OFCC was in attendance at the Lorain Area Friends of NRA Banquet last night, April 7, 2006.

Friends of NRA is a grassroots fundraising program that fosters community involvement, raises money and gives 100 percent of the net proceeds to qualified local, state and national programs. One of the many ways in which money is raised for these programs is through these banquets, which incude dinner and various auctions. Proceeds raised go to The NRA Foundation for distribution. All of the proceeds raised at last night's event are earmarked to stay in Ohio and benefit Ohio citizens.

The evening kicked off at 6:00pm with a social hour. This gave everyone an opportunity to mingle and to peruse the items up for bid in the various auctions. This was also the primary time for submitting bids for the silent auction.

Numerous public officials and political candidates were in attendance, including Lorain County Assistant Prosecutor Rick Gronsky, Lorain County Sheriff Phil Stammitti, Lorain County Auditor Mark Stewart, Amherst Councilman Nick Brusky, Congressional candidate Capri Cafaro, and many more.

After a fine dinner, the live auction began. Items on the block included two Winchester rifles, an Uberti revolver, an elk hunting trip in New Mexico, a day of pheasant hunting at the Beaver Creek hunting club, and many more fine items. The Cowboy Action Shooters from the Firelands Peacemakers were on hand to help out with the auction.

The spirit of giving was in the air as good-natured bidding wars erupted several times throughout the evening. After the main auction, the winners of the silent auction were announced and the raffle drawings began.

It was a fun and successful evening, and we'd like to thank The NRA Foundation for holding the event, as well as all of the sponsors and supporters who worked so hard to make everything run smoothly.