News
West Texas.
Friends of NRA is a grassroots fundraising program that fosters community involvement, raises money and gives 100 percent of funds raised to qualified local, state and national programs. Field Representative, Jack Cannon, from the San Angelo division of the NRA was Master of Ceremonies for the banquet. The NRA Foundation raises money to provide programs and education on many issues including gun safety, firearms training, and youth shooting sports, hunter education and more.
One of the pet programs of the Friends of the NRA is the National Youth Education Summit that first began in 1996. High school juniors and seniors travel to the D.C. metropolitan area from all across the country for a seven-day, all expense-paid educational experience. Each year the best and brightest students are selected to visit the nation’s capital and learn about government, politics and leadership. Forty-five students were selected for the 2009 summit held in July.
Friday’s event raised approximately $9,000 from a live auction, silent auction and various raffles. The silent auction included 18 different items. Robert Brown was the auctioneer for the evening. Mike Simpson, Chairman for the XIT Friends of NRA, commented, “The casual event encouraged guests to take their time looking over the various items up for auction or raffle.” The enjoyment shared by the guests is considered part of the event’s success.
The funds raised during the evening and from the other West Texas banquets are divided equally between the national offices of the NRA Foundation and covers the cost of more than 175 different programs provided by the NRA. Some of those programs include the Eddy Eagle Gun Safe Program, Refuse to be a Victim and Women on Target. The other half is retained for grants for West Texas supported programs.
In the past three years alone, more than $500,000 has been awarded to such groups as 4-H shooting sports, including those in Texline and Dumas, range improvements for the Amarillo Gun Club, and to Law Enforcement agencies such as Texas Parks and Wildlife. Many other associations benefit from funds raised by the NRA Foundation.
More than 120 guests enjoyed the banquet and their ages ranged from youngsters to seasoned citizens. A kids’ raffle was a popular event along with the live auction and silent auction.
Within a few weeks, plans will be underway for the Second Annual XIT Friends of NRA Banquet, which will return to the Rita Blanca Coliseum. New committee members are always welcomed.
For more information about the NRA, please visit http://www.friendsofnra.org.
|
