior. °. expose area problem
gamblers to each other was made when the gambler wrote tor help.

The results obaained through Box 17173 developed an early

suggestion to all GA areas. Box 171 73 soon provided an abundance of new

customers for the lone LA group and as the body enlarged wiin non -residence the
new members departed to their home towns with a cry: "ge. some publicity and a
post office box!" "Start a meeting!" This slogan assist«~ zsrowth of GA in

San Fransico, Las vegas and New York City. In 1961 eleven post office boxes

were included on GA literature and newletters. The suggestion works.

Jim , Ray and Sam, chatting in the cafe, became a regular weekly session
which was soon called a "business meeting." The evolution of the weekly
session is the Gamblers Anonymous monthly "Intergroup }c¢ting" where
representatives from various groups in a specific area me. .o discuss methods
to improve the program and like Jim, Ray and Sam...find rv: customers. A

members dedication is an indication of a healthy recovery.
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There was little room for complacency within early ‘:amblers Anonymous.
More members were required. With growth came the appearance of special
problems and the need to maintain group unity and hold a body of obsessive
personalities in harmony. Had early GA let down, the fellowship was doomed.
Initially, Jim W had Mmited dreams for GA. Directly following the first
meeting Jim wanted a small group of ten members. "If only we could have
ten... ?" Perhaps his discouraging three year attempt to cet the ball rolling affected his

view. Jim could not foresee the growth of Gamblers Anonymous beyond the LA

aréa.

RELAPSED AND MISSING

The fourth meeting of Gamblers Anonymous declined in membership. Pat
B had the distinction of being the lst "lady" GAmember. She also became "the
\ st lady slipper." Unlike Ed T, Pat B did not return to the meeting to resign.
She simply disappeared into the shadows.

It is known that during three meetings, Pat always sat close to the door
of the GA meeting room. She fought discomfort, however. ‘er return to Gamblers
Anonymous would occur on various ocassions. Pat's name and telephone number
were included on the GA telephone list, telephone card and made available through
the lst wear of the fellowship. Pat came from an affluent tamily background but
was last seen working the counter of a drug store. Her hus#and became a victim
of suicide .

The decline of membership was quickly overcome. During the course of
the 4th meeting an individual entered the room, a late product of the Paul Coates
TV exposure. Uncertain and nervous y Don K came to Gamblers Anonymous with his

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