I started attending Friends of NRA events at a young age with my grandparents in my hometown of Quincy, California. In early 2012 during the normal month for the Friends of NRA banquet, I noticed no event was being held. I inquired with my grandparents, and they told me the committee had disbanded and there was not going to be a banquet moving forward. I loved attending the dinners, and as a young competition clay shooter, was very sad to hear that news.
I reached out to the area Field Representative, Steve Wilson, and put in my inquiry to start the banquet back up. At 17 years-old, I was able to successfully host my first banquet in July that same year, which raised more than $18,500 net dollars. My whole family has plunged into supporting The NRA Foundation because we believe in and see the impact of how the Foundation provides for the community and the future of shooting sports.
I currently work as a deputy sheriff for my local Sheriff's Office, which has been the recipient of a recent grant from The NRA Foundation totaling more than $4,830 in both grant merchandise and a check. This grant helped improve equipment for our deputies. In addition, The NRA Foundation has provided grants to two local youth shooting teams over the years. It has truly been amazing to see the hard work of fundraising from the banquets return to help the community. I even benefitted from a few of those grants growing up and saw firsthand the impact they made.
Over time, I have fostered great relationships with community members while hosting my local Friends of NRA Banquet and Auction, and have made our local dinner a staple to the community that is looked forward to yearly! In 2022, we had a record earning year thanks to our attendees who know how much The NRA Foundation does for our community and those beyond. My wife, Tanah, and I recently welcomed our first child into the world, William, and have already ensured he will be a part of The NRA Foundation community.
Would you like to get involved with a Friends of NRA committee near you? Go to https://www.friendsofnra.org/volunteer to make an impact on your community!
