| Friends of the NRA Banquet a Huge Success |
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| Written by Daniel White | |
| Saturday, 31 March 2007 | |
Sportsmen, hunters, gun rights activists, politicians, law enforcement officials, Old West reenactors, and other gun enthusiasts gathered in Northeast Ohio last night for the annual Friends of the NRA Foundation dinner and auction, of which Ohioans For Concealed Carry was proud to be one of the sponsors. Director Daniel White and member Rich Hardway represented OFCC for the evening, and mingled with over 300 other people to enjoy the fun and camaraderie. Hosted by the Firelands Peacemakers Single Action Shooting group, the event boasted a wonderful dinner of roast beef, fish, and pork chops; followed up with strawberry topped cheesecake. There were plenty of opportunities to walk away with a prize between the various raffles, silent auction, and live auction. Ken Wilson, who coordinated the event along with John Szefcyk, reported that approximately $30,000 was raised for the Friends of the NRA Foundation; a grassroots fund-raising program that fosters community involvement, raises money and gives 100% of the net proceeds to qualified local, state and national programs. Half of all money raised is guaranteed to stay in Ohio for various grants, with the balance funding projects in any of the 50 states such as youth firearms safety and education programs; hunter education; range development and improvement; support materials for training classes; women's safety classes; and wildlife conservation efforts. The items for the live auction are chosen from a national NRA package, with many bearing the NRA logo and numbered as part of a limited edition set meant for the banquet. Some local businesses also donated specific items. OFCC's donation was assigned to sponsor an NRA ceiling fan, which auctioned for $95. OFCC also received an NRA hat, NRA lockblade, and sculpture as part of the sponsorship package. The handcrafted sculpture (pictured above) is a bust of General George Washington inscribed with a the words from President Washington's first state of the Union address, "A free people ought not only to be armed, but disciplined; to which end a Uniform and well digested plan is requisite." These items will be awarded as door prizes at the annual OFCC Party in the Park family picnic. |